Experiencing the Cango Ostrich Show Farm, Oudtshoorn, Western Cape
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Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape's Klein Karoo is not complete without a visit to an ostrich farm, and the Cango Ostrich Show Farm is a good all-round choice to learn more about these strange, prehistoric-looking birds and even ride one.
The Cango Ostrich Farm certainly provides a fun experience in learning about how ostriches are put to use in South Africa. Yes, they are eaten quite a lot, and their feathers used for making dusters, but their leather is especially sought after and has also been considerably used in the fashion industry.
The farm tour will take in a presentation to find out more about the ostrich generally and what they are farmed for in Oudtshoorn, and you will also see an incubation unit, how the eggs are cultivated, as well as a baby chick just hatching (if lucky), and a general tour of the enclosures to see the adult birds. You will also get to stand on an egg to see how strong they are (not with a chick coming out, do not fret).
The most hilarious experience while at the farm has got to be the 'ride' on an ostrich (you do need to be under 75 kilos to enjoy this rather unique experience). But don't think you'll be having a jolly plod along, chit-chatting to your neighbour, while you enjoy the views.
The ostrich has a bag kept on its head while you precariously attempt to mount it (the bag is presumably to stop it being startled as yet another big human ass wobbles its way to its back), and the keepers hold the bird still, as you grip for dear life onto its wings. I was very scared I was hurting it, to be honest, but was assured the ostrich was fine.
Then, the ostrich is let free (the keepers stay close) as it does about a hundred and fifty miles per hour leg around in a small enclosure, with you realising this is not exactly what you signed up for. And in a flash, it's over - with a lot of dust flying around and the ostrich wishing he could go and have a beer.
The tour ends with an 'ostrich neck massage' (I won't spoil the surprise) and some more viewing of the farm, before they leave you in the shop to buy real ostrich feather dusters (and there is a chance to tip the guide a few rand, and we particularly liked ours so were happy to tip).
The Cango Ostrich Show Farm is R60 entrance for adults, and R30 for children.
Contact tel: +27 (0)44 272 4623, fax: +27 (0)44 272 8241, e-mail:
Cost adult ticket: £5 - £10 pp, child ticket: £1 - £5 pp
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Cango Ostrich Show Farm
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