I believe that every place has a character much like people, and if I apply that to Oudtshoorn I would say it is rustic and brazen. Why?? because it is so in your face. I could call it the Texas of South Africa ..if that makes sense.
The very story of Oudtshoorn is based on the premise of a catastrophe, much to my dismay the major factor contributing to this is the sad incidence of fires across the garden route in South Africa while we were travelling.
Even though we were safe and did not witness any incident in particular, we could feel the frenzy as the whole country was fighting this phenomena that lead to the loss of many lives and property. It was great to see the unparalleled unity and grace that the citizens showcased during this catastrophe.
This incident in my mind reinforces the idea that Travel is much more than sightseeing, it is a journey of discovery, of not only places but of human abilities and being touched by them in the most profound manner.
As tourists we were encouraged by the locals to continue our journey of their beautiful country and carrying the stories of its beauty and poise back home. So this one is their story.
I start from the very start as we took to the road after Hermanus towards Oudtshoorn. It was the longest road trip we undertook in South Africa, we were on road for about 5 hours all through a very windy day and to tell you the truth it was a bit scary with huge open stretches without any habitation what so ever.
But everything was worth it once we reached The Old Mill estate, about 18 kms ahead of Oudtshoorn. It is a little slice of heaven. With a lovely farm, an outstanding restaurant, ostriches, ponies, rabbits, a little lake and even a hike trail on the backdrop of a huge and lush mountain. It was so great that we extended our stay there from just one night to two.
For the two days that we were in oudtshoorn we explored various ostrich farms, the lovely city and the cango caves.
Cango caves are majestic and Gothic and so well preserved, so if you are not overly claustrophobic, and are fairly adventurous like me you must visit there. The prehistoric caves are one of a kind in the whole world.
I must also confess that oudtshoorn is the place I tried the ostrich burger for the first time ( and I don’t like it) also it was here that I understood the fascination the regency fashionistas had with the ostrich feathers.
So finally my takeaway from Oudtshoorn #1 the ostrich burger is bad ( totally my opinion). #2 I am mildly claustrophobic. #3 rustic is charming and finally the most important one #4 a bucket load of memories of a wonderful place and it’s wonderful people.
Soon it was time to pack our bags again and hit the road for the next destination, the lovely sea side town of Mossel Bay.
So… As I wrap up this story, another one is just beginning to form.
And on that note.. will be back soon.
Au revoir.
-The Gypsy Gurl
This seems like such a peaceful place with all of the beautiful nature and animals. Would love to come there and spend some “me” rime relaxing and resting. xx
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Yes ..it is simple unhassled and totally uncomplicated destination, you would definitely enjoy it.
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Sounds like an interesting place, that kids couldn’t get bored with. Your pictures tell a great story.
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Thanks and yes It is great especially for the kids 😊
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This honestly looks like a lot of fun. The landscape is breathtaking! I’ve eaten some weird things, never ostrich. I may have to give it a try!
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Sure.. Ostrich is pretty much staple there, you got burgers sandwiches pizzas etc.
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The lakeside view is gorgeous as is the natural architecture of the Cango caves. There is so much more to Africa than just safari!
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You are absolutely right ❤
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I would love to visit these caves. Is it extra cold in there?
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Actually it’s quite warm an humid inside these caves.. And yes they are quite stunning and very well preserved
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What a beautiful and exotic place, looks like the perfect place to get away! I don’t think I would like ostrich either, I am glad I am not alone there.
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Surprisingly many people would disagree with us in that case as ostrich happens to be quite a delicacy there.
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the texas of south africa – love the comparison! i’ve never been but if i did this sounds like a place i would enjoy visiting!
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Glad you liked the comparison.. And yes you won’t be disappointed oudtshoorn is truly wonderful 😊
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Those caves look really cool. I don’t think I am claustrophobic but haven’t really been in a position to know lol I love how many awesome memories you create with your family
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Thank you.. And yes the caves are wonderful 😊
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wow, you sure travel a lot xD the pictures look so cute!
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Thank you 😊
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This would be such an interesting place to visit one day!!!
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Sure, you must visit it’s totally wonderful 😊
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Wow… South Africa looks beautiful. That’s what I’ve been looking for, long stretches of open land.
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It is really very beautiful 😊
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The views are all so very beautiful! I love going to new to me places and learning all about the history.
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Yes history adds to the character of the destination 😊
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Everything is worth the ride. The 5 hours windy ride is just part of the trip in which at the awaits a beautiful spot. Thanks for the awesome share of your adventure.
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Thank you 😊
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I love your take on that traveling is much more than just sightseeing. I absolutely agree with that! This let leg of your trip sounded so peaceful with such beautiful views!! Keep the stories coming!
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Thank you so much and it was really peaceful in a thrilling sort of way 😊
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Your pictures are beautiful! I would love to see the cave. I don’t know if I would like ostrich either! The area just looks so beautiful!
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Thanks.. It’s surprising that so many people really do like ostrich there, it’s quite a delicacy 😊
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I think this is exactly what we, as travelers, are supposed to do – travel to spread the news for beautiful places and their amazing inhabitants. Someone said once, that travelers are storytellers.
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Totally agree Maria.. I couldn’t have said that better myself. Thank you ❤❤
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I’ll try anything once – but ostrich?! Whoa! This is the second post in as many days that I’ve seen regarding South Africa…and when that happens, I have to automatically move it up on the list. This looks like an amazing portion to see.
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It sure is and you definitely won’t be disappointed… BTW as surprising as it may be but the truth is that ostrich is actually quite a delicacy in this part of the world !
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Wow looks like real adventure to me.Pics are amazing! you guys had real fun in the caves, would love to check out these places someday 🙂 Thank you for sharing an article on it.
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Thank you 😊
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An ostrich burger sounds very interesting! I’d love to try it
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That’s true it’s very interesting.. Most people do like it 😊
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On my way to South Africa now (slowly by bike) and I Can’t wait for the beautiful nature and animals! I’ve never tried an ostrich burger so maybe that will be a first when I arrive!
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Wow you are going to have much fun.. Would love to read all about your experience 😊
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OMG ! this is so cool. I would love to go and see this is person. The picture makes it look fun.
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Thank you so much, and you really must it’s beautiful 😊
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Looks like a very interesting place
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😊
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Looks beautiful there, especially the caves. I tried ostrich, wasn’t my favourite, but it was ok!
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😊😊
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What a peaceful place, I never would have known about it… Thanks 🙂
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It’s lovely and yes peaceful is the right word.. Thanks 😊
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Thats very interesting. I really like this place and it seems like you had a good time. Great post
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Thanks 😊
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Amazing trip and I love the reflection you added in there. Just curious haha how would you describe the Ostrich burger? What was so awful? I absolutely hate liver so hopefully it’s not similar to that!
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Thank you.. Well as far as the ostrich burger is concerned the very idea was a deterrent but then I guess I did get a bit adventurous and tried it… The taste was a bit too strong for me and added on that the psychological idea was enough for me not to like it.. But hey it’s quite a delicacy down there so people really do love it.
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Sounds amazing, and totally with you on what travel is really all about.
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Thank you 😊
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