When travelling the Garden Rout along South Africa’s south coast, you find the ostrich capital Oudshoorn. Here ostriches are found in great numbers and it will be an unforgettable experience. You may never get to an ostrich on the safe side of a fence at a zoo or wildlife park but in the ostrich capital you not only see and photograph ostriches but also get to pet, feed, sit on and even ride them! The largest bird in the world has been valued for thousands of years. Around seven million years ago in Egypt, feathers from these large, flightless birds were a symbol of justice and wisdom. Empty eggshells were used by the San Bushmen to store or carry precious water. In the early 19th century Ostriches were first commercially exploited for feathers, which were used to make colourful, flamboyant hats for fashion- conscious ladies in Europe.

Around the 1850s, Ostrich farms were set up in Oudtshoorn to supply the demand of ostrich feathers for the fashion markets. Today, South Africa slaughters between 260,000 and 300,000 ostriches every year and exports 90 per cent of the resulting leather and meat products in the world. Once a cheaper red meat option, it has now become an expensive treat for meat lovers.

A visit to Cango Ostrich Farm, one of the oldest and most popular attractions can be combined with a stop at the world famous Cango Caves.

Chandelier Game Lodge & Ostrich Show Farm is the best place to see ostriches. It is such a farm where you can stay in luxurious, en-suite tented chalets within walking distance of ostriches. Visitors are invited to participate in farm activities, such as feather clipping. The farm has been open to the public since 1938.

Oudshoorn Ostrich Farm offers visitors as an “animal-friendly tour” that makes them want to return again and again.

A most enjoyable excursion!

www.southafricahub.co.za