Many reasons to visit here
The iconic towns of Oudtshoorn & De Rust, based in the semi-arid Klein Karoo, borders on the north of the picturesque Garden Route region halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.
Primarily known as the ostrich capital of the world, Oudtshoorn has quickly gained the reputation of being a cultural, heritage, adventure and sports hotspot. Encompassed by unique landscapes, the town is centred between the awe-inspiring Swartberg and Outeniqua Mountain ranges.
The history and development of OudtsÂhoorn is inextricably connected with the growth of the ostrich feather industry from as early as 1860. Ostriches still form a vital part of the trade today; from touÂrism to agriculture.
A visit to Oudtshoorn is not complete without seeing the world famous Cango Caves, Africa’s largest heritage show cave system. Enjoy some of the local Karoo cuisine with a crisp chardonnay, admire the fauna and flora, venture on a game drive, partake in elephant feeding, engage with breath-taking big cats or take a plunge in the world’s first crocodile cage dive! The options are unlimited. When your adventurous days draw to a close, you’ll find a wide array of comfortable accommodation to choose from; from camp sites to caravan parks, backpackers to guest farms, self-catering and B&Bs, luxury hotels and lodges and more.
With a low rainfall per annum, OudtsÂhoorn is the ideal location for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and exploring the wonders of nature. Due to the weather Oudtshoorn is also a natural choice to host events, and hosts many events every year from mountain bike races, to national sports championships and the famous KKNK (Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees).
The Klein Karoo is an ecological wonder where the succulent Karoo, Cape thicket, and fynbos biomes converge. The Swartberg Mountains form part of the Cape Floral Kingdom World Heritage Site and can be admired when taking the Swartberg Circle Route along the R328 towards Prince Albert. Stop as many times as you like along the way and drink from the mountain streams before returning along the R407 via KlaarÂstroom. A short hike to the macnificent MeiringsÂpoort (where the Groot River has carved its way into this magnificent gorge which forms the gateway between the Great and Klein Karoo) will feed your soul as you admire the amazing rock formations in the ‘poort’.
Browse the unique stores of De Rust – a little town of wonders – and return to Oudtshoorn via the N12.
The main street of De Rust is a treasure trove of interesting shops. Here you can browse for gifts, rummage through shelves filled with second-hand items and objects from many years ago and find that one old book you have been looking for.
The people of De Rust are friendly and hospitable and you will probably get all the information you need from them.
• For more information on accommodation, activities and attractions contact Oudtshoorn & De Rust Tourism: enquiries@oudtshoorn.com | 044 279 2532.