The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa

Oudtshoorn

Afrikaans name: Oudtshoorn

Oudtshoorn CBD

Oudtshoorn CBD

Photo © Johan van Zyl

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.

What is there to see and do in Oudtshoorn?



CP Nel Museum

Above - CP Nel Museum

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Bank in Oudtshoorn

Above - Old building now used as a bank

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Jaami Masjid Muslim Temple

Above - Jaami Masjid Muslim Temple

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Jewish Synagogue

Above - Jewish Synagogue (1888)

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Ostriches near Oudtshoorn

Above - Ostriches in the fields near Oudtshoorn

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Ostriches near Oudtshoorn

Above - Beautiful scenery in Oudtshoorn district

Photo © Johan van Zyl

References and further reading


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