Still, I knew I had to check out the ostrich-themed South African town of Oudtshoorn, which is chock-full of the tall birds as well as opportunities for close encounters with a healthy assortment of dangerous animals. (One South African rand is equivalent to about ten US cents.). The restaurant, Cafe Struisvogel, offers a la carte dining with stunning views of the Schoemanshoek Valley. An ostrich kiss, if you will. Something a little further out that comes highly recommended is the Zwartberg View Mountain Retreat – with 11 species for game viewing, a dining area with stunning views as well as a pool, bar and free parking, this hotel is a cut above. The Cango Ostrich Show Farm is near to the Cango Caves, one of the most popular caves to visit in South Africa. Oudtshoorn allowed me to fulfill these desires by riding an ostrich, coming face-to-face with a crocodile underwater, and petting cheetahs and tiger cubs. High-quality educational, informative and occasionally humorous content. Hailed as the only ostrich tractor safari in South Africa, visitors get to ride through the farm in a tractor with a guide. Your email address will not be published. You can receive a ‘neck massage’ from ostriches, and have a cuddle with the friendly on-site female ostrich, Betsie. These birds can run up to 70KMH, it's hard not to scream when you on one of those! Highgate can help with decor, cake, a photographer, food and drink, and the DJ. The ostrich ran around like a chicken with his head cut off, and he ran fast. After ostrich riding, we had the opportunity to stand on top of ostrich eggs – one is the equivalent of 24 chicken eggs – to test their strength. She came even closer and I thought she was going to stick her snout in the cage. Oudtshoorn. Tiger Encounter R300. Located in the Little Karoo region of the Western Cape of South Africa and a little more than 260 miles from Cape Town, Oudtshoorn is just enough off the beaten path to make you feel like you’ve found a secret place, yet big enough to encompass a plethora of animal interaction opportunities. This is why it became my absolute favorite stop on a Garden Route ! I decided to check out the Cango Ostrich Farm for my official flightless bird experience. There are chalets and cottages available, and the airport is a 60 minute drive. The cheetah was adorable and smaller than I’d expected. Located at 1954 R328, Schoemanshoek, Oudtshoorn. Make travel plans, then write a story for us! As it had rained, the grounds were muddy and still wet so the ostrich riding/racing was canceled. There are petting areas where you can cuddle the chicks or feed an ostrich by hand. While the female lays the eggs, it is the male ostrich that sat on them this day and watched them (good shared responsibilities for the parents). I opted to try all three, figuring there’d be few chances in my life when these opportunities would present themselves. If you're driving the Garden Route from Port… If you like the articles we publish, maybe you can be one of our writers too! What was I doing? The ostrich tour available at Cango Ostrich Show Farm is a walking tour that lasts around 45 minutes. From there, I had two options: I could stand and view the crocs from the surface, or I could hold my breath, crouch, and watch them face-to-face. Visitors can feed the ostriches as well as learn about the history, industry and farming of ostriches. Ostrich Riding and racing is just one great attraction to be found here. During our travels through South Africa we LOVED visiting the ostrich farms in Oudtshoorn! The safari guide will explain the ostrich breeding cycle, and if you visit at the right time you may get to see it in action. The guides warned me not to extend any limbs outside of the cage – after all, crocs have been known to munch on people. Enjoy! For my cheetah encounter, the guides took me through two sets of gates so I could meet my new furry friend. Safari Ostrich Farm Tractor Tour the only Tractor Safari in Oudtshoorn (From USD 9.78) From Cape Town: 2-Nights, 3-Days Garden Route private tour (From USD 1,010.14) TsiTsikamma 3 Day Adventure Tour from Port Elizabeth (From USD 589.39) Tsitsikamma Day tour with well-known Guide (From USD 139.98) Best-selling Oudtshoorn Day Tour (From USD 176.82) Since you’ll emerge from the experience with wet hair, I’d recommend saving it for the end of the day. It was opened to the public in 1938 and since then hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world have been entertained by our staff on the establishment. In this article I will tell you the truth about these so-called '7 star hotels'. On our tour, we first learned the history of ostriches and how they migrated down to South Africa from northern Africa. Oudtshoorn, South Africa: Ostrich Rides and Animal Encounters. The traditional tour option starts from R187 which converts to just over £10 sterling, or around $13. If you are visiting the country, consider making the journey (57 miles/92 kilometers from Knysna, 40 miles/84 kilometers from Mossel Bay) to their version of the wild west. News from World Travel Market 2020 in London, E-mail Newsletters: Choose Biweekly or Daily Emails, Search airfares, hotels, and rental cars here, St. Augustine, Florida: Digging the Old and the New, Seven Creeks in Jacksonville: New to Explore. Oudtshoorn allowed me to fulfill these desires by riding an ostrich, coming face-to-face with a crocodile underwater, and petting cheetahs and tiger cubs. Two major ostrich farms in the Oudtshoorn area have stopped offering ostrich rides to tourists, responding to concerns from European clients and others about the birds' welfare. An avid fan of adventure travel, New York-based freelance writer Carly Blatt has traveled extensively, covering 26 countries on six continents. A minute later, my tooth-showing buddy decided to crawl beneath the cage instead, which felt similarly eerie. Date of experience: April 2016 Ask jeanmerireiners about Cango Ostrich Show Farm You can eat at the Pepper Tree restaurant regardless of whether you’re on a tour or not, too. Ostrich rides: a Victorian relic. Then, it was on to ostrich riding! Two men compete in an ostrich race at Highgate ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn, South Africa, in 2010. We pet her and fed her, and she even tried to pull food from one of the tourist’s lips on command. I won the first time with a little help - a head start and a guy running behind me to ensure I didn't fall off. Not only that but some places to stay, too. Riding is completely optional and riders must weigh less than 176 lbs. We were back in the cool morning hours and quickly saddled up. We tasted a bit of the ostrich’s food, which reminded me of a salty bran cereal, and touched ostrich leather, which felt strong and had marks where feathers had been. With double rooms and a cottage available, this accommodation is really central and within walking distance of various restaurants. Cango Ostrich Show Farm - Schoemanshoek, Oudtshoorn We have taken the initiative and are first in the Oudtshoorn district to stop the riding of ostriches. Our company policies have always been very animal-friendly and we welcome the global trend towards less invasive handling of any animals. General entrance fee is R85 for adults and R55 for children 4-15. After this, visitors can see the rare white ostriches at Safari Ostrich Show Farm as well as the emus. 1) Riding an ostrich makes you a badass. Why, I can’t say. Secured in the cage, I felt the conflicting emotions of safety and exhilaration. This was real, and it was nature at its most fascinating. Cango Ostrich Show Farm: Ostrich riding - See 588 traveller reviews, 427 candid photos, and great deals for Oudtshoorn, South Africa, at Tripadvisor. I’ve done the hard work and narrowed them down, so you don’t have to! After my ostrich did a lap, the jockeys grabbed my arms and pulled me off, which apparently is the way to finish your ride. Oudtshoorn is famous for its huge ostrich population, which thrive in the semi-desert conditions. Highgate Ostrich Show Farm near Oudtshoorn, established almost 100 years ago by the Hooper family, is a large ostrich farming concern producing primarily feathers and ostrich by-products. Oudtshoorn is a town located in the Klein Karoo area of South Africa’s Western Cape. No spam. The Cango Wildlife Ranch in Oudtshoorn fit the bill. Is there such thing as a 7... ©2021 Dr Hayley Stainton, all rights reserved. After my experience ostrich riding in Oudtshoorn, I have been researching the issue and the different questions that have been raised since. It only took me reading the novel “Return to Eden” once to develop a healthy fear of crocodiles and I had no intention of giving them a snack. Sometimes, you may even get to see ostrich chicks hatching! Whenever you mention Oudtshoorn, the first two things that people will think about is the Cango Caves and Ostrich Farms. This unique and exciting guided tour departs daily between 08h00 and 16h00. You can even get married at Highgate Ostrich Show farm! For groups of 10+, wine tasting experiences can be arranged. … So there you have it – the best ostrich farms to visit in Oudtshoorn. Visit the Cango Ostrich Show Farm situated just 14 km from the centre of Oudtshoorn where you can observe and learn all about Ostriches. Posts tagged “ Ostrich Riding ” Day 2: Oudtshoorn Cango Ostrich Farm The complication with being sick on a road trip is that each day is completely packed with activities. Even though I’d had a proper adrenaline kick from my ostrich ride, I was ready for another type of animal interaction. I wanted to actually touch the big cats and interact with them in a safe environment. Ostrich male watching the eggs One of many Ostrich eggs waiting to hatch. Required fields are marked *. There is a 20% off deal when booking online, but you can buy tickets on site. There is no way you can miss the ostriches in Oudtshoorn, because they are running around everywhere on their huge farms throughout and around town. Beartooth Highway, America’s Most Beautiful Drive, Svart Hotel Norway: Spectacular Views and More, Returning to the Homestead After More than a Year. When visiting the Garden Route region, Safari Ostrich Farm is just one of the great things to visit & experience. For those of you who didn't know, Oudtshoorn (pronounced Oats-horn) South Africa is the ostrich capital of THE WORLD. Other than the ostriches, tourists can visit the Cango Wildlife Ranch, the De Rustica Olive Estate and the CP Nel Museum. In one girl's case, she had literally booked the trip because it was the only one to offer ostrich riding. The jockeys brought an ostrich to a slot with steps and I climbed up. It’s the world’s largest population of ostriches in Oudtshoorn. 3) In the picture of you riding the ostrich it looks like you and the ostrich are a two-headed person-ostrich animal. Ostriches can be mean buggers, they aren’t particularly cuddly, and they rarely elicit the “awwww” reactions that many of South Africa’s animals do. I love caves. Your email address will not be published. And, the chance to go crocodile cage diving – the first and only experience of its kind on the planet. Garden Route Highlights - The Perfect Itinerary for 5 Days, The best universities for travel and tourism in the UK. The tour is multilingual and they are conducted every 20 minutes by professional tour guides. The views are pretty nice, too! My wacky ostrich ride was the culmination of our hour-long tour at Safari Ostrich Farm in the ostrich feather capital of the world, Oudtshoorn, South Africa. I nearly got a cramp in my writing hand from filling out multiple waivers for all of the activities, since what I was embarking on definitely wasn’t your run-of-the-mill zoo experience. Ostriches remain one of the most fascinating attractions in South Africa, therefore great care has been taken on Chandelier to make the ostrich show farm tour an unforgettable experience. Vegetarian options are available, but it’s best to arrange this in advance. Always remember to be a responsible tourist. Wedding receptions take place on-site in the Karoo gardens, following ceremonies at the nearby Volmoed church. Located at 1954 R328, Schoemanshoek, Oudtshoorn. Visit cango.co.za for more information. Last but not least, guests are allowed to feed the ostriches too! Following the tractor ride, visitors can visit the incubator room. It’s not a zoo in the typical sense, but rather a place to actively learn about your favorite animals. Prices for the animal encounters are: Cheetah Encounter R140. I raced the ostrich jockeys twice. This peculiar bird numbers well into the hundred thousands in a town and farming area known as Oudtshoorn. At Highgate Ostrich Show Farm you can learn about incubators and ostrich anatomy, look at gizzard stones, visit an ostrich breeding camp and even feed an ostrich by hand. Ostrich riding (and racing) is a tourist staple in most places that farm these birds, especially South Africa’s “ostrich capital”, Oudtshoorn, where it’s been part of the cultural landscape since the mid-19th century. The tigers I pet were adorable, playful cubs who spent most of my visit licking each other and playing with their toys like curious puppies. Ostrich Farm Tours. Florida’s Sports Coast and Ocala: Let’s Play! Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a1dc08ab8d8664de10ab40d4ef100143" );document.getElementById("iaa16b4c5e").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); It’s been seventeen months since I last saw my sisters and my mother.  Like the rest of us during the Annis Horribilis, nobody has been…, Ghana's Volta Region: Cats, Bats and Rats for Dinner. Your email address will not be published. The biggest zoos in the world are often the best-known, but is bigger always better? His fur was coarser than I’d imagined and I was allowed to touch his sides and the back of his head. I changed into a sanitized wet suit and goggles provided by the ranch and entered a tall, circular cage that would soon lower me via a crane into the Nile crocodile habitat. After a few minutes getting used to the awkward balancing act of riding an ostrich around in the corral we headed over to the racetrack. Croc Cage Diving R220.If you’re looking for a combination of unique animal encounters, Oudtshoorn is an ideal destination. Ostrich leather is supple and soft and is used widely in the making of a variety of leather goods – both locally and internationally. Ostrich riding has been fairly popular among tourists in the Oudtshoorn region but the practice has come under scrutiny by animal welfare organisations. Once our ostrich education was complete, we met Betsie the Friendly Ostrich. It is funny how memories come flashing back when you sit back and soak in the beauty of South Africa. You can also watch how ostrich eggs are carved, learn about leather and feathers, and get to know a bit more about ostrich evolution. The tour is multilingual and they are conducted every 20 minutes by professional tour guides. Menu options are available on request when booking your tour. There are a lot of ostrich farms in Oudtshoorn. A must do in Oudtshoorn Ben our guide was very informative and friendly with good knowledge of ostriches. With only about 92km between Oudtshoorn & Mossel Bay (or about 1h 15 via the R328), a trip via the Robinson pass be easily done (although to fully experience everything there is to do, multiple days should be provisioned). The restaurant is open from 10am until 3pm daily. Whether swimming with dolphins is a life-long ambition, a bucket-list item or you are doing it for the health benefits it is important that you thoroughly research where do undertake this... What are 7 star hotels? Booking your travels through a travel agent can be a great way to get added security (e.g. You might even get to hold a baby ostrich, get a massage from one and enjoy an ostrich race! There’s one type of tour offered at Safari Ostrich Show Farm – the ostrich tractor safari. Since there is only time for a few people to ride on each tour, I suggest raising your hand as soon as they ask for volunteers if you’re up for the experience. To help you find the best ostrich farms in Oudtshoorn to visit, I’ve put together this guide. Adults want to have fun, too! See this travel resources post to plan your next trip. I took a general tour and visited hippos, lions, tigers and more, but I had a more specific reason for visiting the ranch: the unique opportunity to pet cheetahs and tiger cubs in a protected area. Swimming With the CrocodilesNext, it was on to face the crocodiles in their world. The following three ostrich farms are the biggest and best in Oudtshoorn…. There are three levels of tour you can do at Highgate Ostrich Show Farm: the traditional ostrich farm tour, or the tour itself followed by either the class or premier meal. Visitors get to see eggs, incubators and chicks as well as grown ostriches. For the best-rated in terms of location, look no further than Riverside Lodge. Through Tourism Teacher I share my knowledge on the principles and practice of travel and tourism management from both an academic and practical perspective. Sign up today.Â. This post may contain affiliate links. There is an on-site restaurant offering ostrich meat and a variety of other meals. There’s a pool, free WiFi and an airport shuttle available. There’s an on-site shop selling leather goods, regional snacks, feather dusters and more. The ostrich tour available at Cango Ostrich Show Farm is a walking tour that lasts around 45 minutes. They offer free parking, and it’s around 45 minutes by car from the airport. What does the tour include? There’s no graceful way to get off an ostrich. The answer is yes – in certain places, ostrich riding is available and even a common tourist pastime. This makes it one of the cheapest ostrich farms in Oudtshoorn. This entire trip looks like fun, from riding an ostrich to holding a baby crocodile, and even the cave trip. The best places to swim with dolphins in the world. We return to Oudtshoorn … Read my full disclaimer here. Both the classic and premier meals are 3 courses including ostrich egg and meat. Cango Ostrich Show Farm: Ride an Ostrich - See 588 traveler reviews, 427 candid photos, and great deals for Oudtshoorn, South Africa, at Tripadvisor. There are quite a few ostrich farms in the semi-desert area of Oudtshoorn in South Africa. The truth about 7 star hotels | Are they real. In this article I will tell you which are the biggest zoos in the world and I note that while many of these zoos are also ranked as some of the best zoos in the world, bigger doesn't... You may be asking yourself where are the best places to swim with dolphins. Now, I’ve never ridden a bull, but I felt that if I lasted eight seconds on the ostrich without being thrown I’d have bragging rights for ages. For all that, I was very keen to give it a go. Evelyn is a geologist, writer, traveler, and aspiring polyglot. AGU Blogosphere | Georneys | Cango Caves in Pictures on November 18, 2011; About Evelyn. Since I apparently have no fear of embarrassment by falling off a tall bird, I immediately raised my hand when they asked for volunteers. There is an on site shop offering leather goods and more, as well as various regional wines. They were roughly the size of a medium-sized dog, and sported sweet dispositions along with massive paws that reminded me how massive they’d be as adults. The second time against the jockeys I didn't have any help - I came in last. There are also set menus offered at the dining halls on site: Rietkraal, Timjan, and Sam. Riding the huge birds used to be popular … Which are the best universities for travel and tourism Choosing which university you study at and indeed which course is best for you is a very important decision. Ostrich riding: should you do it? Who says these places must be mostly for kids. This peculiar bird numbers well into the hundred thousands in a town and farming area known as Oudtshoorn. When she came near the cage to say hi, though, the fact that I was in the middle of a crocodile habitat finally hit me. Once I got over my initial fear, I developed a complete fascination. Once I was secured in the cage, the crane lowered me until the water was up to my shoulders. For accommodation options, find unique Garden Route hotels and interesting tours in the Garden Route. The jockeys helped back the ostrich out of the slot and held onto him while he took off. On this trip (R154 for adult and R133 for kids) we saw ostriches, informed about feathers, leather, meat. I loved the traditional African safari experience I had near Kruger Park earlier in my trip, but I wanted more. If you visit Oudtshoorn in the Karoo, South Africa, and if you dare, you could try to sit on an ostrich, ride the ostrich and perhaps even take part in an "Ostrich Derby" (not for the faint hearted)! Riding an ostrich at Highgate Ostrich Show Farm at Oudtshoorn, South Africa! For general information on lodging, activities and directions, visit oudtshoorninfo.com. If you’re planning a trip to Western Cape, consider these places to stay in Oudtshoorn. From a very informative tour guide to riding an ostrich!! Offering apartments, cottages and luxury villas, the Karoo Retreat is a popular choice in Oudtshoorn. My first thought upon getting on the giant bird was quite simple: Ostriches are not meant to be ridden. ABTA and ATOL protection) and the expertise of someone who spends every day planning holidays. Oudtshoorn houses the biggest population of ostriches in the world, hence its nickname, ‘The Ostrich Capital of the World’, or as it is known locally ‘Groot Voël Paradys’, which is Afrikaans for ‘Big Bird Paradise’. Does a 7 star hotel actually exist? There are also game lodges, a zipline and skydiving available in the area. Entering Oudtshoorn I felt like getting into their kingdom. Click here to read our writer’s guidelines. The average visit to an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn will start out with a somewhat fascinating tour of the facilities. Tours of the caves are available, so a lot of visitors combine the Cango Ostrich Show Farm and the Cango Caves. I’m rarely content with just viewing animals from afar and I like to experience areas via non-traditional methods. In fact, if you’re travelling to Oudtshoorn, South Africa, then chances are visiting an ostrich farm is on your list. In fact, riding an ostrich is remarkably like riding a pencil-necked two-hundred-and-fifty pound chicken. The best zoos in Europe are well worth a visit, especially if you are a big fan of animals or if you are travelling with children. Are the biggest zoos in the world also the best zoos in the world? There is always something you don't know and its never to late to learn even about the ostrich, from their feathers to their eggs, and for the more fun part you can hug, feed and ride a ostrich, you can even get a neck massage from a few of the ostriches. I took a healthy breath, pulled myself to the bottom of the cage, and looked around. There’s something about a town whose unofficial mascot is an ostrich that’s irresistible to me. At the Cango Ostrich Show Farm you can observe large flocks of Ostriches at different stages of development. Visit cangoostrich.co.za for more information. A fun filled day without breaking the bank! Held the eggs, fed the birds, saw the chickens, had a chance to sit on the birds, ride the birds, and also saw an ostrich race Kids under go free. Never in my life would I have expected to get within inches of a crocodile. You can also get 20% off if you book your meal online. Our guide also informed us that ostrich steak looks and tastes more like a traditional beef steak than anything resembling chicken, and is low in fat. Required fields are marked *. Since ostriches aren’t traditionally nice, Betsie was a special one. These must be pre-booked, however. It is less popular now, but still an activity that is available to tourists. Safari Ostrich Farm | Ostrich Farm in Oudtshoorn, South Africa You have successfully joined the subscriber list. Tours last about 45 minutes and cost 50 rand for adults and 25 rand for children. This wasn’t the Discovery Channel. There’s a pool, WiFi, bikes available to use, air-con and en suite bathrooms. This tends to be in countries like South Africa, particularly in the Oudtshoorn area. Outdshoorn is a beautiful part of South Africa and must-visit on any trip to South Africa, and hopefully this post will help you plan the perfect trip. I yelled to the crane operator: “Are you sure she can’t get in?”. Alas, the farm came through for us, offering to open the farm fifteen minutes early the next day for a private ride if we wanted. Which are the best travel agencies to use? But is it all just a lot of hype? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 2) I love the ostrich’s little hat. With the only ostrich farm that does riding, there is no question as to what farm to visit. The tour takes one hour and twenty minutes, and each meal lasts for around an hour too. Which means you would be able to run super-duper fast but I don’t know where you would poo. The tour costs R146 for adults (around £8.35 sterling, or $10.40) and is half price for children aged 4-14. As well as this, Highgate Ostrich Show Farm have partnerships with two nearby guest houses to arrange accommodation for your wedding guests! Read more GoNOMAD stories by Carly Blatt: Caving and Quad Biking in Oudtshoorn, South Africa, Colorado Adventuring By Air, By Land and By Water. Visitors get to see eggs, incubators and chicks as well as grown ostriches. Even though the cage had a bottom and she couldn’t touch me, I instinctively lifted my feet up. An ostrich farm visit in Oudtshoorn is a must, even if it’s just because it’s one of the few opportunities you’ll have in life to pet an ostrich. There has been plenty of discussion about 7 star hotel recently.