For the longest time, the Cape Town Ostrich Ranch was synonymous with music festivals to me. All throughout university, I would only go there for an epic party. I was vaguely aware that there were ostriches there (because of the name), but I never really sought them out. Now that I’m older and my interest (and stamina) has declined when it comes to music festivals, I see the Cape Town Ostrich Ranch in a whole new light, and man is it great!
Just 20 mins from Cape Town, the Ostrich Ranch is absolutely stunning. It’s a great place to get out of the city and breathe. There are so many great things to do that are not only lots of fun, but they are educational. Young and old alike will thoroughly enjoy their time there.
Ostriches, Ostriches, Ostriches!
We have all seen these wonderful, gigantic birds either when driving past farms, in numerous funny video and great memes. But at the Ostrich Ranch you can get really up close and personal with them. Exactly how close? Well, you can get right on their backs! The excellent guides at the ranch makes the experience so fun and safe, even your little ones can do it. You can test how strong an ostrich egg is by standing on them, visit the Leather and Ostrich Egg Factory and the museum.
If you arrive in the right season, you get see the cute baby ostrich chicks, and strappy teenage birds. If you are extremely lucky, you might even see a chick hatch. Even if you do not visit during baby season, you will still see awesome West Coast White-Necked Ostriches, Black-Necked Ostriches and Tom Thumb, a special little ostrich that is actually a big deal. Tom Thumb holds the official Guinness Book of Record for world’s smallest ostrich and is an absolute treat to see.
A great way to experience everything is by taking a guided tour. The tours are offered in English, Afrikaans, German and French. Tours can be arranged 24 hours before your visit and last about 45 minutes. Ostriches are not the only incredible animals you can see. The ranch is also home to peacocks, tortoises and crocodiles.
Time to eat
After all the excitement of the ranch, you can sit and enjoy a great meal at the ranch’s restaurant. Situated in a lovely Cape-Dutch styled ranch house. The restaurant offers an assortment of beverages, snack and meals. The restaurant specialises in ostrich dishes. Their succulent ostrich steaks and burgers are simply the best, and it is a healthier meat. Other menus are also available with prior arrangement and are individually priced. There is a traditional African boma-style restaurant that is perfect for special functions.
Party Time
When it come to big events, the Ostrich Ranch is the venue of choice. Like I said, most of my time at the ranch was spent at music festivals, and some really unforgettable days have been had there. RamFest, Ultra, Sun Flower Festival, Swedish House Mafia – these are just a few of the awesome events that have happend there. You can even have a private event or kids birthday party there. It really is an epic place.
OF NOTE
When Monday – Sunday 9 am – 5 pm (closed 24 and 25 December)
Where Old Malmesbury Road, Cape Town
Contact +2721 972 1669, [email protected], www.ostrichranch.co.za
Photography courtesy Cape Town Ostrich Ranch Facebook Page
Sinclair Cameron I’d like to go for lunch and see the ostriches and crocodiles here!
For a second I thought this was Oudtshoorn then I saw Table Mountain peeping behind the clouds
I wanna go visit