A giant bird, up close, makes time fly. This Highgate Ostrich Farm tour is a guided walk built around hands-on ostrich experiences plus simple farm know-how that helps you understand how these birds live. I especially like the guided explanations of ostrich biology and behavior and the way the staff show practical craft work using feathers, eggs, and leather. One thing to consider: sitting or riding an ostrich may not be offered at all times, so it’s smart to ask on arrival.

You’ll spend about 1 hour 15 minutes with a small group (max 15), and the pacing feels family-friendly without dragging. The tour also ends with a viewing moment of the ostrich derby, then you can stop by the restaurant and gift shop.

Key highlights you should know before you go

• Small group feel (max 15) makes it easier to ask questions and get closer to the action
• Hand-feeding ostriches is the main hands-on moment, with staff guiding you step-by-step
• Two-part farm route covers the main yard plus farmlands for variety in what you see
• Incubators, gizzard stones, eggs, feathers, and leather are explained through real demonstrations
• Ostrich derby viewing gives the tour a fun finale, not just a lecture
• Mobile ticket keeps things simple on the day

Highgate Ostrich Farm on the Garden Route: what kind of experience this is

This is the sort of stop that works whether you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or with a mixed-age group. The core idea is straightforward: you’re going to learn about ostriches through real farm interaction, then finish with a lively viewing of the ostrich derby.

It helps that the farm experience is broken into clear sections. You’re not wandering at random or stuck listening to one long talk. Instead, you move from the main yard into the farm areas, and you watch demonstrations that connect what you’re seeing to how ostriches work—feeding behavior, egg facts, and even how incubators are used.

The location also adds some atmosphere. You’re in the Klein Karoo valley area, with the Swartberg Mountains in view. Even if you only get quick glimpses between stops, it makes the experience feel like more than just a roadside attraction.

Timing, groups, and what to wear for a 1 hour 15 minute visit

The tour runs about 1 hour 15 minutes. That’s long enough to do the main activities—feeding, demonstrations, and the derby viewing—without eating your entire day.

The group size matters. With a max of 15 travelers, you usually get a better experience than you do on huge-bus tours. Smaller groups typically mean quicker staff attention when you have questions, and it’s easier to hear the guide without craning your neck.

What to wear is also practical. You’ll be outdoors, and you’ll be moving between parts of the farm. Bring comfortable clothes, and plan for sun: hat and sunblock are recommended. If you’re going in hot weather, think light layers you can handle even if the schedule holds steady.

Entering the main yard: feeding the ostrich and learning the practical stuff

The tour starts in the Highgate Ostrich Show Farm main yard, where the whole tone becomes hands-on right away. The feeding moment is the headline: you’ll feed an ostrich by hand, with staff helping you get it right. This is where you’ll feel the scale of the birds in a very real way. It’s also where you’ll learn that feeding is not just about standing near a bird—it’s about understanding how to interact safely and calmly.

From there, you’ll get guided explanations tied to specific objects and behaviors:

• You’ll see different ostrich feathers and learn how they’re used and valued.
• You’ll learn about incubators and how they work, which is a big part of the farm’s ability to raise chicks.
• You’ll hear about gizzard stones, which help explain how ostriches process food.

This is also where you get a chance for a lot of questions. In the past, guides such as Samantha, Ben, and Jean have been praised for sharing farm history and answering curiosities clearly. If you like learning that connects the dots—what you’re seeing and why it matters—this is the part that delivers.

A quick consideration: some marketing material may suggest more adventurous interactions like sitting or even riding an ostrich. One common disappointment is that those options can change. My advice is simple: ask at the start if any close-up sitting or riding is available on your day, and treat it as a bonus if it happens.

The farm demonstrations that turn biology into something you remember

The tour doesn’t stop at feeding. The main yard and farmlands route are designed to show how ostriches matter beyond being big and photogenic. You’ll see staff demonstrate craft work using plumage, eggs, and leather. That part can feel surprisingly educational because you’re not just looking at a product—you’re hearing what goes into it and how the farm treats these resources.

Here’s why I think this section is valuable for your trip:

• It makes the birds’ biology feel relevant, not abstract. Egg and incubation talk lands better when you also see how the farm operates.
• It reframes the birds as part of a working system. You get a sense of how farms think: breeding, raising, caring, and using materials responsibly.
• It gives you a reason to look closely at features that are easy to ignore in a zoo setting.

If you enjoy photo moments, this is also where your camera gets used. You’ll likely get several chances to capture ostriches up close during feeding and during demonstration stops.

From the guide-led conversations, you may also hear extra local and practical tidbits. People have specifically praised guides for adding extra detail like pepper tree facts alongside ostrich info. Those small additions are often what make a guided farm stop feel more like a real conversation than a scripted walk.

Farmlands segment: a change of pace from the show-yard

After the main yard portion, the tour shifts into the farmlands part of the property. This is a smart move. It breaks up the experience so it doesn’t feel like you’re repeating the same set of views.

In the farmlands, you usually get a better sense of space and how ostriches move through the environment. Even if you don’t get new activities here beyond the guided walk and observations, it can change how the birds feel to you. From the show yard, you experience them as an interaction partner. In the farmlands, they feel more like animals living their routine.

Another reason I like this segment: it often improves the photo and video opportunities because your angles change. Instead of facing the same enclosure setup, you’re moving and getting different sightlines.

One more detail you might catch, depending on what’s happening during your visit: some guides bring attention to very young chicks. Past visitors have mentioned seeing babies that were only four days old, which gives the whole “biology” lesson a human-sized emotional hook—suddenly it’s not just theory.

Ostrich derby viewing: why the finale works

The tour ends with a viewing of the ostrich derby. Even if you don’t know anything about it beforehand, the derby gives you a shift in energy from educational to entertaining.

It’s a good match for the tour structure. After you’ve learned about behavior and farm routines, you’re ready to watch something dynamic. If you’re traveling with kids, this is often the moment that sticks in memory.

Just keep expectations realistic: a derby viewing is a spectator moment, not a hands-on event. Still, it’s the sort of ending that prevents the tour from feeling like an extended lesson.

Gift shop and restaurant: how to use the extra time well

Once the guided portion wraps up, you can stop at the restaurant and gift shop. I like having this option because it lets you manage your day in a flexible way. You can linger if you want, or head out right away without feeling like you’re still trapped in the tour.

In the gift shop, you’ll likely find ostrich-related souvenirs tied to the craft demonstrations you saw earlier. That’s the best use of the add-on time: buy something that connects to what you learned rather than grabbing a random trinket.

If you’re hungry, the restaurant option is also a practical plus. The tour includes activities, but it doesn’t include food unless something is specified for your specific booking, so plan to eat separately.

Price and value: what $11.28 really buys you

At about $11.28 per person, the value is strong mainly because the tour price includes entrance and the included activities. You’re not paying extra for each stop, and you’re not stuck doing only one highlight.

Here’s what you’re getting for that money, based on what the tour covers:

• Guided explanations of ostrich biology and behavior
• Hand-feeding (the main hands-on moment)
• Demonstrations using feathers, eggs, and leather
• A viewing of the ostrich derby
• Access to the restaurant and gift shop after the tour

That combination matters. Low cost tours that are only a quick pass by animals don’t always teach you anything. This one gives you more context through guided stops, and the short duration helps too. You’re getting a lot into about 1 hour 15 minutes without paying for half a day.

The only practical “cost” is what you do beyond the tour price. Food and drinks aren’t included unless specified, so budget for that separately if you plan to eat on-site.

Who should book this ostrich farm tour (and who may want to skip)

You’ll likely enjoy this tour if you like:

• Hands-on animal experiences where staff guide you
• A mix of fun and straightforward learning
• Quick tours that fit into a Garden Route itinerary

This also fits well for families. The pacing, small group size, and derby finale tend to keep attention. If you’re a photo person, feeding and up-close moments give you more than one decent shot.

You might want to choose another option if:

• You’re specifically hunting for long, in-depth research-style animal behavior sessions. This is guided and informative, but it’s still a farm tour you can finish in around 90 minutes.
• You care deeply about riding a bird. Since some interactions can change, verify before you arrive.

Should you book Highgate Ostrich Farm?

I’d book it if you want an affordable, guided, hands-on ostrich experience that mixes feeding, biology, and a real finale. The short time makes it easy to schedule, and the included activities mean you’re not piecing together a plan once you get there.

My only “don’t assume” advice: if your goal includes sitting or riding, ask when you check in. Everything else is clear—feeding by hand, demonstrations, and the derby viewing are the heart of the tour.

If you’re passing through the Garden Route and want a memorable stop that feels both fun and informative, Highgate is a solid pick.

FAQ

How long is the Highgate Ostrich Farm tour?

It lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes.

Where is this tour located?

It takes place at Highgate Ostrich Show Farm in the Western Cape, South Africa, on the Garden Route.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Entrance fees to Highgate Ostrich Farm are included, along with all activities.

Can I feed an ostrich on this tour?

Yes. You’ll be able to feed an ostrich by hand with the staff guiding you.

What demonstrations will I see?

You’ll watch staff demonstrate crafts made from ostrich plumage, eggs, and leather, and you’ll learn about ostrich biology and behavior.

Is the ostrich derby part of the tour?

Yes. The tour finishes with a viewing of the ostrich derby.

Is food included?

Food and drinks are not included unless specified.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothes, and bring a hat and sunblock.

How big are the groups?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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