Oudtshoorn is known all around the world for its ostriches, and is about 160 years old. It lies centrally in the Little Karoo.   In 1839 the first church was built even before the city was established. Eight years later Oudtshoorn was officially declared as a city. Oudtshoorn can thank its abundant water reserves, especially the Grobelaars River, for its economic growth.   Around the turn of the century Oudtshoorn discovered its main economic attraction. All over the world ostrich feathers were very fashionable. After the craze for these feathers was over, the industry dwindled. Nowadays, the ostrich is important once again, but no ostrich is slaughtered just for its meat. The most desired parts of the ostrich are the skin and the feathers. Handbags and other items made from ostrich skin and are highly respected for their quality in South Africa.   During the day you can visit the farm and see how the ostriches are handled and raised. Never get too close to an ostrich as its toenail can be a deadly weapon to anyone that gets too close. One should be especially careful of the mothers that have young ones. Every farmer has had a bad experience where he/she got too close and they have the scars to prove it!   Outside Oudtshoorn you can visit the Cango Caves which are the biggest stalactite caves.   Further destinations in the area include: Calitzdorp – South African wine and port industry Crocodile farm Cheetah farm C.P.Nel Museum – Historical museum about bird breeding Ostrich farm Afrikaans Art and Culture celebration (once a year) Swartberg Mountains towards the north of Oudtshoorn Meiringspoort canyon Prince Albert Pass Swartberg Pass   Please visit:   Knysna - Plettenberg Bay - Mossel Bay - Port Elizabeth - George - Tsitsikamma Park - Wilderness - Oudtshoorn - Otter Trail - Cango Caves       South Africa Cape Town Guest Houses Accommodation Immigration White Shark Cage Diving Hotels Car Hire Property Garden Route Car Rental Camps Bay Hotel Garden Route Cape Town South Africa  South Africa  Cape Town Guesthouses  Cape Town Hotels  Cape Town  Cape Town Accommodation  Car Hire Cape Town  Cape Town Photos  South Africa Immigration  Cape Town Property  Cape Town Info  White Shark Cage Diving  Garden Route  South Africa Info  Immigration to South Africa  Car Rental South Africa   Camps Bay  Camps Bay Accommodation  Cape Town Tours & Trips South Africa Immigration Hotel Accommodation Self-Catering Rent a Car Cape Town Camps Bay Knysna George Plettenberg Bay Photos Wildlife Cape Town Day Trips Tours and Safaris Cape Town City Tours Safari Day Trips