A quaint 18th-century town, located between the Swartberg mountains to the north and the Outeniqua Mountains to the south, Oudtshoorn is famed as being 'the ostrich capital of the world'. Meaning 'our pride' in Xhosa, Oudtshoorn was once the epicentre of the 19th-century's ostrich feather craze. No self-respecting lady of the age would have been seen out in public without a plume or three adorning her head. Though fashions may have changed, Oudtshoorn is still known for its ostriches, now something as a tourist attraction, as well as being commercially farmed. Our pick of the best places to stay in Oudtshoorn showcase the best in heritage and character-filled hotels.

A perfect base for exploring the Garden Route, as well as the Little and Great Karoo beyond, Oudtshoorn is a very civilised base from which to embark on a truly wild experience. With the gracious homes of these former ostrich barons still intact, along with other architectural pointers to Oudtshoorn’s former wealth (such as the CP Nel Museum, formerly a school), the town remains proud of its heritage and is now a prosperous tourist centre of the Little Karoo. With the archaeologically impressive Cango Caves and the much-loved Cango Wildlife Ranch on your doorstep, there are plenty of 'must-do' experiences, right on your doorstep.

What not to miss:

• Take a tour of some of the grandiose homes of Oudtshoorn’s 'feather barons', including what is now, the CP Nel Museum.
• Cango Wildlife Ranch, a conservation park offering animal petting, is loved by all ages.
• Scramble your way through the Cango Caves, a 20-million-year-old network of limestone chambers.
• Visit one of the town ostrich breeding farms, the Safari Show Farm and the Highgate Ostrich Show Farm, being two of the most popular.

Our selection of the best places to stay in Oudtshoorn provides a wide range of charming, boutique hotels in this quirky, rural locale.

The Best Places to stay in Oudtshoorn

For a boutique stay

• Idiosyncratic owner-managed hotel, Riverside Guest Lodge, features six uniquely decorated rooms.
• One of a kind, modern art-house stay, The Bright House Villa provides a colourful stay within easy reach of town.

For total relaxation

• Rosenhof Country House provides a refined and colonial setting to explore the surrounding countryside.
• Stay on this historic ostrich farm, now in the fourth generation of the same family, guests of De Denne Country House can look forward to an utterly indulgent stay.

For a great value stay

• A well-priced guest house, experience a stay at a traditional Cape Dutch style home at De Avond Rust.
• Heritage stay, right on Oudtshoorn's high street, Queen's Hotel is excellent value.

For a historic stay

• Dating back to the 19th-century, La Plume Guest House was once the home of a prominent ostrich farmer and boasts interiors filled with antiques and heritage pieces.

For a countryside stay

• A stay on a working olive farm, Surval Boutique Olive Estate, is a truly peaceful abode, with excellent locally sourced dining.
• Surrounded by beautiful gardens and natural wildlife, Berluda Farmhouse & Cottages offers a great escape amidst nature.
• Utterly charming, working farm, De Kombuys Estate is located in the midst of the Swartberg Mountain Range. Diners will love the on-site Marbled Wagyu restaurant serving a range of home-grown, home-cooked produce.

For the perfect family stay

• With easy reach of the Klein Karoo and its bounty of wildlife opportunities and outdoor activities, Hlangana Lodge is much loved by families.
• With on-site cycling, kayaking, a kids club, and so much more, children will love De Zeekoe Guest Farm. Owners Paula & Boetie opened their working farm to the public some 15-years ago, and have been charming visitors with their organic home-grown produce and delicious meals ever since!

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Oudtshoorn?

• If you want to rent self-drive to explore the scenic Garden Route, visit our online partner Rentalcars.

• Alternatively, George Airport is an hour's drive from Oudtshoorn, with daily flights from Cape Town International Airport.

• For the best weather aim to visit between November and February, where temperatures are usually in the high 20°Cs. Between May and September see the coldest weather, though temperatures seldom drop below double figures.

Still not sure?

• Widen the net to include our recommendations in nearby Knysna, George, Mossel Bay, Wilderness, Plettenberg Bay, Oudtshoorn, and the Western Cape.
• Take a look at our top recommendations for The Garden Route.
• Or contact one of our gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Oudtshoorn