Ostriches are bigger than you expect. On this Highgate Ostrich Farm visit in South Africa’s Western Cape, I love the hand-feeding moment and the practical incubator explanations that make ostrich biology feel real, not like a school poster. With the Klein Karoo valley and Swartberg Mountains all around, it also feels like a proper trip stop, not just a quick photo stop.

You’ll get more than animal time. I also like the crafts-style demonstrations using ostrich plumage, eggs, and leather, plus a chance to linger at the restaurant and gift shop after. One thing to consider: some promotional info mentions sitting or riding, but access can be limited depending on current rules, so plan on feeding and learning first. Guides such as Samantha, Ben, and Jean come up often for keeping the tour fun and question-friendly.

Key highlights worth knowing before you go

• Hand-feed an ostrich with staff guiding you through safe, close contact.
• See how incubation works, with gizzard stones and other biology details explained in plain language.
• Watch crafts made from feathers, eggs, and leather, then check out what’s available in the shop.
• Tour the main yard and the farmlands, so you’re not stuck in one small enclosure.
• Finish with an ostrich derby viewing, a fun closer for the whole family.
• Small group size (max 15) keeps it interactive and easier to ask questions.

Highgate Ostrich Farm: a smart Garden Route stop for families and first-timers

If your itinerary includes the Garden Route, this is one of those stops that plays well for almost everyone. You get big-animal excitement without needing to be a hardcore bird nerd. And because it’s capped at 15 travelers, you’re not being herded through like a conveyor-belt tour.

The setting helps too. Highgate sits in an area with clear views toward the Klein Karoo valley and the Swartberg Mountains. Even before you’re close to the animals, you’re already in that dry, bright, South African countryside feel. It’s the kind of place where you can glance up between moments of “wait, that’s an ostrich?” and actually enjoy the drive-by scenery.

What happens during the 75-minute tour (and why the pacing works)

The whole experience runs about 1 hour 15 minutes. That’s long enough to learn, feed, and see the main farm areas, but short enough to fit neatly between other Garden Route plans.

The flow is two-part on the animal side. You start in the main yard, where you’ll get the teaching bits and the close interaction. Then you move out toward the farmlands portion, which helps break up the visit so it doesn’t feel repetitive. Finally, the tour wraps with a viewing of the ostrich derby, and then you can stop by the restaurant and gift shop at your own pace afterward.

Why this pacing matters: ostrich tours can turn into either a quick feeding photo or a long lecture. Here, you get a mix. You’re not stuck for hours, and you’re not left guessing what you’re seeing.

Main yard magic: feeding, feathers, incubators, and the biology that clicks

This is where the tour earns its keep. You’ll learn the basics of ostrich biology and behavior in a guided format that’s meant to be understandable, not academic. And then you get the moment that makes it stick: you can feed an ostrich by hand.

That interaction is also where safety and guidance matter. Staff are there to show you how to approach and how the birds respond, so you’re not just rushing in for a selfie. If you’re traveling with kids, this is the part that turns curiosity into actual attention.

You’ll also see several farm teaching elements, including:

• Ostrich feathers and what’s special about them
• Incubators and how they work
• Gizzard stones, which connect to how ostriches process food

Even if you don’t remember every detail, you’ll walk away with a clearer picture of how ostriches live, grow, and function. One of the most helpful parts of a tour like this is that it explains the why behind the animal features. The “big bird” becomes a living system with specific behaviors and needs.

Also, you’re in a small group. With max 15 travelers, you’re more likely to get your questions answered without waiting your turn in a crowd.

Crafts from feathers, eggs, and leather: more than a souvenir stop

After the animal-focused portion, the tour includes demonstrations of crafts made using ostrich plumage, eggs, and leather. This is a smart inclusion for two reasons.

First, it gives meaning to what you’re seeing. Feathers aren’t just for fashion; they’re part of a whole story about what the farm uses and why certain materials matter. Eggs, too, aren’t just a factoid about the largest eggs. You get a practical link between the biology you saw and the farm’s real-world outputs.

Second, it naturally leads into the shop. After the tour, you can stop by the gift shop, which is where you’ll see what these demonstrations turn into. If you like buying souvenirs that actually connect to what you learned, this format helps. You’re not guessing what you’re paying for, because you already watched how it’s made.

And if you’re traveling as a couple or with older kids, this crafts angle is a nice break from animal-only content. It turns the tour into something closer to “farm understanding,” not just “big bird encounter.”

About that derby viewing: a fun closer for the whole group

The tour finishes with a viewing of the ostrich derby. Even if you’re not sure what to expect, it’s a good ending because it shifts from education to spectacle.

Derby viewing is also a nice way to keep the energy up at the end of a farm visit. By the time you get there, you’ve already done the feeding and the learning pieces. The derby gives everyone something to react to, take photos of, and share back later.

If you’re traveling with kids, this part often becomes the moment they remember most. If you’re traveling solo or as a pair, it’s a simple, light activity that doesn’t demand extra time or money.

Views, guides, and the small-group feel you’ll notice

One of the quietly powerful things about this tour is the human side. Guides such as Samantha, Ben, and Jean show up in people’s favorite moments, and that tracks with what you want from a farm tour: clear explanations, good energy, and answers to the questions that pop up mid-visit.

In practical terms, small groups mean:

• it’s easier to hear instructions
• you can ask follow-up questions
• the guide can slow down if someone has a bunch of questions

You’ll also spend time in an open setting with mountain views. That helps keep the experience from feeling boxed-in. Farm tours can sometimes feel like you’re moving through corridors. This one has room to breathe.

Price and value: what you get for about $11.28

At $11.28 per person, this is priced like an easy, high-value add-on rather than a “big ticket” attraction. What makes it feel like good value is that entrance fees are included and all activities are included in the tour price.

That matters because ostrich experiences in some places can nickel-and-dime you for basic access. Here, you’re paying for the core experience: the guided learning, the feeding interaction, the crafts demonstrations, and the derby viewing. You’re also not left wondering if you’ll have to pay extra once you arrive.

What’s not included is also clear: food and drinks are not included (unless specified). So if you want lunch or a snack, plan to do that either before you go or after, when you stop by the restaurant.

Practical tips that keep the day comfortable

This is an outdoor farm visit, so comfort matters more than fashion.

Bring and wear:

• Comfortable clothes for walking between areas
• A hat and sunblock
• Plan for sun, since you’ll be outdoors for most of the experience

Also, the tour uses a mobile ticket, so make sure your phone has your confirmation accessible. If you prefer printed backups, you can still screenshot the ticket as a backup, just in case your signal is spotty.

Finally, book with timing in mind. This experience is commonly reserved about 34 days in advance on average, which is a hint that spots may fill up, especially in peak travel periods. With a max of 15 travelers, don’t wait until the last minute if you’re traveling in busy season.

Should you book the Highgate Ostrich Farm tour

If you want a short, well-paced experience that combines animal time with learning and then finishes with something fun, I think you’ll like this. The hand-feeding, the practical biology explanations (incubators and gizzard stones), and the crafts demonstrations give it more substance than a basic animal encounter.

I’d hesitate only if your main goal is guaranteed animal-riding or a very hands-off experience. Current access rules can differ from older promotional wording, so you should assume the sure win is feeding, viewing, and learning. Also remember that food isn’t included, so plan your meals around the tour.

For most people on the Garden Route, though, this is the kind of stop that feels both authentic and easy to fit in.

FAQ

How long is the Highgate Ostrich Farm tour?

The tour lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes.

What is included in the ticket price?

Entrance fees to Highgate Ostrich Farm and all activities are included.

Can I feed an ostrich during the tour?

Yes. You can feed an ostrich by hand as part of the guided tour.

Does the tour include viewing the ostrich derby?

Yes. You finish with a viewing of the ostrich derby.

Will I have time at a restaurant or gift shop?

Yes. After the tour, you can stop by the restaurant and the gift shop.

Are food and drinks included?

Food and drinks are not included unless specified.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothes, and bring a hat and sunblock.

What group size should I expect?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Do I need a physical ticket?

No. The tour uses a mobile ticket, and you’ll receive confirmation at the time of booking.