In 1650 a British man followed an ancient elephant trail to the area but it was not until 1850 that the area had settlements. A Dutch Reformed Church was the first. The area was named OUDTSHOORN after a Baron OUDTSHOORN who died whilst on a ship on his way to be Governor of the area.
Oudtshoorne became known for ostrich farms as the hot climate was perfect for these birds. With the boom in the 1890s of ostrich feathers for ladies hats & dresses, also places like Les Folies Bergere & The Rio Carnivals, trade was booming right into the 1900s.
Then the wars came and fashions changed. Now ostrich is farmed not only for feathers but also meat (which is like beef but better for you) and it's hide for leather goods.
We got an impression the town would be a bit of a shanty town with 'ranches' everywhere but we were pleasantly surprised. Wide avenues, nice shops and neat houses and gardens. Quite delightful as are the people here.
Visiting Highfields Ostrich Farm we learnt the life of an ostrich- can live to 80! But not allowed to for its meat. The males have a couple of females and help to hatch the eggs. The eggs are so hard you can stand on them!! They are greedy birds and forever hungry but quite sweet in their own way!!
To finish the day a beautiful sunset over De Keekoe farm
Everywhere you go in South Africa there are wonderful sayings, on the back of sugar sachets; outside a shop or a home; even in a ladies toilet!!!
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