Oudtshoorn built its wealth on ostrich feathers. In the early twentieth century, when European fashion demanded feathers for hats and boas, this Karoo town boomed so spectacularly it earned the name "Feather Capital of the World." The legacy is visible in the feather palaces that the ostrich barons built — absurdly grand sandstone houses in a semi-desert town. The CP Nel Museum covers the whole strange story well.
The ostriches are still the main draw. Three show farms — Highgate, Safari, and Cango Ostrich Farm — let you get closer to these comically large birds than most people ever want to. It's a reliable family stop.
The Cango Caves are the other reason to come: a vast limestone cave system about 30 kilometres north of town, with impressive stalactite formations and an optional adventure route through tight passages. The Cango Wildlife Ranch is on the same road. Beyond town, the Swartberg Pass is one of South Africa's great mountain drives, and Meiringspoort gorge to the east is accessible by ordinary car.