🏐 Things to Do in Oudtshoorn

2026 Local Guide3 listingsUpdated March 2026
Oudtshoorn
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Cango Caves
20 Million Years
One of the world's finest dripstone cave systems with guided heritage and adventure tours
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Ostrich Farms
250,000 Birds
Oudtshoorn farms house more ostriches than anywhere else on Earth
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Swartberg Pass
UNESCO Heritage
Arguably the most dramatic gravel mountain pass in South Africa

Must-Do Experiences

▼Top Pick

Cango Caves Tour

Explore spectacular underground chambers with formations millions of years old.

Heritage Tour (1hr, R150pp) — suitable for all. Adventure Tour (1.5hr, R200pp) — involves crawling through tight spaces including the Devil's Chimney. Book ahead; tours run every hour from 09:00. The caves are a constant 18C — bring a light jacket.

▼Iconic Drive

Swartberg Pass

Drive one of the world's most spectacular mountain passes — a UNESCO Heritage Site.

The 27km gravel pass climbs to 1,583m with hairpin bends and cliff-edge views. Passable in a sedan but take it slowly (1.5hrs). Free. The pass connects Oudtshoorn to Prince Albert. Best in dry weather — check conditions in winter.

▼Hidden Gem

Meerkat Adventure

Watch meerkats emerge at sunrise on a guided Karoo nature walk.

Meerkat Adventures (R350pp) starts before sunrise. You sit quietly near a meerkat burrow and watch the family emerge. The experience includes a Karoo nature walk and coffee. Book at least 2 days ahead. Unforgettable for families.

🔒 Local Secrets

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Cango Caves Adventure Tour — The Heritage Tour is nice, but the Adventure Tour is transformative. Crawling through the Devil's Chimney and the Coffin is a genuine challenge. Not for claustrophobic visitors.
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Swartberg + Prince Albert combo — Drive the Swartberg Pass to Prince Albert, have lunch at the Olive Branch, and return via the Meiringspoort gorge for a spectacular full-day circuit.
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Safari Ostrich Farm — Skip the touristy farms and visit Safari Ostrich Farm (R180pp) for genuine insight into the ostrich industry. You can sit on an ostrich (at your own risk) and see chicks hatching.
Oudtshoorn's attractions are unlike anything else on the Garden Route. The Cango Caves are a world-class natural wonder, the ostrich farms are unique to this region, and the Swartberg Pass is one of Africa's most spectacular drives. Add meerkat encounters and Karoo stargazing, and Oudtshoorn becomes an essential detour from the coast.
Cango Caves★★★★★4.7(5,600)R150-R200pp
R328, 30km from Oudtshoorn
One of the world's great show caves, featuring spectacular dripstone formations up to 20 million years old. The Heritage Tour visits the main chambers including the vast Van Zyl's Hall. The Adventure Tour adds narrow passages and vertical climbs for the brave. A SA must-see.
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Swartberg Pass★★★★★4.8(2,400)Free
R328, north of Oudtshoorn
A UNESCO World Heritage mountain pass built by Thomas Bain between 1881-1888. The 27km gravel road climbs through dramatic switchbacks to 1,583m with views of the Klein Karoo and Great Karoo. Often cited as the most beautiful mountain pass in South Africa.
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Safari Ostrich Farm★★★★☆4.3(2,100)R180pp
Off R328, Oudtshoorn
The most authentic ostrich farm experience in Oudtshoorn. Guided tours explain the ostrich industry's fascinating history, from feather baron wealth to modern farming. See ostriches at every life stage, from egg to adult. Includes the famous ostrich-sitting photo opportunity.
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