Visitor Information
You'll find the Oudtshoorn Tourism Information Bureau (tel. 044/279-2532; www.oudtshoorn.com; Mon-Fri 8am-5:30pm, Sat 9am-1pm) on Baron van Rheede Street. Prince Albert's Tourism Information is clearly signposted at 109 Church St. (tel. 023/541-1366; Mon-Fri 9am-6:30pm, Sat 9am-1pm); or contact Lindsay, at Dennehof (tel. 023/541-1227 or 082/456-8848; lindsay@dennehof.co.za)
Getting There
By Plane -- There are no scheduled flights here.
By Car -- Whichever way you approach it, you'll have to traverse a mountain pass to get to Oudtshoorn. Via the N1 from Cape Town, you'll head south on the R407 to Prince Albert before tackling the majestic Swartberg Pass. Alternatively (and, time allowing, preferably), you can come via Calitzdorp. The quickest way to get here is to travel along the N2 to Mossel Bay before heading north over the Robinson Pass on the R328, or to George before heading north over the Outeniqua Pass (N12). Oudtshoorn is an hour (88km/55 miles) from Mossel Bay and 45 minutes (55km/34 miles) from George.
By Bus -- Intercape and Translux's no-frills City to City service travels from Johannesburg daily. Intercape travels to Oudsthoorn from Cape Town on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Translux travels from Cape Town to Mossel Bay, where you can catch a bus to Oudsthoorn.
By Train -- The Blue Train stops at Oudtshoorn on its Garden Route Tour. The Shosholoza Meyl from Cape Town to East London stops at Prince Albert Road station, but you'll need someone to pick you up (it's still a couple of dozen kilometers from town). A Sunday-only economy service that takes over 7 hours, it's only for the hardy.
Getting Around
Avis (tel. 044/272-4727) has an office on Baron van Rheede Street. If you need shuttle service, call Boulder's Lodge (tel. 044/272-5559).
Special Events
Every March and April, Oudtshoorn hosts the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KunsteFees), one of the biggest and best cultural festivals in South Africa. Contact the Tourism Bureau for more information.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
