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A herd of African ostriches. Dariusz Jemielniak.

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Safari Ostrich Show Farm, Oudtshoorn

The world’s largest ostrich population is found in Oudtshoorn. It has a number of specialized ostrich breeding farms, including the Safari Show Farm and the Highgate Ostrich Show Farm.

Safari Ostrich Farm is a working ostrich farm in the Garden Route town of Oudtshoorn, South Africa. This is South Africa’s only tractor tour on an ostrich farm. Safari Ostrich Farm is located 6 kilometers from the center of Oudtshoorn.

It’s a fantastic working farm where visitors can see large flocks of ostriches at various stages of development. Tour guides make the experience interactive by providing information in multiple languages. Visitors can enjoy ostrich rides and take photographs with these adorable posers while learning about ostrich farming, breeding, and rearing.

1. Safari Ostrich Farm was established in 1956

A herd of African ostriches. Photo by Dariusz Jemielniak (“Pundit”).

Safari Ostrich Farm is an ostrich farm in the Garden Route town of Oudtshoorn, South Africa. Derek Fisch and Harry Lipschitz, both fourth generation ostrich farmers, established it as a tourist attraction in 1956. Their primary concern is extensive ostrich farming for meat, leather/skins, and feathers. Safari Ostrich Farm is thus a commercial ostrich breeding farm, with many ostriches to see at various stages of development.

2. Ostriches are kept in camps 

Ostriches at Oudtshoorn. Photo by South African Tourism.

The farm is approximately 1800 hectares in size. Ostriches are kept in camps according to their age. Special male and female birds are chosen for breeding and are placed together in large camps to mate and lay eggs. 

They have 280 breeding ostriches, 60 percent of which are female, and 40 percent are male. Breeding season begins in the winter and continues through the summer.

You can witness the miracle of ostrich chicks hatching in the incubators during the breeding season. They do this to be in control over the process. The incubators can hold 3000 ostrich eggs at the same time.

3. The farm has a sandstone homestead

Safari Ostrich Farm has a lovely old sandstone homestead known as the “Feather Palace.” This magnificent home dates back to the early days of the ostrich industry, when the Oudtshoorn farmers raised ostriches solely for their feathers. The Feather Palace, which is unique to Safari Ostrich Farm and was built in 1910, is named after the money earned from selling ostrich feathers on the international market.

4. Safari Ostrich Farm has a variety of ostriches

South African Black Ostrich. Bernard DUPONT.

Safari Ostrich Farm is the first in Oudtshoorn and South Africa to display Kenyan Red and Zimbabwe Blue Ostriches, as well as the local South African breed. There is also the world’s second-largest bird after the ostrich, the Emu from Australia, as well as the rare White Ostriches.

In the early 1900s, the South African government and local ostrich farmers from Oudtshoorn launched a cross-breeding program, crossing ostriches from North Africa and East Africa to create what is now known as the South African Black Ostrich. 

5. There is a shop selling ostrich leather

Ostrich skin. Photo by zking.

Safari Ostrich Farm has one of the most extensive selections of reasonably priced Ostrich Leather Products in South Africa. Ostrich Leather Handbags are made by 3rd and 4th generation artisans who style their bags according to the latest fashion trends.

Ostrich leather is a high-quality, exotic leather known for its pattern of raised quill follicles known as “knoppies.” They have over 80 different styles of ostrich handbags made from full-quill ostrich skins. It has a delightfully rich and distinct texture, and no two ostrich Skins are alike.

6. The farm has a café and a coffee shop

Safari Ostrich Farm offers freshly prepared meals and refreshing drinks from the ala carte café. Set in a tranquil setting among the trees in our garden, listen to the chatter of Wydahs and Weavers while taking in the sights and sounds of the Klein Karoo.

7. Save money by booking online

Ostriches at Oudtshoorn. Photo by South African Tourism.

You must do this if you are visiting Oudtshoorn. South Africa’s only Tractor Safari on an Ostrich Farm. Try something new: interact with a species whose ancestors have existed since the time of the dinosaurs. Have some fun, learn something new, and enjoy yourself in the Klein Karoo.

Tours are available Monday through Sunday, every hour between 09:00 and 16:00.

Adults over the age of 15 pay R162 per ticket.

When you book online, the adult ticket price is R130pp – a 20% savings.

Children aged 4-14 pay R80 per ticket.

If you book online, the children’s ticket price is R65 per person.

8. Safari on an Ostrich Tractor 

This takes about an hour. The Tractor Tour provides an incredible glimpse into the working farm. One can interact with and learn more about ostriches. Safari Guides will explain the natural breeding cycle of ostriches to you while providing you with an unrivaled view of the world’s largest bird right next to you.

During the breeding season, observe how ostriches breed in the wild. In the chick rearing compartment, you can see ostrich chicks of various ages. Take fantastic photographs. After your tractor ride, disembark and continue with the second part of the walking tour.

9. Walking farm tour

Common Ostrich. Photo by Bernard DUPONT.

The other bit of the tour is on foot. Visit the incubator room to see chicks hatching inside the incubator and to get a close-up and personal view of chicks piping out through the “Spy-Camera” inside the incubator onto a big screen T.V. Observe the carving of ostrich eggs. Examine, feel, and learn about Ostrich Leather. View, touch, and learn about the various types of Ostrich feathers. Discover the evolution of the ostrich and its significance to past cultures. Have a good time feeding the ostriches!

10. Try out ostrich fillet

Ostrich Platter at an Ostrich Farm near Oudtshoorn. Photo by Satdeep Gill.

The outside area and garden are ideal places to dine. Don’t feel like a single course in a coffee shop, but rather something more substantial. The restaurant offers three and four-course meals. The larger three and four-course meals are available upon request and with advance reservations.

The set-menu meals are very popular with groups because they allow groups to enjoy superior quality Ostrich Fillet expertly prepared and served efficiently, ensuring that your group receives prompt service.