A recent media trip found me exploring Oudtshoorn, an area that I have not visited in years. For me, the first two things that come to mind when someone mentions Oudtshoorn are crocodiles and ostriches. So it was not very surprising that our first activity was the Safari Ostrich Farm, part of Cape Country Routes.
Cape Country Routes
Cape Country Routes is a collection of owner-operated and managed accommodation and activity establishments, located in the Western and Eastern Cape. The more than twenty privately owned hotels, lodges and guest houses, are all selected for their character, charm and activity options.
Safari Ostrich Farm
The working Ostrich Farm, located approximately 6km from Oudtshoorn, was established in 1956. This must-see Cape Country Routes {CCR} attraction is quite different from my past ostrich experiences, which included “riding” these big birds. Thankfully at Safari Ostrich Farm, this is no longer an accepted practice.
The 1800 hectare breeding farm also boasts a beautiful old, sandstone, homestead called the “Feather Palace”, a shop and a restaurant.
Guided Tour
Our guided Ostrich tour began with a tractor safari, the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with these fascinating birds. Something to keep in mind, however, Ostriches love shiny objects, so watch your jewels!
Bouncing along on the back of the tractor you are able to experience the actual workings of the farm, find out about their breeding cycle, as well as see Zimbabwean, Kenyan and South African Ostriches.
Needless to say, the birds provided many fun photo opportunities! With names like Suzy the Stripper, Jack the Ripper, Lady Gaga and Madonna – they certainly live up to their showy nature.
After the tractor ride, the more adventurous members in our group had fun feeding the ostriches. I was very happy behind the lens.
We were also able to see how ostrich eggs are carved, find out more about Ostrich Leather, the Feathers and the products they make on the farm.
The Restaurant @ Safari Ostrich Farm
After our tour, it was time for lunch at the Restaurant @ Safari Ostrich Farm, which was a good thing because we were all starving. The restaurant offers set menus consisting of export-grade ostrich fillet steak and a selection of accompaniments.
Our ostrich fillets were perfectly cooked and utterly delicious, I also loved the roasted cauliflower dish sidedish.
Final Thoughts
Our experience at Safari Ostrich Farm was fun, as well as being informative. I would highly recommend you visit if you are in the area, especially for those travelling with children.
Next up on our itinerary was checking in at Wildehondekloof, also part of Cape Country Routes.
Location & Contact Details
Location – R328, Oudtshoorn, 6620, South Africa, GPS Coordinates S33° 37.880 E022° 09.780. Contact them via telephone +27 (0)44 272 7312 or e-mail [email protected]. Tour Times – daily from 08:00 to 16:00.
Images
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Disclosure
Our trip was hosted by Cape Country Routes and the guided tour, meal and drinks were complimentary. Inspired Living and Fiona Rossiter have no material connection to the brands, products, or services mentioned in this post. All opinions, content, and images are the property of Inspired Living or Fiona Rossiter unless otherwise stated. To see more, read the full PR & Disclosure Policy below.
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