Oudtshoorn at a glance

Oudtshoorn, the heart of the Klein Karoo, sits at the gateway to the Garden Route, cradled between the majestic Outeniqua and Swartberg Mountain Passes. This culturally rich and historic town boasts a spectacular setting, offering a unique blend of heritage, natural beauty, and adventure.

Renowned as the ostrich capital of the world, Oudtshoorn has long been a magnet for visitors eager to experience its thriving ostrich farming industry. The town also serves as a base for some of the Western Cape’s most iconic attractions, including the breathtaking Cango Caves and the renowned Klein Karoo wine route—Route 62—famed for producing some of South Africa’s finest port-style wines.

Oudtshoorn’s distinctive architecture tells a story of its opulent past. During the ostrich feather booms of the 1880s and early 1900s, wealthy "feather barons" commissioned grand Ostrich Palaces, designed in Art Nouveau, Victorian, and Neo-Renaissance Revival styles. Visionary architects such as Karl Otto Hager, Georges Wallace (Snr. & Jnr.), and Charles Bullock—known for his intricate turrets and lace-like details—left a lasting legacy. Another striking feature of the town’s landscape is its elegant sandstone buildings, a tradition dating back to the 1860s when Scottish stonemasons first arrived. Notable structures such as St Jude’s Anglican Church (the town’s oldest stone building), the Oudtshoorn Synagogue, and the CP Nel Museum stand as testaments to this craftsmanship.

Just 30 km north of Oudtshoorn, the world-famous Cango Caves—a breathtaking network of limestone chambers—have awed visitors for generations. Considered by many to be a natural wonder of the world, this 20-million-year-old cave system offers both easy and advanced routes, allowing explorers to marvel at its ancient stalactites, towering caverns, and intricate rock formations.

While summers in Oudtshoorn can be scorching, the winters are mild and pleasant. The surrounding mountain ranges provide natural protection from the coastal winds that sweep inland from Mossel Bay and George, ensuring a comfortable climate year-round.

With tourism as a key economic driver, Oudtshoorn offers a wealth of opportunities for property investors and entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry. The town is home to a range of first-class hotels, lodges, guesthouses, and boutique inns—making it a prime location for those looking to invest in tourism accommodation.

Life in Oudtshoorn is a breath of fresh air—literally. Residents enjoy the perks of country living, unpolluted air, and access to some of the finest local wines and cuisine, all within reach of their doorstep. Whether you’re settling down for the long haul or just passing through, you’ll be embraced by the warmth and hospitality of the Klein Karoo.

Property Types:

Houses
Vacant Land

Schools in Oudtshoorn:

Oudtshoorn High School
Van Reede Primary School
Langenhoven Gimnasium

Oudtshoorn property guide