Cape Town Ostrich Ranch: Tours, Quad Biking, Dining & Leather Goods
The Cape Town Ostrich Ranch offers a unique and diverse experience far beyond a typical farm visit. This premier attraction seamlessly blends entertainment with fascinating insights into the world of ostriches, appealing to guests of all ages. From engaging educational tours and interactive animal encounters to on-site dining, shopping, and even equestrian activities, the ranch provides a memorable experience.
The ranch’s extensive offerings, including its “Tours,” “Deli,” “Restaurant,” “Leather Factory,” “Boutique,” “Events,” and “Polo Club,” position it as a comprehensive leisure destination. These diverse attractions, combined with immersive tours featuring a museum and opportunities to feed ostriches, ensure a holistic visitor experience designed to maximize engagement and time spent on the premises. This broad appeal draws families, food enthusiasts, shoppers, animal lovers, and sports aficionados, encouraging longer stays and enhancing the ranch’s overall value.
Discover the Experience: Tours & Unique Encounters
The Cape Town Ostrich Ranch provides an immersive and interactive array of experiences:
The core ostrich tour begins in an informative museum, followed by a scenic outdoor walk for direct interaction with the birds. You’ll have the unique opportunity to stand on an ostrich egg and feed the ostriches. A distinctive feature is Tom Thumb’s room, recognized by Guinness World Records as the smallest ostrich room. The ranch also hosts a tortoise sanctuary.
Don’t miss the exceptional photo opportunities, including sitting on an ostrich with Table Mountain as a backdrop, and a crocodile enclosure. Beyond the standard tour, a 2-hour guided Quad Bike & Ostrich Tour is available through external providers, offering panoramic views of the Cape Winelands and Table Mountain.
Beyond the Birds: Facilities & Amenities
The ranch extends its appeal with diverse on-site facilities:
- Deli & Restaurant: The Deli offers South African specialties like Ostrich Biltong. The Restaurant features signature ostrich dishes, including their famous ostrich burger, and a cocktail bar.
- Leather Factory & Boutique: Specializing in exquisite ostrich and crocodile leather goods, the Leather Factory is led by a 3rd-generation Italian artisan. The Boutique showcases these high-quality, authentic artisanal products.
- Polo Club: A unique partnership with the Cape Town Polo Club broadens the ranch’s appeal, emphasizing horse welfare and player development in a traditional farm setting.
A Rich Heritage: Ostrich Farming in Cape Town
The Cape Town Ostrich Ranch is closely linked to the historically prominent Westcoast Ostrich Show Ranch. This connection leverages a rich, long-standing history of ostrich farming in the region, adding depth and authenticity to your visit. The current ranch’s address, activities, and facilities align remarkably with historical accounts of ostrich farming in the Cape Town area, with records dating back to 1679.
Ensuring a Safe & Enjoyable Visit: Guidelines & Recommendations
For a safe experience, hold feeding bowls tightly with two hands and keep fingers away from ostriches. Do not touch the birds. While photo opportunities for sitting on a trained, stationary ostrich are offered, riding a running ostrich is not permitted. Remain calm around the birds, avoid standing near fences unless feeding, and do not bring outside animals into feeding areas.
Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes. Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light jacket.
For general safety in Cape Town, avoid walking after dark, keep valuables out of sight, and use ride-hailing services like Uber. Be cautious with ATMs and in crowded areas. When hiking, go in groups and inform someone of your route. On beaches, don’t leave belongings unattended and swim only with lifeguards present.
Conclusion: Crafting an Unforgettable Memory
The Cape Town Ostrich Ranch is a premier destination offering education, interactive encounters, and diverse leisure facilities for lasting memories. From feeding ostriches and standing on their eggs to visiting Tom Thumb’s Guinness World Record room, every aspect is designed for engaging interaction. The ranch’s culinary delights, artisan leather goods, polo club partnership, and deep historical roots contribute to an authentic South African experience.
Plan your adventure and create unforgettable memories against the stunning backdrop of Table Mountain! Contact the ranch directly for booking and inquiries.