Oudtshoorn, the capital of the little Karoo, is a worthwhile sightseeing visit, where Dutch Reformed Churches, synagogues and the ostentatious remains of the old Ostrich farmer's estates lie. In the year 1850, South Africa was an exporter of Ostrich feathers. A few farmers in the Oudtshoorn area had the idea of forming a company, and start breeding ostriches in nearby grassy fields, where they could live naturally. To this end, an incubator was set up and put into regular use. In 1875, the district of Oudtshoorn had a total of 2.159 Ostriches. The conditions were indeed so optimal - a warm and dry climate, good quality soil, and plenty of lucern - that there was a huge boom in the Ostrich industry, and many farmers became very wealthy. Unfortunately, the First World War put an end to the success of this industry, although there are still plenty of Ostriches to be found in the district.