Highgate Ostrich Show Farm - Oudtshoorn, Western Cape

Oudtshoorn is home to what is said to be South Africas first and finest and most original Ostrich Show Farm, Highgate. Highgate has been identified as one of South Africas Top Ten Attractions, and offers guided tours, ostrich racing, a restaurant and curio shop. It was established almost 100 years ago by the Hooper family and opened its doors to the public in 1938 and has since welcomed thousands of visitors from all over the world, including royalty, presidents and prime ministers to name but a few.

Their Ostrich Palace, which was built in 1902, is home to the restaurant where visitors can enjoy the original taste of ostrich dishes. Ostrich steaks were first served at Highgate over 30 years ago and ostrich meat today has become highly sought after as it is low in cholesterol, calories and almost fat free.

Among some of the activities which are on offer at Highgate are daily ostrich racing, hand feeding ostriches, riding an ostrich, sitting on an ostrich, visiting the incubators, visiting a nest and standing on eggs to show their strength, seeing day old ostrich chicks, and watching the manufacturing of ostrich products. Tours last approximately one and a half hours and are conducted by multilingual guides. The tours will teach you all about the birds, and you will truly enjoy your time in this valley surrounded by thousands of ostriches and majestic mountains.

Some of the products available at Highgate include, ostrich feathers, ostrich egg shells, ostrich leather, ostrich feather boas and even an ostrich egg shell bra. There is a wide variety of ostrich feathers which can be coloured to match any occasion and this includes beautiful boas of different lengths and colours too. Ostrich egg shells have always been a very popular curio because of the endless uses for them. They are often used for artwork, engraving and decoupage. The shells can also be mounted to make unique lampshades.

Ostrich leather is available in a wide range of products, Highgate selling one of the largest varieties of items in the world. The ostrich egg shell bra is definitely a show stopper and is available in genuine or replica ostrich egg shell.

5 Interesting things about the Highgate Ostrich Show Farm in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape:

1. Historic Farm: Highgate Ostrich Show Farm is one of the oldest and most well-known ostrich farms in the world. Established in 1938, it has a long history of ostrich farming and has become a significant attraction in the Oudtshoorn area, which is often referred to as the ostrich capital of the world.

2. Ostrich Rides and Encounters: The farm offers visitors the unique experience of riding an ostrich, a tradition that has been part of its attractions for many years. Additionally, visitors can interact with and feed the ostriches, providing a close-up experience with these fascinating birds.

3. Educational Tours: Highgate provides informative tours that educate visitors about the ostrich industry, from breeding and incubation to the various uses of ostrich products. These tours include visits to the hatchery, where guests can see ostrich chicks and learn about the farming process.

4. Diverse Ostrich Products: The farm showcases a variety of ostrich products, including leather goods, feathers, and ostrich eggs. Visitors can purchase high-quality items such as handbags, wallets, and decorative ostrich eggs, which make for unique souvenirs.

5. Culinary Experience: Highgate Ostrich Show Farm features a restaurant that serves ostrich meat delicacies. Visitors can enjoy dishes like ostrich steak, ostrich fillet, and other gourmet meals prepared from this lean and healthy meat, providing a true taste of the local cuisine.

Highgate Ostrich Show Farm offers a blend of education, adventure, and culinary delights, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring the unique attractions of Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape.