Oudtshoorn is situated in the Klein Karoo 55 kilometres from the large coastal town of George. It is the largest town in the Klein Karoo (Little Karoo) and is the capital of the region.
The town is spread along both banks of the Grobbelaars River, a tributary of the Oliphant's River, and its fertile valleys are encompassed by the Swartberg mountains to the north and the Outeniqua Mountains to the south.
The Swartberg mountain range area has been nominated as a future World Heritage Site and was originally inhabited by Bushmen, evident by the many rock paintings found in caves of the surrounding mountains.
Oudtshoorn's large rise in prosperity was due the booming industry of ostrich feathers, for the popularity in European fashion. However, due to overproduction the ostrich industry experienced a slump an d thew Town experienced some hard times. A second boom was experienced after 1902 and again followed by a slump in 1914. After this most farmers returned to more traditional methods o farming.
In Oudtshoorn one will get to experience the Cango Caves, one of the worlds great natural wonders, sculptured by nature through the ages. Mysterious and breathtaking limestone formations in a wide variety of natural colours, a subterranean wonderland.
The Klein Karoo National Arts festival (KKNK)is an annual gathering in March/April of arts and culture for a week of dancing, films, cabaret, classical music, comedy, contemporary music, open air concerts, plays, literary art & poetry. The KKNK brings many visitors to Oudtshoorn, who get to experience the wonders that this town has to offer.