Guest Houses Accommodation Near Oudtshoorn Ostrich Farms
*All distances listed are as the crow flies, and not actual travel distances.
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Oudtshoorn Ostrich Farms Reviews
More info about Oudtshoorn Ostrich Farms
In the late 1800s, European and American fashion trends included ladies hats adorned with bird feathers and the demand was so great that it spawned a huge ostrich feather industry in South Africa. The ostrich bird thrives in semi-arid areas and farms mushroomed in the Oudtshoorn area. Farmers made fortunes on exporting of the feathers, however, the industry collapsed in 1900 after the Lacey Act was passed in America, prohibiting entry of foreign animal products into the country. The Europeans quickly followed and but for a few farmers who held on, the Oudtshoorn ostrich feather industry bubble had burst.
Fortunately those farmers survived because the ostrich is now in demand for vastly different reasons; aside from the bird’s magnificent feathers used for fashion accessories and feather dusters, the meat is lean, low in fats and high in iron, while its skin is used to manufacture high quality bags, jackets and shoes. The full-quill bags are popular... Show more
About Guest Houses
For a more down to earth experience there are guest houses. Less expensive than hotels, they offer a more homey environment, as well as more privacy. Converted from a private house it’s a much gentler environment and for those with furry friends, there are also pet friendly options. They are usually well situated with shops and places of interest nearby. Being so small it offers a much more personal and intimate attention to it’s upkeep, leaving you with a more polished and homely experience.