Oudtshoorn is known as the feather capital of the world. The climate makes it an ideal breeding ground for the ostrich, the world's largest bird. (Here, these big birds of a feather flock together!). At some stages during the two ostrich feather booms (1865-1870 and 1900-1914), feathers were sold for more than its weight in gold! This truly established the town and, although the demand for feathers has since greatly decreased, ostrich farming remains one of the region's main sources of income. After you made your trip to see or -- like a true explorer -- (try to!) ride on these gigantic birds, the area has much more to offer. Escape the jaws of a gigantic crocodile at the Cango Wildlife Ranch; experience the exquisite scenes at the amazing Cango Caves, sculpted by nature over millions of years; or visit the local Mountain Zebra at the spectacular Gamka Mountain Nature Reserve. Should you be in the area during March/April you are in luck for this is when the annual Klein Karoo National Arts Festival is held. Be entertained by the best of local theatre, music, arts and crafts and typical South African delicacies.
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