Explore a world of exciting activities and uncover hidden history with many things to do in Oudtshoorn. Nestled along the Garden Route, this town is best known for its ostriches yet offers far more to discover.
Embark on thrilling adventures, discover rich historical treasures, and immerse yourself in captivating experiences beyond the flightless birds. Discover Oudtshoorn as you unearth its diverse attractions and embrace a journey of exploration and wonder.
1. Karusa Winery
Nestled in Oudsthoorn’s beauty, Karusa Vineyard thrives as the town’s only premium family-run wine farm. Rooted in Schoemanshoek, close to Cango Caves, the farm has been crafting world-class wine since 2004.
Terroir-guided choices bloom in Karoo’s unique soil, making it Oudtshoorn’s winery gem. Victorian charm greets visitors at Karusa Winery, offering Karoo-style feasts at the beautiful wine farm restaurant.
Indulge in Ostrich Wraps, Carpaccio Salads, and artisanal cheeses. Sip the vast selection of wines, a symphony of whites and reds, or appreciate Karusa’s craft beer options. Apricots, peaches, and plums find their place here and are available to those who want fresh farm-grown fruit as a go-away trinket.
Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 9:30 am – 4:00 pm; Saturday, 10:00 am – 2:30 pm; Sunday, Closed
Address: Karusa Wines , ON THE R328 NORTH, Oudtshoorn
Contact: 044 272 8717
2. Minwater Eco Adventures
Embark on a wild journey with Minwater Eco Adventures, nestled in Minwater’s heart, 24km southwest of Oudtshoorn. Nature expert Louis Jordaan leads visitors on these eye-opening tours, unravelling secrets hidden within plants, animals, and terrain.
Be sure to take in all the wonders of Minwater. During the tour, you’ll encounter many wildlife, including klipspringer, kudu, the elusive leopard, and more.
A fledgling choir unfolds during your tour, with a flock of birds singing harmonious melodies. But it’s not just fur and feathers, as reptiles weave their tales underfoot, revealing countless tails.
Amidst the seemingly modest flora, a unique selection of names and legends beckons. From glass eyes to hairy nipples, each plant has a story that must be told.
Succulent Karoo, fynbos, and thicket flourish, providing a home to over 600 species.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, All hours
Address: Oudtshoorn, in the foothills of Gamka Mountain, Route 62
Contact: 044 279 1285
3. Gamkaberg Nature Reserve
Discover the magic of Gamkaberg Nature Reserve, a hidden gem a 37-minute drive from Oudshoorn. Along the Little Karoo, Gamka Range boasts a history entwined with Cape Lions.
Visit for hiking, birdwatching, and 4×4 drives. Delight in picnics under the thatch lapa after exploring Spekboom Trail or the multi-day Tierkloof Hike.
Marvel at five diverse biomes, from fynbos to succulent Karoo. As weather tends to change at the drop of a hat, come prepared with the necessary equipment during hikes or other adventures. Gamkaberg also holds Cape mountain zebras which have grown in population due to conservation efforts. If inclined, climb the rocky wonders and dive into the pool.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 07:30 am – 4:00 pm
Address: Gamkaberg Nature Reserve, Klein Karoo
Contact: 021 483 0080
Also read: The 20 Best Things To Do Along The Garden Route
4. Cango Wildlife Ranch
Step into a world of wildlife wonder at Cango Wildlife Ranch. With a legacy spanning 35 years, the ranch is home to 90 species and offers guided tours that bring animals’ stories to life.
Roam through alluring animal sections like Cheetahland, where you’ll gaze at majestic lions, cheetahs, and other impressive wild cats. In the Amazonia Rainforest section, vibrant lorikeets peek their heads at you as you feed them nectar.
Make your way to Lemur Falls, an interactive haven for lemurs in a Madagascar-like habitat. Take advantage of Snake Park to understand and appreciate these oft-misunderstood creatures. After your adventure, dine at Turtles Restaurant, savouring crocodile kebabs or classic dishes.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Address: 191 Baron Van Reede St, Oudtshoorn
Contact: 044 272 5593
5. The Cango Caves
Enter the thrilling Cango Caves, a wonderland beneath the earth’s surface. The Heritage Tour reveals the size of the first 6 massive halls and guides you to the enchanting African Drum room.
Your journey begins with stories of pioneers leading you through the cultural history of the caves. Accompanied by expert guides, the comfortable stroll through magnificent chambers unfolds mysteries in an hour-long tour.
For those courageous adventurers, the Adventure Tour awaits. It builds upon the Heritage Tour, delving deeper into passages hidden. You’ll crawl, slide, and climb here, gaining an authentic experience. Encounter spaces like Lumbago Alley and Devils Chimney, creating unforgettable memories during your 90-minute journey.
Are you famished after the adventure? Try the on-site Spekboom Restaurant with delectable Klein Karoo flavours. And take advantage of the Curio Shop, a treasure trove of African souvenirs, art, and literature.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Address: Cango Caves R328 Cango Valley, Oudtshoorn
Contact: 082 303 0029
6. CP Nel Museum
Step into the CP Nel Museum, a treasure honouring Oudtshoorn’s history. In 1982 it became South Africa’s first Accredited Award recipient, boasting recognition.
The Le Roux Town House was constructed in 1909 and melds styles with elegance. Its art nouveau (an architectural design popularised from 1890 until the end of World War 1), stained glass panels and intricate design baffle art lovers and architects today.
The museum’s heart resides in the Main Building, a sandstone building with a clock tower. Erected during the ostrich feather boom, it exudes history, declared a National Monument in 1981.
Colonel Charles Paul Leonard Nel’s collection forms the core of the museum. Engage in three captivating sections, which include the Rembrandt Hall’s artistry, Die OOG Nelson Mandela and Rosa Parker’s exhibit, and the nostalgic Street Scene honouring Oudtshoorn Coloured Teacher’s College.
Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm; Saturday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm; Sunday, Closed
Address: 3 Baron Van Reede St, Oudtshoorn
Contact: 044 272 7306
7. The Langenhoven Memorial
The Langenhoven Memorial Fund was founded in 1954 and honours C.J. Langenhoven’s legacy.
Among South Africa’s oldest non-profit organisations, it safeguards the Langenhoven residence, Arbeidsgenot, as a museum. C.J. Langenhoven, a versatile figure during the first half of the 20th century, excelled as a playwriter, poet, journalist, and politician.
Celebrated for his humour and satire, he helped elevate Afrikaans as a distinct language. Born in 1873 on Hoeko farm, relatives raised him after his mother’s death. Schooled by Meester Bloemkolk, he studied at Victoria College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1895.
An attorney, editor, and senator, Langenhoven advocated Afrikaans as an official language. His home became a museum, showcasing his innovative and entertaining works, from science fiction to his writing of the national anthem, Die Stem.
Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm; Saturday – Sunday, Closed
Address: 217 Jan Van Riebeeck Rd, Oudtshoorn
Contact: 044 203 8600
8. Hot Air Ballooning
Experience a breathtaking journey with Nova Hot Air Balloon Safaris, about an hour’s drive from Oudshoorn. These hot air balloon rides offer an exhilarating vantage point, revealing the Garden Route and Klein Karoo expanse below.
Departing from Mossel Bay, George, Wilderness, or Oudtshoorn, the various launch sites grant access to incredible landscapes.
Glide over the Little Karoo or Garden Route, where nature’s beauty unfolds uninterrupted.
The skilled pilots double as guides, unveiling geological gems, wildlife trivia, and serene moments. Capture the sunrise’s essence and capture peaceful silence. The attentive ground crew follows your flight, ensuring a smooth take-off and landing. Cheers erupt as chilled champagne flows. From start to finish, Nova Ballooning Crafts offers a comprehensive experience.
Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm; Saturday – Sunday, Closed
Address: Hangar C3 Mosselbay Airport, Aalwyndal, Mossel Bay
Contact: 082 899 6374
9. Swartberg Pass
Travel onto the Swartberg Pass if you want a real adventure. A national monument with a mystifying aura, it’s a national treasure. Crafted by master road builder Thomas Bain, it’s a trail of history. Discover Die Stalletjie, Witdraai, and Fonteintjie trails with tales to tell. Skelmdraai adds a twist, while Die Top stands as a graffiti-covered pinnacle.
This 23.8 km stretch unveils stunning landscapes, a feast for the eyes. Drive carefully along the trail if you aren’t keen on heights. An hour-long adventure, excluding stops, suits fair weather and any vehicle.
Swartberg Pass presents an endless spectacle, with each view more breathtaking than the last.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, All hours
Address: Off the R407 about 4 km south of Prince Albert
Contact: 079 105 4000
10. Outeniqua Transport Museum
Travel back in time at the Outeniqua Transport Museum, 50 minutes south of Oudshoorn. Wander through history and be captivated by an impressive array of 13 steam locomotives.
Gaze upon the famed Emil Kessler, Johannesburg’s first steam engine. Marvel at the GL Garrett locomotive, complete with its carriages, which housed the original ‘White Coach’. Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret rested in this coach during their 1947 South African visit.
Delve deeper into the past with the museum’s photo gallery, showcasing snapshots of South African steam trains. Discover vintage tableware from mainline trains and station eateries alongside an assortment of locomotive number plates, makers plates, and a model train section. If you’re an automotive buff, enjoy a selection of vintage vehicles.
Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm; Saturday, 8:00 am – 2
Address: 2 Mission Rd, Levallia, George
Contact: 044 801 8289
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