Oudtshoorn
Accommodation / Activities / Attractions / Where to eat
 

The Cango Caves

One of the world's great natural wonders, sculptured by nature through the ages. Mysterious and breathtaking limestone formations in a wide variety of natural colours. A subterranean wonderland. Regular guided tours daily.

The Ostriches

Amidst the 400 ostrich farms surrounding the town, 3 have distinguised thenselves worthy to be named show farms. Get exposed to this exotic bird species, the largest in the world, and for the more adventureous take an ostrich ride.

the festival of arts, architecture, the cheetahs and the crocodiles

Klein Karoo National Arts Festival

The annual gathering in March/April, of more than 100 000 lovers of the various arts, for a week of dancing, caberet, classical music, films, comedy, contemporary music, open air concerts, plays, literary art and poetry. A momentous event enjoying international sponsorship.

Architecture

Exceptional stone masonary through the ages, lending that special touch. Admire the grandeur of the numerous ostrich palaces, established in the times of the feather boom. Conserved to this day as museums, guest houses and dwellings for the descerning.

Cheetahs

One of the foremost examples of eco-tourism in the world. A superb mixture of conservation and tourism. This is a highly successful breeding station of the cheetah - one of only two in the Southern hemisphere. Be photographed cuddling a cheetah, the fastest animal on land.

Crocodiles

Gaze with awe at the slithering reptile species from all over the world. Imagine more than 400 crocodiles and alligators in their prehistoric unattractiveness. They're being bred here and they're awfully nice, as long as you don't get too close!

the hospitality, wining, dining, the mountains, rivers and falls

Hospitality

First class hotels, lodges, inns and guest houses await the visitor. Enjoy the relaxed, friendly, hospitable atmosphere offered in town or at the various surrounding farms. Experience the joy of life in the country and breathe in the healthy, unpolluted air.

Wining and Dining

Taste the art of the fine local wines. Dine on the excellent cuisines of the restaurateurs - from a five course meal which could include ostrich, to a delightful lighter meal - all exquisitely available to satisfy every taste.

Mountains

The Swartberg pass is one of the most sensational drives in Southern Africa and a National monument. It is the masterpiece of a brilliant road engineer, Thomas Bain, and dates from the 1880's. Be daring with a 30 minute drive on the original route, which took 5 years to complete.

Rivers and Falls

Numerous rivers, streams and falls have their own origins in the surrounding Swartberg, Outeniqua and Kamanassie mountain ranges. Waterfalls abound, and the visitor is fortunate enough to safely visit two spectacular examples at the Rust and Vrede and Meiringspoort falls.

the hiking, the biking, the sport, the sunshine and the smiles

Hiking and Biking

The eco-tourist, and those thriving on the outdoor life, alike, will be faced with a large selection of challenging opportunities. Hiking and biking trails are in abundance. Make your choice from lush sub-tropical to semi-arid. You will leave fulfilled.

Sport

Oudtshoorn is the hub of the region for the sport enthusiast, offering a challenging modern 18 hole golf course, with full amenities and squash courts. Also bowls, athletics, tennis, cricket, rugby, olympic standard swimming pools, motorsport, miniature aircraft and many more.

Sunshine

380 sunshine days, 4 summers and sunny dry winters await the visitor to the Klein Karoo. The area, shielded from the coastal belt by the mountain ranges, enjoys mainly windless days. Utilising Oudtshoorn as an affordable base, numerous beaches on the Garden Route can be reached in under an hour by road.

Smiles

Except our invitation to visit our part of the Garden Route. You will soon discover the secret behind our infectious, friendly nature. And why there's more to Oudtshoorn than the Cango Caves and the Ostriches.


  Accommodation
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209 Jan van Riebeekweg

OUDTSHOORN, 6620
Tel: +27(0)44 272 4533
Fax: +27(0)44 272 4554
Cell: +27(0)82 782 3490
E-mail: adley@pixie.co.za

Adley House

Built in 1905 by Sidney Herbert Adley during the ‘Ostrich feather Boom period' 1880 to 1914. This magnificent Sandstone Victorian Homestead is situated on an acre of land in a quiet up market residential area near to the centre of town. Rated 4 stars by the S.A. Tourism grading council, it has 14 Air Conditioned, individually decorated rooms with T.V, tea and coffee facilities, Hairdryers, bar fridge and all the necessary amenities to make your stay most pleasant. Relax at our 2 pools in our well kept English Garden.

Visit our website : www.adleyhouse.co.za




Tel: +27(0)44 213-3022
Fax: +27(0)44 213-3273
E-mail: amberlagoon@telkomsa.net

Amber Lagoon

Amber Lagoon is situated between Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn, 7 km off from the R62. It borders the Swartberg Mountains and the Gamka Nature Reserve which is the home to the endangered mountain zebra, an unusual protea, Khoisan Rock Art and marine fossils. Swim in the pool and search for succulents as you walks in the field and discover how your German hosts fell in love with this land. Big french pancakes with different fillings, home-cooked meals, braai facilities. We offer: B+B, campsites, tent accommodation and an open air restaurant.

Visit our website : www.amberlagoon.co.za



P.O. Box 165
Oudtshoorn, 6620
Tel: +27(0)44 279-1727
Fax: +27(0)44 279-1747
E-mail: info@baron.co.za

Baron's Palace

The Barons Palace Hotel in Oudtshoorn reveals to her guests an era of affluence and opulence. The Hotel was built at the turn of the century by a wealthy ostrich Baron

24 tastefully appointed rooms with French doors leading to swimming pool equipped with:
bath/shower, telephone, oil heater, electric blanket,
overhead fan, tea/coffee supplies, bathroom amenities, clock/radio,
iron/ironing-board & hair-dryer

Visit our website: www.baron.co.za



Tel: +27 (0) 44 272 0106
Fax: +27 (0) 44 272 0108
E-mail: info@buffelsdrift.com

Buffelsdrift Game Lodge

Buffelsdrift Game Lodge offers guests a unique bushveld experience in the heart of the Klein Karoo. Luxury accommodation, a restaurant and conference facilities that meet international standards are available to visitors and corporate guests. A charming wedding chapel at the water's edge is the ideal setting for romantic African country weddings.
A wide variety of game, bird and plant species are indigenous to this area and visitors will spot elephant, rhino, buffalo, hippo, Cape Mountain zebra, giraffe and other antelope.

The Game Lodge offers 25 tastefully decorated en-suite tents with full air-conditioning, a separate shower, each with its own entrance and private wooden deck on the edge of the waterhole.

Visit our website: www.buffelsdrift.com



P.O.Box 111
Oudtshoorn, 6620
Tel: +27(0)44 213 3786
Fax: +27(0)44 213 3786
E-mail: buffelskloof@hotmail.com
 
Buffelskloof Guestfarm

Seven kilometers off the R62, between Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn, Buffelskloof Guesthouses offer you an unforgettable stay between the redstone hills. This is a working farm and we make our own wine ... enjoy a glass at sunset ! Here you will find peace and quietness like never experienced before. Buffelskloof Guesthouses offer you the choice of staying in any of its two uniquely restored old farmhouses : De Oude Opstal and Outa Piet se Huis. Both these houses are situated within walking distance of a beautiful river and farm dams. This is the perfect opportunity for you to enjoy a nice picnic accompanied with a good bottle of wine at the riverside. Outa Piet se Huis offers you: Inside and outside braai areas, Fully equipped kitchen, 2 bathrooms, 2 bedrooms with 4 beds, No TV.

Visit our website: www.buffelskloof.co.za



P.O. Box 226
Oudtshoorn, 6620
Tel/Fax: +27 44 272 6721
Cell: +27 82 584 9957
E-mail: info@dezeekoe.co.za

De Zeekoe Guest Farm

De Zeekoe Guest Farm,only 8 km from Oudtshoorn on the R328 towards Mosselbay - provides an unique African experience with 300 ostriches on extensive alfalfa fields. Enjoy mountainbiking, hiking, fishing, canoeing, birding with 162 species, or relaxing at the sparkling saltwater swimming pool.  De Zeekoe, a 4 star graded guest house, offers 10 luxury rooms and 2 standard rooms at the main lodge, and 4 secluded log cabins at the waters' edge, with 2 bedrooms.
Each room has its own private entrance and is equipped with wireless internet, air-conditioning, fans and underfloorheating. Enjoy unpolluted star gazing and the cry of the jackal at night and listen for the call of the Fisheagle while being surrounded by unspoiled nature, stunning views of the Olifantsriver, Swartberg & Outeniqua mountains.  Ostrich eco and Meerkat tours is done by a research Biologist, Grant McIlrath, as you guide with over 12 years of experience in making films with BBC, Discovery Channel and National Geographic.

Visit our website: www.dezeekoe.co.za



Private Bag X600
Suite 45
Oudtshoorn, 6620
Tel/Fax : +27(0)44 272-0330
Cell : +27(0)82 781-7361
Email : info@karoosoul.com

Karoo Soul Backpackers, Cottages and Adventure Centre

What you will experience here is the culminating effect of our love of architecture, art and travel. We would love to share this with you! This magnificent residence is situated on the highest hill in Oudtshoorn and the views are extraordinary. Resting takes place in stylish and extremely comfortable double rooms, twin rooms and dorms. Breakfast is included in the price and you help yourself at whatever time the soul awakes.
Dinner, by prior arrangement, is served at the pool-side bar/entertainment area. Dinner will usually include a truly unique South African braai and everything that goes with it. Food for thought is automatically included - free of charge.

Visit our website: www.karoosoul.com



P.O. Box 124
Oudtshoorn, 6620
Tel +27(0)44-213-3788
E-mail: strydomjj@telkomsa.net
Kruisrivier Gasteplaas

Situated at the foothills of the majestic Swartberg Mountains between Oudtshoorn and Calitzdorp, Kruisrivier offers Bed & Breakfast, self catering or camping.

“Four spectacular little waterfalls! Hiking in untouched nature. Tranquility. Reliving of bygone days! You’ll find all this and more at Kruisrivier, an ostrich and cattle farm. The accommodation, a renovated barn and stable, a wagon house and the old miller’s house, next to the historic mill, makes Kruisrivier an exciting and extraordinary stop.

Kruisrivier is one of the oldest farms in the district. Your hosts, Basie and Mandi Strydom, stem from the Strydom-family who has farmed Kruisrivier since 1759.

Outdoor activities such as fishing, swimming, hiking, mountain biking and bird watching, can be enjoyed. Tourist attractions close-by include the Cango Caves, the Swartberg Pass, the “Hell”, Meiringspoort, Cango Wildlife Ranch, Wilgewandel, Calitzdorp(South Africa’s Port Capital) and Gamka Mountain Nature Reserve.

Visit our website: www.kruisrivier.co.za



P.O.Box 40
Oudtshoorn, 6620
Tel +27(0)44 272-7774
Fax +27(0)44 279-4026
E-mail: dbeitz@mweb.co.za

Montana Guestfarm

Montana is located in the heart of the Schoemanshoek-Valley, 14kms from Oudtshoorn, on the road to the Cango Caves and the Swartberg Pass. The original name of the farm dates back to the early 18th century. The traditional farmhouse has five luxury en-suite chalets, each with private entrance, patio and spacious lounge. All of them are equipped with modern furniture, TV, minibar, telephone, internet, clock-radio and hairdryer. Three of them with fireplaces. Montana Guestfarm offers a saltwater-pool, nature walks, bird watching, donkey-cart-ride and mountain-biking, a delicious breakfast, dinner and wines of the area. (Credit Cards. Children welcome)

Owners - Wolfgang and Dagmar Beitz

Visit our website: www.montanaguestfarm.co.za



161 Jan Van Riebeeckweg
Oudtshoorn, 6625
Tel +27(0)44 272-8723
Fax +27(0)44 272-3962
Cell: +27(0)72 520-6084
Email: info@one-o-one.info
one-O-one family guesthouse

We are situated in the most quiet area of Oudtshoorn and offer you friendly family hospitality. As we have young children ourselves yours are more than welcome to play in our big garden with large swimming pool, many playgrounds and other facilities to enjoy. We offer five en-suite rooms with private entrances and our complete breakfast is a great way to start your day. We speak Dutch, German, English, French and Afrikaans. Private parking is available on the enclosed premises”

HIGHLY recommended & good affordable accommodation by AA!!

Visit our website: www.one-o-one.info



P.O.Box 1404
Oudtshoorn, 6620
Tel/Fax: +27(0)44 272-8712
E-mail: ouewerf@mweb.co.za
Oue Werf Country Guesthouse

Oue Werf established in 1857 and in the Spies family for 6 generations, is a working farm, producing export apricots. Situated in the peaceful Schoemanshoek Valley, just 12kms from the Cango Caves and only 400 m from the Cango Ostrich Farm. Oue Werf offers privacy in a tranquil setting, a birdwatchers heaven. The 8 en-suites are climate controlled and have separate entrances with colour TV's, bar fridges, tea and coffee making facilities, full off thoughtfull touches and a abundance of fresh flowers. A full English or Continental breakfast and candle lit dinners are served either in the diningroom or under the gazebo at the swimming pool. Enjoy a log fire in winter or a splash in the dam down the "foefieslide" in summer or just relax and use our Tea Garden.

Visit our website: www.ouewerf.co.za


P.O. Box 109
Oudtshoorn, 6620
Tel: +27(0)44 213-3783
Fax: +27(0)44 213-3291
E-mail: redstone@pixie.co.za

Red Stone Hills

This farm is situated at the foot of the Swartberg Mountain, between the Cango Caves, ostrich farms and the Calitzdorp Spa. A scenic, circular route combines the farm with all the other sights. The cottages nestle in a valley of vineyards surrounded by a range of colorful red stone hills, displaying their own natural windows. A paradise for the artist and children. Guests are assured of total privacy and tranquil surroundings. We offer bird watching, hiking trails, horse-riding, ponies, swimming (river), cattle, sheep and private ostrich tours. The cottages consist of two or three bedroom units with one or two bathrooms each, furnished with antiques, TV fully equipped kitchen, microwave, carport, fireplace and braai facilities. A traditional farm breakfast is served on request.
(Situated between Oudtshoorn and Calitzdorp)

Visit our website: www.redstone.co.za

P.O. Box 541
Oudtshoorn, 6620
Tel: +27(0)44 272-0068
Cell: +27(0)83 280-3388
E-mail: info@rooderandt.co.za

Rooderandt Hillside Lodge

Rooderandt Hillside Lodge is blessed with the most spectacular view in the Schoemanshoek valley near Oudtshoorn. Surrounded by the picturesque Swartberg Mountains, Rooderandt offers an unforgettable, peaceful and unique stay with your hosts, JP and Marojéan.
Honeymoon suite: Stylishly decorated with an African feel. Consists of an en-suite bathroom, private patio, garden, beautiful view and a plunge pool. Cottages: Four private cottages. Individually decorated with genuine antique furniture. Fireplaces / Air-conditioning / Heating / BBQ Facilities / Tea & Coffee. Breakfast: True Traditional South African Breakfast.
Dinner on request.

Visit our website: www.rooderandt.co.za

P.O. Box 695
Oudtshoorn, 6620
Tel: +27(0)44 272-6430
Fax: +27(0)44 272-6333
Cell: +27(0)83 644-6307
E-mail: shades@mweb.co.za

Shades of Africa

"For the sophisticated young at heart, we offer an African experience with comfort, tranquillity and style,. Furnished with hand-picked African arefacts, textiles and art.Located in the beautiful Little Karoo, conveniently close to both the Garden Route and Route 62, we offer a unique base from which to enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of this region. 

We offer x4 en suite bedrooms with shower and  outside entrance, leading onto the pool area/deck.Rooms are equipped with overhead fans and aircon, TV Mnet, oil heaters and tea and coffee making facilities. Equipped kitchen with lounge and diningroom and fireplace. We serve full breakfast and continental.

Oudtshoorn is known for: Sunshine and Smiles, Scenic surroundings, Safe environment, Crisp mountain air, Healthy unpolluted climate and Hospitality!

Visit our website: www.shades.co.za



P.O. Box 417
De Rust, 6650
Tel/Fax: +27 (0)44 241 2087
E-mail: niel@anglo-african.co.za

Stompdrift Dam Water Resort

The Stompdrift Dam Water Resort (6km from De Rust) provides the only public access to the Stompdrift Dam with its “coastline” of more than 25 km that cuts into the foothills of the Great Swartberg Mountain Range. Accommodation consist of a number of unique Africa Safari style self-catering chalets (two star grading), each with en-suite bathroom, equipped kitchenette, private wooden deck under trees, a lapa and braai. The WERFHOENDER SAFARI CAMP, also on the site adjacent to the dam, is ideal for outdoor groups and family gatherings. There are five separate sleeping huts, large communal hut with lounge, kitchenette, bathroom (with “donkey”  boiler) large wooden deck, enclosed lapa and braai. The camping area is on grass covered terraces with shady trees, braais, power points and two ablution blocks.

Other facilities/activities include houseboat, Aqua Bush Restaurant, Interpretation Botanical Trail (utility plants used by Bushmen), safari ship for sunset-cruises, kayaking, angling, swimming and other water sport.

Visit our website: www.stompdriftdam.co.za



P.O. Box 186
Oudtshoorn, 6620
Tel: +27(0)44 251 6116
Fax: +27(0)44 251 6115
Cell: +27(0)82 5645 295
E-mail: info@thabilelodge.co.za

Thabile Lodge

Thabile Lodge – a place of happiness offers natural, rustic finishes with a distinct African flair to 12 en-suite rooms on 600 hectares, with a quiet farm atmosphere. The rooms are built as 6 double cottages with two rooms each - you have the choice to interact with everyone or be completely private. Each room has its own intimate porch with breathtaking views of the Swartberg Mountains . Enjoy the comforts of home with airconditioning, TV1, TV2, TV3 and M-Net. Internet via wireless ADSL is available if you have a laptop. Breakfast is included in tariff, but dinner is additional. Horse riding and quad bike rides in the surrounding areas have become very popular and can be arranged. There are plenty of trails to follow along the farm with an abundance of birdlife and breathtaking variety of natural flora.

Kenny and Len are both down-to-earth by nature and they invite you to come and stay and share the farm with them.



Visit our website: www.thabilelodge.co.za


10 Vrede Street
Oudtshoorn, 6620
Tel/ Fax: +27(0)44 272-8087
E-mail: theronda1@mweb.co.za

Theronda's Guesthouse and Art Gallery

Theronda's Guest House is situated in Oudtshoorn South Africa and offers 6 artistically decorated rooms with self-catering facilities. Breakfast can be arranged on request. The rooms are named after famous artists, namely Picasso, Cezanne, Chagall, Munch, Turner and Van Gogh. The house displays paintings done by the owner - Theronda Hoffman - famous South African artist. These paintings can be purchased at the Guest House.
Facilities: Swimming Pool, Laundry Services, Secure Parking, Fully equipped kitchen, Aircon, Pool Table, Jungle Gym, Indoor and outdoor braai facilities, Fire place in living room.


Visit our website: www.therondahoffman.co.za

  Activities
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Private Bag X600
Suite 45
Oudtshoorn, 6620
Tel/Fax : +27(0)44 272-0330
Cell : +27(0)83 950-8383
Email : info@karoosoul.com

Karoo Soul Backpackers and Adventure Centre

Adventure caving, succulent tours, working ostrich farm tours, kayaking, waterfall jumps, drumming, downhill mountainbiking, abseiling, hot air ballooning, wildlife tours, waterskiing, microlighting, kloofing, big cats, quad , biking, 4 X 4 trails, camel rides, horse trails.

Visit our website: www.karoosoul.com


Cell: 0827848539
E-mail: charl@balloondrifters.co.za

Oudtshoorn Ballooning

Hot Air Ballooning in Oudtshoorn is still one of the best activities in Oudtshoorn, with a fantastic view of our early morning sunrise and beautiful surrounding mountains and valleys when we fly 1000ft or more above ground level as well as the typical Karoo landscape when we fly at treetop height..  We give tea and coffee on arrival while we inflate the balloon just before sunrise and launch the balloon after passenger briefing. After approximately 45-60 minutes we look for a landing spot and have champagne after landing, while the crew packs the balloon away.  It is now time to return to the launch site for a buffet breakfast and the end of a memorable experience. This is one experience not to be missed by any tourist or traveller visiting Oudtshoorn at the very reasonable price of R1600 per person. (Discount for group bookings of six or more passengers)

Visit our website : www.balloondrifters.co.za



  Attractions
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Oudsthoorn attractions

(more info)


Tel: +27(0)44 272-4623
Fax: +27(0)44 272-8241
Email: cango.ostrich@pixie.co.za

Cango Ostrich Farm

The Farm is located in the lush Cango Valley, 14 km outside of Oudtshoorn on the main route towards the world famous Cango Caves - making it easy to find and your trip more time efficient. Louis & Tanya Lategan and Dougie & Rida Bester welcome you to a wonderful experience at Cango Ostrich Farm. We would like the visitors to experience our culture and become part of the family. We have a very exclusive style whereby we ensure each person individual attention. We handle each bus group exclusively, with a private eating venue and own tour guide. The farm environment is visitor & disabled friendly and easily accessible. Our farm layout ensures shady conditions for those who want it. Our style ensures a "hands-on"experience during our guided tour. We offer comprehensive and complete information regarding ostriches and the industry.

Visit our website : www.cangoostrich.co.za


Meerkatmagic

This project is unique in the world. It is a conservation/research project and only works with wild animals using ethical techniques to gain their selective trust after many years, without ever taming them! Since 1993 to present I have been working with wild meerkats. Previously with Cambridge University Britain and the University of Pretoria- Mammal Research Institute. Now working with an unknown subspecies of wild meerkat that I discovered here in the small Karoo. Wouldn’t it be great if you could walk with wildlife, without disturbing, without interfering, but still, interacting? To observe. To learn. To appreciate. Now you can. Grant M Mc Ilrath is an experienced, active research biologist and conservationist. Grant now offers you the opportunity to benefit from his unique approach to wildlife conservation. To walk with meerkats. To learn the language of meerkats, discovered by Grant for the first time, based on the foundation of 34 calls. To experience the 51 different behavioural patterns identified by Grant. And to learn the exciting wildlife habituation techniques.

Visit our website : www.meerkatmagic.com


  Places to eat back to top 



P.O.Box 1425
Oudtshoorn, 6620
Tel: +27(0)44 279-2954
Fax: +27(0)44 272-0736
E-mail: deopstal@mweb.co.za

De Opstal Restaurant

Hearty farm style breakfasts are served in the spacious restaurant, which is also decorated in a style similar to the rest of the complex. There is a bar area for pre-dinner relaxing. A four-course dinner is served and consists of a set menu containing tastefully prepared regional and ostrich meat dishes. Matilda is also prepared to supply guests with picnic lunches on request. Enjoy our famous cuisine in the restaurant. De Opstal offers a relaxing atmosphere in our lounge and bar area. Enjoy your favourite drink and discuss the day's happening in the comfort of our ostrich-covered lounge suite.

Visit our website: www.deopstal.co.za



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