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Oudtshoorn
Crocs, Caves & Ostriches

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In the late 1800's ostrich plumes were an essential fashion item.  The farmers found unknown wealth, and being otherwise secluded, built grandiose houses, known as the Ostrich Palaces. Several of these homes have been preserved and can be visited, and even the ostriches ridden!

Today ostrich leather is the basis of ostrich farming, and the meat finds a ready market as it has a very low cholesterol content.

Oudtshoorn's other great claim to fame is the Cango Caves.  These immense caverns, contain some of the world's largest stalactites, an idea of the scale can be seen by comparing the size of the visitors.

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There are regular descents by lift (elevator) to the main level, and a variety of tours of a different length, and difficulty, arranged.

 

 

... And to complete your visit to this interesting town, perhaps you may wish to attempt the Swartberg Pass, a curving gravel road that will eventually connect you to the N1 and the roads to Cape Town / Johannesburg; or perhaps the crocodile farm, with additionally a large range of big cats, both African and exotic.