Oudtshoorn grew rich on ostrich feathers in the early twentieth century, and a visit to an ostrich farm is the best way to understand how. Highgate is one of the best known of the show farms, about two kilometres off the road to Mossel Bay, just outside town. The tour lasts about an hour and a quarter and is led by a guide who talks you through the biology and behaviour of the birds. You hand-feed an ostrich, watch staff show how plumage, eggs and leather are turned into crafts and see the ostrich derby, in which riders take part in a light-hearted race. The booking page lists entrance to the farm, the guided tour and all taxes and fees as included, and there is a gift shop and restaurant on site. Reviewers describe it as informative and fun for children, and an easy fit for a short stop between the caves and town. Ostrich riding is not included, and a reviewer on the booking page says it is no longer offered, so do not expect it.
What to expect
You gather at the farm for the start of the tour, with a maximum of fifteen people in a group, and the guide leads you around the pens, explaining how the birds live, breed and are raised. Children usually love feeding the ostriches, and the guide demonstrates how to hold out your hand so that you keep all your fingers. The demonstrations show how every part of the bird, from feathers to leather, has been used, which links back to the town's boom years.
Practical tips
Wear comfortable clothes and closed shoes, bring a hat and sunscreen because there is little shade and the Little Karoo is hot, and keep your bag close because the birds are curious. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, according to the booking page, so think about that if anyone in your group has mobility needs. Cancellation is free up to a day before. A low entry price makes it one of the cheaper experiences in the region.
Where it fits
Oudtshoorn has several ostrich farms, and they offer similar tours, so you do not need to visit more than one. Highgate works well as a morning stop before the Cango Caves, or in the afternoon on the way back to town. Stay for lunch at the farm restaurant if you want to try ostrich, which is lean and tastes a little like beef.
The tour can be combined with a drive over the Swartberg Pass for a full day in the Little Karoo. Expect the farm to be busiest in holidays, so arrive early.
What to expect
The experience
A guided tour of a working ostrich show farm, with hand-feeding, craft demonstrations and a look at the ostrich derby.
Best time
Morning, when it is cooler and the birds are lively.
How long
About an hour and a quarter.
Tips
Wear closed shoes, a hat and sunscreen, keep your bag close and do not expect ostrich riding, which is not part of the tour.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and anyone curious about why Oudtshoorn was once the feather capital of the world.
- Families
- Children usually love feeding the ostriches, and groups are small.
- Couples
- A light-hearted stop that fills a morning between the caves and lunch.
- Pair with
- The Cango Caves and a drive over the Swartberg Pass.
- Time needed
- Two hours with the drive from town.
Good questions
Can I ride an ostrich?+
Riding is not part of this tour, and a reviewer on the booking page says it is no longer offered. You can hand-feed the birds and watch the ostrich derby.
What does the tour include?+
Entrance to the farm, a guided tour on ostrich biology and behaviour, hand-feeding, craft demonstrations and the derby, with taxes and fees included. Food and drink are extra.
How long does it take?+
About an hour and a quarter. Add time for the drive from Oudtshoorn and for the gift shop and restaurant.
Is it suitable for children?+
Yes, most children enjoy feeding the ostriches and the small groups keep things easy. The tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Where is the farm?+
Highgate is about two kilometres off the road to Mossel Bay, just outside Oudtshoorn. It is an easy drive from the town centre.
