Parks
Ostrich Square
📍 Oudtshoorn
⭐ 4.7 / 5
Ostrich Square in Oudtshoorn offers a distinct encounter with the Karoo’s most iconic bird, providing a focused, accessible interaction point that sets it apart from more sprawling farm environments. The venue provides an atmosphere that is both educational and engaging, allowing children to observe and interact with ostriches in a well-defined setting. Upon arrival, families typically move through areas structured for close proximity to the birds. A primary activity involves supervised feeding sessions, where children are provided with appropriate feed to offer the ostriches by hand. This offers a gentle, tactile experience, as birds extend their long necks to take food directly from a child’s open palm. The sheer size of an adult ostrich up close, combined with their surprisingly gentle nature during feeding, often leaves a lasting impression. Beyond feeding, there are opportunities to examine the remarkably large and durable ostrich eggs, sometimes even empty shells children can lift, providing a concrete sense of the birds’ offspring scale. Information boards or insights often accompany these interactions, explaining facts about ostrich anatomy, their diet, and their unique place in the local ecosystem. Ostrich Square’s deliberate design to centralise the ostrich experience truly distinguishes it. Unlike larger, diversified ostrich farms with other attractions or vast landscapes, Ostrich Square keeps the focus singularly on the birds themselves. This concentrated approach means less walking for younger visitors and a more immediate, less overwhelming engagement with the main attraction. The experience centres on genuine interaction and learning in a contained, approachable setting, making it a unique destination for families wishing to understand these magnificent birds without a broader farm scope. Visible stages of ostrich life, from chicks to mature adults, offer a comprehensive picture of their development within a single visit, fostering a deeper connection to South Africa’s unique wildlife heritage.
Ostrich Square caters well to various age groups, particularly children aged 4-7 and 8-12. Children aged 4-7 often show enthusiasm for animal interaction, finding the supervised feeding sessions with ostriches memorable and manageable. Their natural curiosity suits observing the birds' unique behaviours and characteristics up close. For 8-12 year olds, engagement extends to educational aspects; they might ask more about ostrich diet, habitat, and life cycle, appreciating the birds' scale and power. Toddlers and children under three can enjoy the visual spectacle, though direct hand-feeding might be too intense for some, requiring parents to keep them at a safe viewing distance. Teenagers, though less inclined towards hands-on feeding, often find the novelty of such close animal encounters and the unique Oudtshoorn experience noteworthy. A typical visit spans one to two hours, allowing sufficient time for interactive feeding, observation, and a leisurely pace without feeling rushed. The experience is predominantly outdoors, with visitors spending their time under the open sky. Dedicated parking bays are conveniently close to the main entrance, simplifying arrival and departure, especially for families managing car seats and multiple children. For strollers or prams, main pathways are generally flat and accessible, making navigation straightforward. However, areas adjacent to some ostrich enclosures might present slightly uneven ground or gravel, requiring more effort. Given Oudtshoorn’s climate, the venue is largely sun-exposed, with limited natural shade from trees or structures, so preparing for direct sun exposure is important. Basic, clean toilet facilities are provided on-site, ensuring convenience for families throughout their stay.
A practical tip for families visiting Ostrich Square, especially during the warmer months (October to April), is to arrive early, ideally soon after the 9:00 AM opening. Oudtshoorn experiences significant midday heat, so an earlier start ensures cooler temperatures, which is more comfortable for both children and adults. The ostriches tend to be more active and responsive in the cooler morning, often leading to more engaging feeding sessions. An early visit also frequently means fewer crowds, allowing for a more relaxed and personal interaction with the birds. Remember to pack essentials for sun protection: wide-brimmed hats for everyone, thorough applications of high-SPF sunscreen, and plenty of water bottles to stay hydrated. This preparation ensures a more pleasant visit, letting families fully appreciate the unique experience Ostrich Square offers without discomfort from the midday sun.
Hours can change on public holidays — please confirm with the venue before you visit.
Information may vary — please confirm hours and pricing with the venue before you visit.
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