Cruise Port Mossel Bay - THE OSTRICH COMES FOR ME! - Oudtshoorn Ostrich Safari Farm NCL Excursion SA

Today we’re heading inland from Mossel Bay, South Africa, to Oudtshoorn—aka the ostrich capital of the world—for a deep dive into the country’s historic and still-thriving ostrich farming industry. Read More about Mossel Bay on our Website: https://www.nowgoseeit.com/blog/cruise-port-mossel-bay Check out Vlogs from the other stops on our NCL Africa Cruise: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4Hr8kE0shYlS3TRG3wyi0dSBjYJv_-k0&si=xy35VHLT2bRqGqX5 This shore excursion gives a full look at how these birds shaped local history, what they’re farmed for now, and what it’s like to get up close to a group of adult ostriches when you’ve got a cup of food in your hand and zero protection beyond a metal tram rail. We start the day arriving into Mossel Bay by tender—quick, smooth, and way easier than the sometimes drawn-out port arrivals in other parts of South Africa. Within minutes of stepping off the ship, we’re on the bus and heading through Mossel Bay, a coastal town known more to South African vacationers than international tourists. The waters around Mossel Bay are alive with sharks, seals, and marine life thanks to the warm Agulhas Current mixing with the colder Benguela Current. If you’ve ever seen footage of great whites launching out of the water after a seal, odds are it was shot right here. From there, we link up with the famous Garden Route—South Africa’s scenic coastal highway—and start to head inland. On the way, the landscape shifts from coastal green to dry, rocky Klein Karoo terrain. The 90-minute drive to Oudtshoorn gives a clear look at just how diverse South Africa’s geography really is. Oudtshoorn’s claim to fame comes from a fashion trend that peaked over 100 years ago. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, ostrich feathers were a top-tier luxury item in European fashion. Feathers were used in everything from hats to fans to full garments. At the peak of the industry, ostrich feathers were worth more than gold, and Oudtshoorn farmers got rich—fast. That boom eventually collapsed, but ostrich farming adapted. Today, the focus is on leather, meat, and decorative uses for the eggs. The highlight of this excursion is the ostrich safari itself. We start with a feed cup, hop on an open-air tram, and roll through the farm while learning about breeding, raising, and managing ostriches. These birds are not shy. They’ll jam their heads straight into the tram to get food. It’s chaotic, fast, and honestly, a little intense. No glass barriers, no calm pecking—it’s full contact. You’ll feel the wind from their beaks if you’re too close. After the tram, we explore the rest of the farm on foot. There’s an incubation station where we see the egg-hatching process, displays about modern farming techniques, and areas with emus and younger ostriches. Everything is organized and informative, but what stands out most is how industrialized and precise ostrich farming has become. Nothing goes to waste. Meat, leather, feathers, shells—it all gets used. Before heading back, we get some free time on the grounds. There’s a massive gift shop packed with every kind of ostrich product you could want (and a lot you didn’t know existed). The cafe and sit-down restaurant looked good, but we didn’t have time for a full meal. If this tour is on your list, plan to snack and keep it moving. On the way back to Mossel Bay, we drive through Outeniqua Pass—a scenic, winding stretch of road through the mountains. We make a quick stop for photos and leg-stretching, then head back to the port. The tender line is short and efficient, and we’re back on board in time for our last night on the ship. This was a solid, well-run excursion. If you’re into quirky animals, historic industries, or just want to see something different than the usual port highlights, this one’s worth the trip inland. — 🎥 Want more South Africa content? Check out my full cruise series and other excursions around the country right here on the channel. I’ve got deep dives into Cape Town, Durban, and more. For itinerary breakdowns, travel hacks, cruise port guides, and interactive maps, head over to https://www.nowgoseeit.com — everything you need to plan smarter and make the most of every stop. Follow along on YouTube @nowgoseeit for upcoming vlogs across multiple continents and every kind of destination—from major cities to the offbeat and unusual. 👍 Like this video if it helped you decide whether this tour is worth your time, and drop a comment if you’ve been here or are planning to go. #OstrichSafari #SouthAfricaCruise #NowGoSeeIt #CruiseVlog #Oudtshoorn #MosselBay #GardenRoute #SouthAfricaTravel #ShoreExcursionReview #OstrichFarm #CruisePortGuide