Oudtshoorn and De Rust are situated in the Klein Karoo between the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains. Oudtshoorn is the ostrich capital of the world. 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 hotspot where three distinct plant biomes (succulent karoo, cape thicket and fynbos) converge; and the Swartberg mountain range, which is part of the Cape Floral World Heritage Site. Explore the many activities this beautiful area has to offer.
Ostrich Farm Tours
As a special benefit, guests of De Opstal Country Lodge can enjoy an exclusive and customised tour to the farm of family member to Albertus & Matilda De Bod, Piet Schoeman, one of the leading Ostrich farmers in the world.
Tours are presented by Leon or Jade and will give you understanding and insight into the farming activities of an authentic working ostrich farm. Part of the fascination of these big birds is the variety of unique products that can be produced using ostriches, such as leather, feathers, and healthy low fat meat.
These tours are animal friendly and no riding of ostriches are allowed.
Cango Caves
Just outside Oudshoorn in the Karoo, the Cango Caves are a series of dripstone caverns that open into vast halls of towering stalagmite formations with names like ‘the bridal couple’, ‘glass flower fantasy’, ‘weird cango candle’ and ‘the hanging shawl’. To view various day trip options and additional information about the caves see Cango Caves. Facilities at the Cango Caves includes a Restaurant, Curio Shop and an Interpretive Centre, scientifically designed to explain the Caves, and particularly their geology and history, in great detail.
Meerkat Encounter
An early morning drive down to the burrows of a meerkat family has grown to become one of the highlights of a visit to Schoemanshoek.
The mystical silence of the Little Karoo landscapes in the early morning hours, combined with a fresh cup of coffee in your hand and the expectation in your heart of meeting these cute creatures personally, all contributes to this once in a lifetime experience.
We do tailor made tours for our guests at special rates which are conducted by a knowledgeable guide and bookings are essential.
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Art, Cheese, Chocolate & Liqueur Route
Experience something unique and special - especially for lovers of the finer things in life, the Oudtshoorn Art, Cheese, Chocolate and Liquer Route is bound to delight! When you visit Oudtshoorn next take the time to to combine some sight-seeing with visits to four unique Hot Spots, all offering unique products which join to tantalise your senses.
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KKNK Festival
An Annual gathering in March / April, of more than 100 000 lovers of the various arts, for a week of dancing, films, cabaret, classical music, comedy, contemporary music, open air concerts, plays, literary art & poetry. A momentous event, enjoying international sponsorship. The Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees is an Afrikaans language arts festival that takes place yearly in the South African town of Oudtshoorn. The festival includes both the visual and the performing arts and is officially recognized by the South African government as a national arts festival.
Meet a Cheetah
A highly successful breeding station of this threatened species – one of the only two in the southern hemisphere. A foremost example of Eco–tourism in the world and a superb mixture of conservation and tourism. You can get yourself photographed cuddling a cheetah cub, the fastest animal on land.
Crocodile Cage Diving
A 10 minute dive at the Cango Wildlife Ranch in Oudtshoorn exposes divers to five crocodiles bred in captivity and familiar with human movements.
The vast filtration system circulates crystal clear water allowing daring participants to get close enough to these jaw snapping creatures to see their toe nails (unmanicured due to wild grooming habits).
Historic Buildings
With the enormous economic booms during the 1880's and 1900's when ostrich feathers were in such high demand in the fashion industry, the magnificent Ostrich Palaces were built and these magnificent buildings remain in their Art Nouveau, Victorian and Neo Renaissance Revival styles.
