Focus on Oudtshoorn, Garden Route, South Africa

World-renowned for the Cango Caves and as the Ostrich Capital, but there's much more to Oudtshoorn than just that!

Surrounded by natural beauty, Oudtshoorn is situated at the foot of the majestic Swartberg Mountain range. Numerous rivers, streams and falls have their origins in the Swartberg, Outeniqua and Kamanassie ranges around the town.

Waterfalls abound, and visitors can safely visit two spectacular examples at Rus en Vrede and at Meiringspoort - a narrow, vertical cleft in the Swartberg Mountain, with the road through crossing the Meiring's River no less than 32 times!

Amidst the 400 ostrich farms surrounding the town, three have distinguished themselves worthy enough to be named show farms. Get to know this exotic bird species, and, for the more adventurous, take an ostrich ride.

The Swartberg Pass, between Oudtshoorn and Prince Albert, is one of the most sensational drives in southern Africa, declared a national monument. It is the masterpiece of a brilliant engineer, Thomas Bain, and dates from the 1880's, when it was hand-built in 5 years' time.

One of the world's great natural wonders, the Cango Caves, was sculpted by nature through the ages. Mysterious and breathtaking limestone formations in a wide variety of natural colours, only some 20 odd km from town. With daily guided tours, this is really a trip worth-while.

Then there's the town itself. Exceptional stone masonry through the ages led to that special touch. Admire the grandeur of the numerous ostrich palaces, like Pinehurst, established in the times of the feather boom. Conserved to this day as museums, guesthouses and dwellings for the discerning.

Visit the C.P. Nel Museum, with the theme The Ostrich through the Ages, and relive the booming Ostrich Era. Visit the home of the famous C.J. Langenhoven, Arbeidsgenot, or any of the many historical church buildings, or experience a walk over one of the most elegant suspension bridges in the country. And just over the mountains is the world-famous Garden Route!

And still it does not end - visit the Cheetah Breeding Farm, one of the foremost examples of eco-tourism in the world. A superb mixture of conservation and tourism. This is a highly successful breeding station, one of only two in the southern hemisphere. Be photographed cuddling a cheetah, the fastest animal on land.

And on your way (to or from) the Cheetah Farm, why not stop a while at the Angore Rabbit show farm, and the charming Schoemanshoek Valley.

Or gaze with awe at the slithering reptile species from all over the world. Imagine more than 400 crocodiles and alligators in their prehistoric unattractiveness. They're being bred here, and they're awfully nice, as long as you don't get too close!

The Klein Karoo National Arts Festival in Oudtshoorn is the annual gathering in March/April, of more than 100 000 lovers of the various arts, for a week of dancing, films, cabaret, classical music, comedy, contemporary music, open air concerts, plays, literary art and poetry. A momentous event, enjoying international sponsorship.

The eco-tourist, and those thriving on the outdoor life, alike, will be faced with a large selection of challenging opportunities. Hiking and mountain biking trails are in abundance, with choices ranging from lush sub-tropical to semi-arid. You will certainly leave fulfilled. Then there are also some National Parks and private nature reserves.

Even in the sporting field, Oudtshoorn is the hub of the region, offering a challenging modern 18-hole golf course with full amenities, as well as squash courts, bowls, athletics, tennis, cricket, rugby, olympic standard swimming pools, motorsport and miniature aircraft.

Or you can do some horse riding, or one of various 4x4 routes, or what about white-water rafting.

First class hotels, lodges, inns and guesthouses await the visitor. Enjoy the relaxed, friendly, hospitable atmosphere offered in town, or at the various surrounding farms. Experience the joy of life in the country, and breathe in the healthy, unpolluted air.

Taste the art of fine local wines - dine on the excellent cuisine of the restauranteurs, from a five-course meal, which could include ostrich, to a delightful, lighter meal, all exquisitely available to satisfy every taste.

In 1689, ensign Izak Schrijver was the first person to document the Olifants River Valley. In years to come, this valley became home to a flourishing farming community, owing its prosperity to the Ostrich and Tobacco industires.

The elgant sandstone buildings, many of which are proclaimed National Monuments, are a manifestation of the wealth and culture of the early settlers.

The town itself was laid out by surveyor J Ford in 1847-48, on C P Rademeyer's farm, Hartebeesrivier, and was named in honour of the wife of the then magistrate at George, Mrs Geesje Ernestina Johanna Bergh, a granddaughter of Pieter, Baron van Reede Van Oudtshoorn.