Ostrich Ride in South Africa

How many people can say they've ridden an ostrich? If you visit Oudtshoorn in the Karoo, South Africa, and if you dare, you could try to sit on an ostrich, ride the ostrich and perhaps even take part in an "Ostrich Derby" (not for the faint hearted)!

Oudtshoorn is famous for its huge ostrich population, which thrive in the semi-desert conditions. Ostriches are the tallest living birds on the planet. The Ostrich is a large, flightless bird - the largest living bird on earth. When fully grown it weighs over 120kg pounds. Ostrich have long necks, small heads, large eyes, long, powerful legs, and two toes on each foot. Ostriches have great vision and because of their strong legs can run at 70 km per hour.

Acknowledgement:

Michelle Farnsworth

Ostriches are inquisitive birds that will peck anyone or anything. You will certainly feel the peck but it doesn't hurt. But, be cautioned, beware of their claws! They kick forward, not backward, and their claws are sharp enough to inflict wounds. Especially the males who become aggressive as they get older. (The males are black with white plumes while the females are brown).

To ride an Ostrich, visit one of the Ostrich Show Farms in Oudtshoorn, South Africa. Here you can observe large flocks of Ostriches at different stages of development.

There are petting areas where you can cuddle the chicks or feed an ostrich by hand, watch how feather dusters and boas are made.

The race is on!!

Professional multilingual guides take you on a conducted tour where you will learn about the birds surrounded by thousands of ostriches. Visit the Restaurant where you can try an Ostrich Steak or the Ostrich egg (which feeds 20 people), can be tasted together with Ostrich Paté and Biltong. You can also visit the shop on site and purchase exclusive leather handbags and feather boas and a variety of decorated and plain Ostrich eggshells, Ostrich paté's and biltong (traditional dried meat) and other delicatessen are available at these shops.

And then if you feel really brave you can try to sit on an ostrich or you can actually try to ride an ostrich (at your own risk!).

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Sutherland – South Africa

Sutherland is a small Karoo town, famous for its warm hospitality, snowy winters, starlit nights and dramatic landscapes. Fascinating history, unique natural assets and numerous outdoor activities make Sutherland a popular destination.

Gateway to the universe - that is what they call Sutherland. Land of snow and stars. The coldest place in South Africa. The place where you find the largest telescope in the Southern Hemisphere - a telescope so powerful that one could see a candle flame on the moon. When you take the tar road from Cape Town , you turn off at Matjiesfontein, the famous English Karoo town with its splendid museum, then another 110 km and you reach Sutherland -  not only famous for its Observatory but also for its pure , fresh air - fresher than anywhere else in the world!

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Tierkloof Hiking Trail

Dramatic gorges, stunning mountain scenery, amazing wildlife and birds characterize the Tierkloof Hiking Trail in Gamkaberg Nature Reserve.

This moderately strenuous trail starts in the Succulent Karoo biome before heading into a lush, forested ravine. Here a melodic chorus of forest songbirds rings in the kloof – particularly the vocal Bokmakieries and Southern Boubous. A pair of breeding Black eagles have claimed the cliffs for their eyrie and can often be seen soaring in the thermals.

The two-day trail eventually leads hikers onto the fragrant fynbos-clad mountain plateau. Spectacular views of the Swartberg and Outeniqua Mountains can be enjoyed from the far-flung overnight stop at Oukraal camp.

The camp provides beds, mattresses, gas fridge, stove, fireplace and ablutions. Permits can be obtained from the CapeNature Booking Office.

Day One 14.5 km, Day Two 13 km.

Where to stay

Rietfontein Ostrich Palace - 18.90km from Tierkloof Hiking Trail

Welcome to Rietfontein Ostrich Palace, a working ostrich farm situated between Calitzdorp (Port Capital of the World) and Oudtshoorn (Ostrich Capital of the world) on the Route 62 (longest wine route in South Africa). It is the eldest working ostrich farm in the Cape Colony, established by the Potgieter family in 1897 and boasts with one of the most intriguing ostrich palaces, dating back to the early 1900’s (the feather boom era). 

Enjoy a scrumptious meal at our restaurant - we serve ostrich cuisine and local wine. Our accommodation comprises of 3 units (6 rooms ) each with en-suite bathroom and equipped with all necessaries. Experience an one hour private ostrich farm tour daily. Not commercial. Experience the historical side of Rietfontein Ostrich Palace & the Feather Boom Era.

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Weltevrede Fig Farm

Get the real Karoo farm experience! Magnificent views, bird-watching, horse riding, baboons and antelope to be seen. Bushman paintings are within walking distance. Group lunches or dinners can be arranged.

Magnificent Karoo!

The Weltevrede valley lies 25 km from Prince Albert and is surrounded by the Swartberg Mountains. Weltevrede is a working farm and the main crop is Adam's figs which are sun-dried.

Sunset in the Karoo is something you must experience!

Visit during the harvesting and drying season (from January to May) and see how the figs are picked, processed and packed. The owners also grow oranges and naartjies and rear ostrich. Visitors are most welcome to view all the farm activities.

Swartberg Mountains

Guided hikes over the Swartberg Mountain from the farm into "The Hell" are on offer during the cooler months.

Recommended accommodation

Engela