Accommodation Near Oudtshoorn Ostrich Farms

In the late 1800s, European and American fashion trends included ladies hats adorned with bird feathers and the demand was so great that it spawned a huge ostrich feather industry in South Africa. The ostrich bird thrives in semi-arid areas and farms mushroomed in the Oudtshoorn area. Farmers made fortunes on exporting of the feathers, however, the industry collapsed in 1900 after the Lacey Act was passed in America, prohibiting entry of foreign animal products into the country. The Europeans quickly followed and but for a few farmers who held on, the Oudtshoorn ostrich feather industry bubble had burst.

Fortunately those farmers survived because the ostrich is now in demand for vastly different reasons; aside from the bird’s magnificent feathers used for fashion accessories and feather dusters, the meat is lean, low in fats and high in iron, while its skin is used to manufacture high quality bags, jackets and shoes. The full-quill bags are popular for the unusual texture, the quill follicle being an unmistakable signature of a genuine ostrich skin bag. Hand-painted ostrich eggs are commonly purchased as a keepsake.

There are number of ostrich farms in Oudtshoorn, each with their own unique attractions, from feeding to riding of ostriches. All offer tours explaining the bird’s development where the egg can be handled (average weight is between 1-2kg), through to various interactions with an adult. Other offerings on the farms include safaris, curios, boutique shops, entertaining ostrich races and as venues for weddings.

On the restaurant menus are ostrich meat dishes to be enjoyed with a glass of local red wine, and the opportunity to sample an egg dish. Some of the farms offer combined tour and meal tickets.

The ostrich farms are a great contributor to both employment and tourism in the region. Pop in to the Oudtshoorn information centre to browse through the pamphlets and choose the ostrich farm that most appeals.