Oudtshoorn

CityWestern Cape, South Africa

Oudtshoorn is a CITY in Western Cape, South Africa.

Oudtshoorn, known as the 'Ostrich Capital of the World,' is a charming town in South Africa's Klein Karoo region. Famous for its ostrich farms, the town offers unique experiences like ostrich riding and farm tours. The Cango Caves, a series of spectacular limestone caverns, are a must-visit attraction. Oudtshoorn also boasts rich cultural heritage, with historic buildings like the CP Nel Museum and the Arbeidsgenot homestead. The town is a gateway to the Swartberg Pass, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering breathtaking mountain views. Local cuisine features ostrich meat and other Karoo specialties, making it a food lover's paradise.

Best time to visit Oudtshoorn

Spring (September-November) and Autumn (March-May) offer pleasant weather. The Klein Karoo National Arts Festival in April is a highlight.

October

Now

Right now

Condition
Clear
Temperature
17°
Feels like
16°
Humidity
62%
Wind
2 km/h
Precipitation
0 mm

Typical for October

Condition
Overcast
High
28°
Low
13°
Average
19°
Rain
13 mm

Travel notes

Crowds
Moderate
Prices
Mid

Great for outdoor activities; flowers peak.

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

GRJ

George Airport

Domestic/International

60 km away

PLZ

Port Elizabeth Airport

Domestic/International

260 km away

CPT

Cape Town International Airport

International

400 km away

Getting around

"Car rentals are recommended for exploring the region. Taxis and guided tours are available for local attractions. Walking is feasible in the town center."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

20 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Available in hotels, cafes, and the town centre

Local SIM

Local SIM cards from Vodacom or MTN available at shops from $3

Calling code

27

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Scams are rare but watch for overpriced tours. Stick to reputable operators.

Night safety

7/10

Scams are rare but watch for overpriced tours. Stick to reputable operators.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Oudtshoorn is relatively safe, but take standard precautions against petty crime. Avoid walking alone at night in secluded areas."

Entry and health

Health information

"Tap water is generally safe to drink. Sun protection is advised due to the hot climate. Ensure you have travel insurance covering medical emergencies."

Culture

Local customs

"Oudtshoorn has a relaxed, rural atmosphere. Greetings are important; a handshake is common. Tipping 10-15% in restaurants is customary."
AfrikaansEnglishXhosa

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$8-15 | a mid-range meal costs $8-15 per person

Hotels

$50-100 | mid-range hotels range $50-100/night

Local transport

$1.50 | local minibus taxi ride ~$1.50

Cost notes

Ostrich farm tours cost around $10-20. Budget options available for backpackers.

Timezone

Africa/Johannesburg +02:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

0.1 million

Area

44.3 km²

Government

Local Municipality

ISO code

6,625

Type

City

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Oudtshoorn

HistoricFamily-FriendlyHikingAdventureWildlifeNature