Cidade Turismo
South Africa

Before you go

Your trip to Oudtshoorn.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Oudtshoorn – Cabo Ocidental Destination Garden Route about 420 km from Cidade do Cabo

How to get there

  • Aeroporto de George (GRJ) George · 65 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

From George, the arrival city, it is about 60 km via the Outeniqua Pass (N12), roughly an hour by car. George Airport (GRJ) is about 65 km away. From Cape Town it is about 420 km via Route 62, around 5 hours. The town is served by long-distance buses coming from Cape Town and George.

How many days

One day for the Cango Caves and an ostrich farm; two days to include the Swartberg Pass and the C. P. Nel Museum. Many people visit Oudtshoorn as a one- or two-day detour from the Garden Route.

When to go

The Little Karoo is dry, with very hot summers—above 35 °C on some days—and winters with cold nights. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. The Swartberg Pass can close after heavy rain or snow.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Yes. The Cango Caves, the Swartberg and the farms are outside the town, and there is no public transport to them. Driving is on the left.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Oudtshoorn
  1. Morning
    Cango Caves

    Take the guided tour of the Cango Caves, about 30 km to the north, with departures in the morning.

  2. Afternoon
    Ostrich farm

    On the way back, visit one of the ostrich farms along the R328 and learn about the farming.

  3. Late afternoon
    Feather palaces

    Walk around the town centre and see the mansions from the feather era on Baron van Reede Street and nearby.

  4. Evening
    Ostrich meat

    Try ostrich meat at a restaurant in town.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Why is Oudtshoorn the ostrich city?

Ostrich farming for feather sales made the town wealthy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The farms remain active and welcome visitors.

How long is it from Oudtshoorn to the Cango Caves?

About 30 km via the R328, roughly 30 minutes by car.

Is Oudtshoorn on the Garden Route?

It lies on the far side of the Outeniqua Mountains, in the Little Karoo, about an hour from George. It is a common detour from the route.

Is it very hot in Oudtshoorn?

In summer, yes — with days above 35 °C. Prefer spring and autumn.

Back to Oudtshoorn