Oudtshoorn
Afrikaans name: Oudtshoorn
Oudtshoorn CBD
Western Cape
In the 1880's the town boomed from the huge demand for Ostrich feathers and Oudtshoorn became the Ostrich capital of the world. In the 1900's the demand faded but Ostrich products are still produced in the area. Other farming activities include tobacco, wheat, lucerne, honey, dairy, wool and mohair.
Several grand buildings built during the Ostrich era still stand and have been declared as national monuments.
The CP Nel museum shows a collection of items from the old way of life. Another place of interest is the CP Nel Town House.
The home of CJ Langenhoven, called Arbeidsgenot, can be visited.
Other places of interest nearby include the Ostrich Show Farms, Greystone Game Park, Cango Crocodile Ranch and the world famous Cango Caves.
The suspension bridge over the Grobbelaars River was built in 1913 and is a national monument.
Above - CP Nel Museum
Above - Old building now used as a bank
Above - Jaami Masjid Muslim Temple
Above - Jewish Synagogue (1888)
Above - Ostriches in the fields near Oudtshoorn
Above - Beautiful scenery in Oudtshoorn district
References and further reading
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