Oudtshoorn Ostriches in South Africa 2024-2025

Have you ever ridden an ostrich? Trying to curb this bird might turn out to be more challenging than you think. Otherwise, simply learn about the life of these magnificent birds

Best time: all year round

Browse the net for Oudtshoorn, and you'll soon find that it's the world's ostrich capital. This relatively small town in Klein Karoo, Western Cape, literally brims with flightless birds. Keep in mind, however, that they are flightless, not helpless. The largest bird species can surely stand up for itself and you'll discover their fervent temper if you venture to ride one. Ostrich rides are normally offered within an ostrich safari. Well, birds don't like it that much, so it's up to you whether to ride an ostrich or not.

Oudtshoorn has several ostrich farms where you can learn all about their breeding, starting from incubation to adulthood. On a normal ostrich tour, you'll be able to meet large flocks of curious birds staring at you, feed them by hand, cuddle the chicks, and maybe even witness one hatching from an egg.

Just like the birds themselves, ostrich eggs are also the largest in the world. They equal 2 dozen chicken eggs in size. You can even stand on one and it won't crack.

If you're a meat lover and haven't become too attached to the birds during your encounter, you're welcome to try ostrich meat—it's served in every restaurant in Oudtshoorn. This meat is said to be extremely healthy, as it contains almost no fat. Besides meat, ostriches have other uses in making feather dusters and boas. You'll discover these crafts during your ostrich tour as well.

The tours are available all year round, however, they are weather-dependant. Dry weather is obviously better, which coincides with South African winter—April to October.