Ostriches at the Cango farm
Ostrich Farm
We left the coast and made our way inland towards Oudtshoorn. Both of us wanted to ride an ostrich and this would be our opportunity. The road curved through the mountains as we made our way to the desert-like valley.
Our morning started with a scrambled ostrich egg compliments of our hostel, Backpackers Paradise. We later learned that each egg is comparable to 24 chicken eggs so we didn’t even have a whole one. Then we headed to the Cango Ostrich Farm for our tour. We saw how they incubated the eggs and learned how they can have up to 120 eggs during mating season. They showed us week-old, 6 month-old and mature ostriches. It was interesting to learn that males help to incubate the eggs at night so that the female can feed, which is why they are black. We were also told how they use 98% of the ostrich in one form or another, everything except the brain and eyes.
Riding an ostrich
Then it was time to hop on. With a bag over their heads, the unitellengent animal thought they were invisible and remained calm. We each took a turn getting on and having a quick run around the pen before sliding off the back. It’s as if their bodies are built for riding as there is a perfect place to put your legs (in front of theirs) and their wings became handlebars. Ostriches are powerful animals and it was amazing to watch them move around. Their necks are very strong and we even had them wrap around us to give us “hugs.”
Maria trying to smile while the ostriches eat
While it may seem cruel, after the tour we headed to the cafe to get an ostrich platter. We got to sample different cuts of ostrich as well as a smoked carpaccio. It was very tender and even though some pieces took longer to chew it was never tough.
Delicious ostrich platter
Elephant Feeding
Time to hold their ears
Our next stop would be at Buffelsdrife Game Farm where we would get upclose and personal with elephants. They had rescued 3 baby elephants years ago from Kruger when their parents were killed by poachers. Since then, they had been trained to be gentle around humans.
Tico feeding an elephant
Holding our hand flat with an apple, carrot or pumpkin in our palm the elephant would use its trunk to smell and then grab the food. The next piece was put directly on its tongue as it would raise its trunk in the air. You could see his teeth and even feel the tongue. Then each of us were given a hug as the trunk was draped over your shoulder and around your chest to the back. It’s quite heavy and rough with wiry hairs sticking out. Their skin was tough and somewhat like sandpaper. After seeing them from a distance in Kruger, it added another dimension being underneath their heads and getting the change to touch them.
Elephants giving Tico a hug
More elephant hugs for Maria
Check out more pictures of the ostriches and elephants here.
Helpful tips:
- If staying in Oudtshoorn, ask for a discount from your hostel or directly at the farm if you’ve forgotten. You can get anywhere from 5-50% off some activities.
- We didn’t have time to do all of the things in the area, but there is much more to do including the Cango Caves, hiking in the mountains and cage diving with a crocodile/petting a cheetah.
- We recommend paying the little extra to enjoy an ostrich steak instead of the burger as it was worth the price.