Oudtshoorn is the principal town in the Little Karoo and also forms part of the Western Cape’s world famous Garden Route. The town has become synonymous with ostrich farming and all that comes along with the industry. Situated in an oasis-like setting in a fertile valley, the area is framed by the majestic Swartberg and Outeniqua mountain ranges. It originated as a settlement along the Grobbelaars River, which makes its way south from the mountains and provides the surrounding area with water and fertile soil for irrigation.
This part of the Cape is said to have the sunniest days in a year and the fact that Oudtshoorn is sheltered from the coastal belt by the mountain ranges in the area makes it relatively wind-free too. It has been a longtime favourite as a stopover point for travelers on their way from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, with the coastal town of George located a mere 56 kilometres away. There is also plenty of farming activity that takes place here with a variety of farms and smallholdings available for commercial or private use.
The Klein Karoo is also known for its excellent wines, which are renowned despite the relatively small production that takes place here. There are numerous wine estates on this route, which stretches from Montagu in the west to Meiringspoort in the east. The Cango Caves are also found here and attract a multitude of visitors both local and foreign throughout the year. If you are interested in property investment along the Garden Route or in the Karoo then Oudtshoorn could be just the place to suit your every need. |
