OUDTSHOORN, SOUTH AFRICA
GENERAL- Oudtshoorn (dt shoorn)is the ostrich capital of the world. Oudtshoorn is situated on the edge of the Garden Route. Oudtshoorn is also a wonderful exciting halfway stopover when traveling between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, with the coastal town of George about 56 km's away. Oudtshoorn is spread along both banks of the Grobbelaars River, a tributary of the Elephant's River and set against the backdrop of the Swartberg and Outeniqua Mountains.
Ostrich,the world’s biggest bird is just one of the many attractions in this area of exceptional contrasts and natural beauty. The region is home to the spectacular Cango Caves, Africa’s largest show cave system; an ecological hot spot where three distinct plant biomes (succulent karoo, cape thicket and fynbos) converge.
OSTRICH INDUSTRY- Oudtshoorn's ostrich industry dates back to 1864.Oudtshoorn’s rich history is closely intertwined with the rise and fall of the ostrich industry. The once thriving ostrich feather industry played a significant role in the transformation of the little village into the richest Ostrich Capital of the World. During the ostrich feather boom in the late 1800s and early 1900s, prime ostrich feathers were globally considered as an invaluable fashion accessory for wealthy women, who were willing to pay large sums of money to obtain these feathers. Between 1875 and 1880, the value of ostrich feathers, per pound, equalled almost that of diamonds. The rising wealth also finally allowed for the completion of the Dutch Reformed Church, which was opened on 7 June 1879. Such was the worth of the white ostrich feather, that it was dubbed as "white gold". The boom had attracted a large Jewish immigrant population. As a result, Oudtshoorn came to be known as "the Jerusalem of Africa". Two synagogues were built, the first in 1888 and the second in 1896.The market collapsed in 1914,as a result of "the start of World War I, overproduction and the popularity of open-topped cars, which made ostrich-feather hats impractical.
Farmers and traders spent their money on building extravagant ostrich feather palaces: beautiful mansions built with locally cut sandstone and heavily decorated with palatial turrets, stained glass windows and cast-iron work, also referred to as “broekie” lace. The end of World War II opened new markets for ostrich leather and meat, and as a result, the industry eventually recovered.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT OSTRICHES-The world’s largest and flightless bird, which lays the largest egg, has the most beautiful feathers and eyes that make you want to fall in love and hug them.
Ostrich,the world’s biggest bird is just one of the many attractions in this area of exceptional contrasts and natural beauty. The region is home to the spectacular Cango Caves, Africa’s largest show cave system; an ecological hot spot where three distinct plant biomes (succulent karoo, cape thicket and fynbos) converge.
OSTRICH INDUSTRY- Oudtshoorn's ostrich industry dates back to 1864.Oudtshoorn’s rich history is closely intertwined with the rise and fall of the ostrich industry. The once thriving ostrich feather industry played a significant role in the transformation of the little village into the richest Ostrich Capital of the World. During the ostrich feather boom in the late 1800s and early 1900s, prime ostrich feathers were globally considered as an invaluable fashion accessory for wealthy women, who were willing to pay large sums of money to obtain these feathers. Between 1875 and 1880, the value of ostrich feathers, per pound, equalled almost that of diamonds. The rising wealth also finally allowed for the completion of the Dutch Reformed Church, which was opened on 7 June 1879. Such was the worth of the white ostrich feather, that it was dubbed as "white gold". The boom had attracted a large Jewish immigrant population. As a result, Oudtshoorn came to be known as "the Jerusalem of Africa". Two synagogues were built, the first in 1888 and the second in 1896.The market collapsed in 1914,as a result of "the start of World War I, overproduction and the popularity of open-topped cars, which made ostrich-feather hats impractical.
Farmers and traders spent their money on building extravagant ostrich feather palaces: beautiful mansions built with locally cut sandstone and heavily decorated with palatial turrets, stained glass windows and cast-iron work, also referred to as “broekie” lace. The end of World War II opened new markets for ostrich leather and meat, and as a result, the industry eventually recovered.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT OSTRICHES-The world’s largest and flightless bird, which lays the largest egg, has the most beautiful feathers and eyes that make you want to fall in love and hug them.
- Ostriches is a flightless birds.
- One ostrich egg is equivalent to 24 chicken eggs.
- One ostrich egg in the shell can take up to 1- 5 hours to boil.
- The ostrich egg is the biggest in the world, but in ratio with its body size, it is the smallest.
- An ostrich can run at a speed of up to 70 – 80 km/h.
- They have excellent eye-sight and can see an object at a distance of 3-5 km during daytime.
- Ostriches are fully grown at 18 months, yet they have a life span of 50 – 60 years.
- Ostriches cannot fly but they use their wings for cooling, balance and an exquisite mating dance to impress a female.
- During mating season (June to November) the male ostrich’s beak and legs turn red or pink to attract the female for mating.
- The male has black feathers while the female is grey.
- They share breeding duties.
SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS AT OUDTSHOORN AND NEARBY-
001-OSTRICH FARM TOURS-You can learn how to make a feather duster; you get the chance to stand on some ostrich eggs (to prove how strong they are) and if you are small you might even be allowed to ride one. Then, after the tour; you can visit the on-site restaurant and stuff yourself silly with the meat from the silly long-legged birds.
a-Highgate Ostrich Farm-Traditional Ostrich Farm Tour-The tour has 2 parts – the main yard and the farmlands. In the main yard, you will be shown different ostrich feathers, the incubators and how they work, gizzard stones, and you can feed the ostriches yourself.
b-Cango Ostrich Farm-Cango Ostrich Show Farm is located in the lush Cango Valley, Schoemanshoek, 14km outside of Oudtshoorn on the main route towards the world famous Cango Caves, making it easy to find and making your trip more time efficient.
c-Chandelier Game Lodge and Ostrich Farm-Chandelier Game Lodge & Ostrich Show Farm is located between the lush green Garden Route and the wide-open spaces of the Klein (Little) Karoo. The lodge is 7 km from Oudtshoorn and 48 km from George and the George Airport.
Ostrich Farm Tours-This unique and exciting guided tour departs daily between 08h00 and 16h00.The highlight of the tour will be when our professional jockeys compete in the famous Chandelier Ostrich race. For the brave there is the possibility of sitting and riding of the ostrich.
Duration-45 minutes to 1 hour
Price-From R90.00 per person
a-Highgate Ostrich Farm-Traditional Ostrich Farm Tour-The tour has 2 parts – the main yard and the farmlands. In the main yard, you will be shown different ostrich feathers, the incubators and how they work, gizzard stones, and you can feed the ostriches yourself.
b-Cango Ostrich Farm-Cango Ostrich Show Farm is located in the lush Cango Valley, Schoemanshoek, 14km outside of Oudtshoorn on the main route towards the world famous Cango Caves, making it easy to find and making your trip more time efficient.
- Exciting guided tours - start every 20 minutes, daily from 08H00 till 16H30 and take 45 minutes.
- Touch these magnificent birds.
- the eggs, incubators and chicks (in season).
- to hug and kiss our super friendly female – Betsie.
- to feed the ostriches by hand.
- receive a 'neck massage' by ostriches.
- Enjoy a FREE cup of coffee or tea before or after your tour.
c-Chandelier Game Lodge and Ostrich Farm-Chandelier Game Lodge & Ostrich Show Farm is located between the lush green Garden Route and the wide-open spaces of the Klein (Little) Karoo. The lodge is 7 km from Oudtshoorn and 48 km from George and the George Airport.
Ostrich Farm Tours-This unique and exciting guided tour departs daily between 08h00 and 16h00.The highlight of the tour will be when our professional jockeys compete in the famous Chandelier Ostrich race. For the brave there is the possibility of sitting and riding of the ostrich.
Duration-45 minutes to 1 hour
Price-From R90.00 per person
002-CANGO WILDLIFE RANCH, OUDTSHOORN- Cango Wildlife Ranch has been in existence for 30 years and currently comprises of 90 different species of animals and over a 100 full-time staff. Visitors will be delight in the wild encounters with cheetahs, tigers, caracals and to lemurs and cubs, guests are invited to get up close and personal with the resident animals.
i-Cheetahland- Cheetahland, home to various big cats, including cheetah, Bengal tiger and African Leopard, as well as the rare White lion also forms part of tour and from an elevated walkway, you have a birds’ eye view of these magnificent creatures.
Cheetahland established in 1988 as a wild cat conservation camp is the oldest and biggest Cheetah centre in the world. This sanctuary to Africa's endangered cats are preserved in the Karoo's picturesque town of Oudtshoorn.
One hundred Cheetah have been bred here in captivity to ensure their survival. Having been hand reared these cats are familiar with human contact allowing face to face human to cub and human to cheetah encounters for volunteering visitors.
Cheetahland is home to the first of Bengal Tigers cubs born on African soil.
Two rare White Lion cubs can also be seen at this reserve having been rescued and bottle fed to health.
The endangered Jaguar cats native to the Americas can also be seen leaping at this ranch.
ii-Kurunda Forest-Other attractions include the lush Kuranda Forest (In Australia) with its colourful aviary and curious little marmosets. For some surplus magic, purchase nectar and enjoy the bewitching company of the rainbow lorikeets. The Wallaby Walkabout offers guests another feeding opportunity, this time with the exotic little marsupials.
Visit the aviary filled with rainbow coloured lorikeets. You also get the chance to purchase nectar and feed these beautiful animals while they make themselves comfortable on your shoulders and head.
iii- Lemur Falls- The exhibit themed to replicate a Madagascan forest. It is entered by crossing a large river teaming with bird life such as spoonbills and whistling ducks - which are native to the exotic island…while volcanic rock waterfalls provide an impressive backdrop to the indigenous Betselio Village bordering the primeval forest. As you glance across the forest, you will see dozens of piercing eyes staring back at you from the high indigenous Madagascan trees.
iv-Snake Park- The Cango Wildlife Ranch also hosts a snake park that includes the albino Burmese python, boomslang, monocled Thai cobra, black and green mamba, forest cobra, Cape cobra, puff adder and many more slithery reptiles.
v- The Wallaby Walkabout- Guests are welcome to come and feed our wallabies.
vi- Valley Of Ancients- Raised wooden walkways tempt you to explore the rest of the Valley Of Ancients which houses various exotic and endangered animals including the Cape Vulture, Madagascar Lemur, Greater Flamingo, Spotted-necked Otter, Pygmy Hippo, Marabou Stork and, of course the infamous Nile Crocodile. In the Valley of Ancients, visitors may enjoy a tour of the Zimbakwe Temple Ruins with its curious population of flying foxes and blue duiker. A large tank offers guests underwater views of Malawian cichlids and young crocs.
Animal Encounters- The Ranch also offers the very popular Natural Encounters programme where you are given the unique opportunity to interact with a variety of ambassador animals. When participating in this programme, you can stroke a cheetah or for the adventurous at heart . One of the most exciting wildlife encounters on offer is a crocodile cage dive. A world-first, thrill-seekers will be submerged underwater with a few giant Nile crocodiles and be able to observe them from one of the most unique vantage points possible. Before setting your heart on a croc encounter, make sure you are visiting the ranch at the right time of year, as these prehistoric lizards are inactive during some of the winter months.
Croc Cage diving Encounter-See these mighty beasts leap for their lunch and stand in awe of the bravery of your guides as they encourage huge Nile crocodiles to take meat from their hands while standing on a moving jetty.
Opening Times- open every day of the year including Christmas and New Year's Day.
Hours:-
a-08:30 - 17:00 High Season (Dec – Mar). The last tour departs at 17:00
b-08:30 - 16:30 Low Season (Apr– Nov). The last tour departs at approximately 16:30
Duration of Tour: 60 min.
Summer-December–February, temperatures are usually from 30 C & higher.
Cloths-Light clothing and a hat (especially during summer)
Optional: If you are planning to do the Croc-Cage Diving, you will get all the gear you need for no extra charge. Though you are welcome to bring your own swimming gear.
Standard Ticket-Adult:- R180.00(Includes entrance for a full day & a guided tour)
Encounter Ticket- Adult: R 250
i-Cheetahland- Cheetahland, home to various big cats, including cheetah, Bengal tiger and African Leopard, as well as the rare White lion also forms part of tour and from an elevated walkway, you have a birds’ eye view of these magnificent creatures.
Cheetahland established in 1988 as a wild cat conservation camp is the oldest and biggest Cheetah centre in the world. This sanctuary to Africa's endangered cats are preserved in the Karoo's picturesque town of Oudtshoorn.
One hundred Cheetah have been bred here in captivity to ensure their survival. Having been hand reared these cats are familiar with human contact allowing face to face human to cub and human to cheetah encounters for volunteering visitors.
Cheetahland is home to the first of Bengal Tigers cubs born on African soil.
Two rare White Lion cubs can also be seen at this reserve having been rescued and bottle fed to health.
The endangered Jaguar cats native to the Americas can also be seen leaping at this ranch.
ii-Kurunda Forest-Other attractions include the lush Kuranda Forest (In Australia) with its colourful aviary and curious little marmosets. For some surplus magic, purchase nectar and enjoy the bewitching company of the rainbow lorikeets. The Wallaby Walkabout offers guests another feeding opportunity, this time with the exotic little marsupials.
Visit the aviary filled with rainbow coloured lorikeets. You also get the chance to purchase nectar and feed these beautiful animals while they make themselves comfortable on your shoulders and head.
iii- Lemur Falls- The exhibit themed to replicate a Madagascan forest. It is entered by crossing a large river teaming with bird life such as spoonbills and whistling ducks - which are native to the exotic island…while volcanic rock waterfalls provide an impressive backdrop to the indigenous Betselio Village bordering the primeval forest. As you glance across the forest, you will see dozens of piercing eyes staring back at you from the high indigenous Madagascan trees.
iv-Snake Park- The Cango Wildlife Ranch also hosts a snake park that includes the albino Burmese python, boomslang, monocled Thai cobra, black and green mamba, forest cobra, Cape cobra, puff adder and many more slithery reptiles.
v- The Wallaby Walkabout- Guests are welcome to come and feed our wallabies.
vi- Valley Of Ancients- Raised wooden walkways tempt you to explore the rest of the Valley Of Ancients which houses various exotic and endangered animals including the Cape Vulture, Madagascar Lemur, Greater Flamingo, Spotted-necked Otter, Pygmy Hippo, Marabou Stork and, of course the infamous Nile Crocodile. In the Valley of Ancients, visitors may enjoy a tour of the Zimbakwe Temple Ruins with its curious population of flying foxes and blue duiker. A large tank offers guests underwater views of Malawian cichlids and young crocs.
Animal Encounters- The Ranch also offers the very popular Natural Encounters programme where you are given the unique opportunity to interact with a variety of ambassador animals. When participating in this programme, you can stroke a cheetah or for the adventurous at heart . One of the most exciting wildlife encounters on offer is a crocodile cage dive. A world-first, thrill-seekers will be submerged underwater with a few giant Nile crocodiles and be able to observe them from one of the most unique vantage points possible. Before setting your heart on a croc encounter, make sure you are visiting the ranch at the right time of year, as these prehistoric lizards are inactive during some of the winter months.
Croc Cage diving Encounter-See these mighty beasts leap for their lunch and stand in awe of the bravery of your guides as they encourage huge Nile crocodiles to take meat from their hands while standing on a moving jetty.
Opening Times- open every day of the year including Christmas and New Year's Day.
Hours:-
a-08:30 - 17:00 High Season (Dec – Mar). The last tour departs at 17:00
b-08:30 - 16:30 Low Season (Apr– Nov). The last tour departs at approximately 16:30
Duration of Tour: 60 min.
Summer-December–February, temperatures are usually from 30 C & higher.
Cloths-Light clothing and a hat (especially during summer)
Optional: If you are planning to do the Croc-Cage Diving, you will get all the gear you need for no extra charge. Though you are welcome to bring your own swimming gear.
Standard Ticket-Adult:- R180.00(Includes entrance for a full day & a guided tour)
Encounter Ticket- Adult: R 250
- Cheetah Encounter
- Serval Encounter
- Lemur Encounter
003-CANGO CAVES-Located at 29km from Oudtshoorn. It has the finest dripstone caverns, with their vast halls and towering formations.The extensive system of tunnels and chambers go on for over 4 km (2.5 mi), only about a quarter of this is open to visitors.
Cango Caves is the only show cave in Africa which offers a choice of Heritage (easy) or Adventure Tours.Cave paintings and artefacts indicate that the caves were in use throughout prehistory over a long period during the Middle and Later Stone Age. The caves were rediscovered in modern times in 1780 by a local farmer named Jacobus Van Zyl.
This part of the continent was once below the ocean. As the continent rose and upliftment occurred, the Little Karoo finally found itself above the water level.The caves only started to form some 20 million years ago, when the water level dropped to such an extent that the ground water could start to seep into the limestone. As the water seeped into the ground it absorbed carbon dioxide from the decaying plant and animal matter in the soil and this made it fairly acidic.
As it seeped into the limestone, cavities were created that filled with water. Rivers also formed on the surface and cut deeply enough into the limestone to allow them to reach the level of the water pockets.
This caused the water to flow out about 4 million years ago. The cave was then, for the first time, exposed to air and the speleothems or cave formations could begin forming.The Caves are a series of dripstone caverns that open into vast halls of towering stalagmite formations.The entrance area to the Caves was originally rich in bushman paintings though with time these have been damaged. The San left this area and their cave approximately 500 years ago.
Opening Hours-09:00 - 16:0
Tour Timings--Tours depart every hour on the hour
Ticket-Adults: R 150.00
Duration:- 60 min
Temperature-The temperature in the Caves remains a constant 18°C
Heritage Tour-
i-as the first view of Van Zyl'S Hall opens up before you. This spacious hall is over 90 metres long, 50 metres wide at its widest point, and between 14 and 18 metres high. Nearly 100 metres of solid limestone roof separates the cavern from the ridgecrest above.
PRESENTED BY - V.P.GUPTA
Cango Caves is the only show cave in Africa which offers a choice of Heritage (easy) or Adventure Tours.Cave paintings and artefacts indicate that the caves were in use throughout prehistory over a long period during the Middle and Later Stone Age. The caves were rediscovered in modern times in 1780 by a local farmer named Jacobus Van Zyl.
This part of the continent was once below the ocean. As the continent rose and upliftment occurred, the Little Karoo finally found itself above the water level.The caves only started to form some 20 million years ago, when the water level dropped to such an extent that the ground water could start to seep into the limestone. As the water seeped into the ground it absorbed carbon dioxide from the decaying plant and animal matter in the soil and this made it fairly acidic.
As it seeped into the limestone, cavities were created that filled with water. Rivers also formed on the surface and cut deeply enough into the limestone to allow them to reach the level of the water pockets.
This caused the water to flow out about 4 million years ago. The cave was then, for the first time, exposed to air and the speleothems or cave formations could begin forming.The Caves are a series of dripstone caverns that open into vast halls of towering stalagmite formations.The entrance area to the Caves was originally rich in bushman paintings though with time these have been damaged. The San left this area and their cave approximately 500 years ago.
Opening Hours-09:00 - 16:0
Tour Timings--Tours depart every hour on the hour
Ticket-Adults: R 150.00
Duration:- 60 min
Temperature-The temperature in the Caves remains a constant 18°C
Heritage Tour-
i-as the first view of Van Zyl'S Hall opens up before you. This spacious hall is over 90 metres long, 50 metres wide at its widest point, and between 14 and 18 metres high. Nearly 100 metres of solid limestone roof separates the cavern from the ridgecrest above.
- Van Zyl's Hall is dominated by the giant Organ Pipes, a spectacular dripstone/flowstone combination. Your eyes are drawn to a tall, slender stalagmite which rises nearly 10 metres towards the ceiling - Cleopatra's Needle. Still active and growing, the Needle is estimated to be in excess of 150 000 years old.
- Near the base of the staircase stands an impressive formation known as The Pulpit of a Great Cathedral, replete with angel's wings, sculptured by nature's own chisel. At the base of this formation imaginative eyes may make out the shape of The Kneeling Camel, against the side of which nature's artist has left an unusual stain known as The Moses Figure. It represents the biblical Moses, dressed in a flowing, brown robe, his arms outstretched in blessing.
- The largest, an ancient formation some 500 000 years old, is known as The Leaning Tower of Pisa. Beyond it stands a soaring column some 13 metres high and approximately 250 000 years old.
- the cavern's most famous formation, The Madonna and Child, depicting the birth of Christ. Mary cradles a baby in her arms. Alongside her stand the Three Wise Men and, with a little more imagination, two shepherds kneel in silent adoration to her right. Completing the drama, to the left of the main staircase is a trio of formations known as The Temple Presentation, depicting Joseph, Mary with head bowed, and the gaunt figure of the prophet Simeon.
- The right hand side of the Throne Room is dominated by an exquisite white flowstone formation: The Frozen Victoria Waterfall.
- Singular smaller formations in the Throne Room are: The Bust of an ancient Cave Man; a Hairy Mammoth Elephant behind the Throne, and a petrified fish swimming against the ceiling above the throne.
PRESENTED BY - V.P.GUPTA