South Africa's ostrich industry dates back to the 1880's and reached a peak at around 1910 when ostrich feathers were all the rage in Europe. The resulting wealth was used by the owners to create beautiful mansions such as the one at the town of Oudtshoorn called "Welgeluk".
To get a close up look at these interesting birds, a visit to the Safari Ostrich Show Farm just outside Oudtshoorn is a fun experience! Regular tours are conducted of the facility and one can even get to ride these birds! The weight limit of the rider is around 75kg though. You can also stand on some of the eggs just to demonstrate their strength.

There is a Visitors Center with curio shop from where the tour starts. Our tour was both educational and a lot of fun. The tour covers the breeding camp of the ostriches as well as all the other interesting aspects of this bird. Then there is a ostrich race over a short distance. Don't try standing on an ostrich egg on your hard kitchen floor, there is a trick to this! The fun part comes in when you try riding one. Its not that easy staying on one when its moving! For those that don't fall off during the race, a "Ostrich Drivers License" is issued.

Area of Safari Ostrich Farm Map