Excursion Scenic outeniqua pass & ostrich farm tour at Mossel Bay

Experience the breath-taking natural beauty of the mountains and passes along South Africa’s Western Cape during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion. Visit a working Ostrich farm and enjoy a delectable lunch.

Mossel Bay, Outeniqua Mountains

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.75-hour drive to Oudtshoorn, following the coastal road up to the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains. En-route take in the stunning panoramic views of the famous Garden Route coast line from the comfort of the coach. Once you reach George, your journey proceeds inland, taking you away from the coast and up into the Outeniqua Mountains. Here the rugged coastal landscape transforms into the starkly beautiful Karoo, with its desert-like arid climate and breathtaking scenery. Cross the scenic Outeniqua Pass, which was constructed between 1943 and 1951, replacing the Montagu Pass as the main route from George into the interior. It was named after the Hottentot tribe who formerly lived there.

Oudtshoom, Klein Karoo, Swartberg

Next reach Oudtshoorn. Oudtshoorn is the principal town of the Little Karoo. The Klein Karoo is an oasis-like setting in a fertile valley cupped by the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountain ranges. It originated as a settlement along the Grobbelaars River, which meanders southward from the Swartberg and provides fertile soil and water for irrigation. Crops such as lucerne, fruit, grapes, and grains grow here in abundance. The ‘Ostrich Capital of the World’, Oudtshoorn is home to the world's largest ostrich population. Two ostrich-feather booms between 1865-1870 and 1900-1914 truly established the settlement, which has approximately 60,000 inhabitants and is the largest town in the Little Karoo region.

Guide Tour at an Ostrich Farm, Lunch

Thereafter travel to a local ostrich farm for a guided tour. The ostrich farm is a working farm where guests see large flocks of ostriches at different stages of development in the surrounding fields. After your fascinating tour, enjoy a delicious lunch on the ostrich farm.

Robinson Pass, Garden Route Forests

As you make your way back to Mossel Bay via the via the stunning Robinson Pass, with its desert-like arid climate and breath-taking scenery, the sun-scorched plains of the Little Karoo disappear and the landscape gives way to the delightful shade and greenery of the lush Garden Route forests.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Scenic Drive, Robinson's Pass & Outeniqua Pass, Stunning Views, Working Ostrich Farm, Lunch

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking of approximately 500 meters or 0.3miles and about 20 steps to negotiate at the sites and to get on/off the coach. It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or not those who utilize a wheelchair. Lightweight comfortable clothing and flat closed-toe walking shoes are recommended. The order of the visits may vary.