Oudtshoorn - One Of The Worlds Great Natural Wonders - South Africa
By Gerald Crawford
Oudtshoorn is situated in the Klein Karoo 55 kilometres from the large coastal town of George. First class hotels, lodges, Inns, and guesthouses await the visitor. Enjoy the relaxed, friendly, hospitable atmosphere offered in town or or at the various surrounding farms. Experience the joy of life in the country!
This town with its wide open spaces and broad streets is the Oudtshoorn. The town is spread along both banks of the Grobbelaars River, a tributary of the Oliphant's River, and its fertile valleys are encompassed by the Swartberg mountains to the north and the Outeniqua Mountains to the south. Warm, dry summers and sunny winter days make it the ideal breeding ground for the most majestic of flightless birds - synonymous with Oudtshoorn - the ostrich.
Climate:
The region is hot and dry in summer and has plenty of sunshine in winter.
Winter nights can be very cold, and sometimes it snows on the mountains.
On the coastal side of this mountain range the vegetation is green and lush but once over the crest of the mountain the vegetation and climate changes rapidly.
At the top of the mountain pass you normally enter a large bank of fog or low cloud and when you exit it on the Oudtshoorn side the scenery has changed.
No more mountains but low hills which stretch for miles covered with the Karoo bush and rocks.
This desert area is dry and hot.
Attractions in the Area:
The Cango Caves: One of the worlds great natural wonders, sculptured by nature through the ages. It is situated close to the Klein Karoo Town of Oudtshoorn. Mysterious and breathtaking limestone formations in a wide variety of natural colours, a subterranean wonderland. Regular guided tours daily.
The Ostriches: Amidst the 400 ostrich farms surrounding the town, 3 have distinguished themselves worthy to be named " show farms". Become exposed to this exotic bird species, the largest in the world. Guided tours available.
Crocodiles: Gaze with the awe at the slithering reptiles 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 (KKNK): An 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 & poetry. A momentous event, enjoying international sponsorship.
Taste the fine local wines and the excellent cuisine of the Restaurants - meals which could include ostrich - all exquisitely available to satisfy every taste.
Cheetahs: A highly successful breeding station of this threatened species. . . -one of the only two in the southern hemisphere. One of the foremost examples of Eco-tourism in the world and a superb mixture of conservation and tourism. You can get yourself photographed cuddling a cheetah cub, the fastest animal on land.
Rivers & Falls: Numerous rivers, streams and falls have their origins in the surrounding Swartberg, Outeniqua, Kamanassie mountain ranges. Waterfalls abound, and the visitor is fortunate to safely visit two examples at the Vrede and Meiringspoort falls.
Hiking and Biking: The eco-tourist, and those thriving on the outdoor life, alike, will be faced with a large selection of challenging opportunities. Hiking and biking trails are in abundance. Make your choice from lush subtropical to semi-arid. You will leave fulfilled!
Sport: Oudtshoorn is the hub of the region for the sport enthusiast, offering a challenging modern 18 hole golf course with full amenities and squash courts. Also, bowls, athletics, tennis, cricket, rugby, Olympic standard swimming pools, motorsport, miniature aircraft and many more.
Gerald
About the Author
Gerald Crawford was born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: southafricantravelarticles@12234455.co.za Website Address: http://www.12234455.co.za