Commercial
ostrich farming started during the late 1880's in
South Africa, this was also the start of the ostrich
industry worldwide. The fashion demand in Europe
for ostrich feathers inspired the growth of the
industry, with the Oudtshoorn district quickly being
established as the Ostrich capital of the world.
During the first decade of the previous century,
ostrich feathers gained record prices on foreign
markets, ranking 4th on the list of South African
exports, after gold, diamonds and wool.
The consequence of this newly found opulence meant
that ostrich farmers were able to build beautiful
sandstone mansions. A unique feature, of the Safari
experience is a visit to the Ostrich Palace "Welgeluk"
which was built at the height of the feather boom
in 1910. The homestead is a National Monument and
a superb example of the type of architecture that
was used at the time. Safari Ostrich Show Farm,
was established more than 40 years ago by two 4th
generation ostrich farmers - Derek Fisch and the
late Harry Lipschitz.
Safari Ostrich Show Farm is an operating farm where
visitors will see large flocks of ostriches at different
stages of development in the surrounding fields.
Visitors are assured of personal attention and upon
their arrival are greeted by one of our multi-lingual
guides who will, during the course of the tour explain
every aspect of ostrich farming, from breeding to
rearing.
The tour starts in the breeding camp, with a nest
of ostrich eggs, where the first stage of the ostrich
life cycle is explained. Visitors will get the opportunity
to test the strength of the eggs by standing on
them - a great photo opportunity. During the breeding
season visitors get to see ostrich eggs hatching
in the incubator rooms. Visitors get to sit on an
ostrich and those who are brave enough can even
try their hand at riding one. Every tour ends with
an "Ostrich Derby" where local jockeys
display their riding skills. A highly entertaining
and educational tour is guaranteed.
Visit
http://www.safariostrich.co.za
for more information on Garden Route Ostrich Show
Farms.
