How to Organize an Ostrich Farm Tour

The ostrich is a fascinating bird which is often seen in the wild in Africa. In many other countries, you can see the ostrich on a farm and even take a tour to see how they live and touch those large ostrich eggs for yourself. The perfect ostrich farm tour will give visitors an insight into this large flightless bird that can stand as tall as a human being.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Research time
• Transportation
• Camera

1. Search for an ostrich farm to visit. The ostrich is native to Africa and there are many ostrich farms there. The ostrich is also bred in many other countries, including the USA, Canada, Wales and others.

2. Set a budget for your ostrich farm tour. You will need to think about the cost of travel to and from the ostrich farm, accommodation and participation in tour activities. Consider whether to arrange the tour yourself or to book it as part of a package deal.

3. Decide on the best location for the ostrich farm tour. Factors to consider include how easy it is to get to, when the tours take place and what the weather will be like. You wouldn't want your ostrich farm tour to be rained off. If you are taking a package tour, find out how experienced your guide will be.

4. Arrange a trip to the ostrich farm so you can tour it. This may mean booking a plane or train to get to the location of the ostrich farm. You may also want to arrange accommodation if you will be in the area overnight. If you are not driving, it may be worth hiring a car to get to the ostrich farm.

5. Find out how often the tours take place. One ostrich farm may only have tours during certain months, while others may restrict the tours to a certain time of day. Many farm tours include a visit to the incubation area, the young birds and the adults. Think about the different activities offered such as feeding and petting birds, touching on eggs and sitting on ostriches to decide which ones appeal to you most.

6. Travel to the ostrich farm and enjoy your tour. Take part in the activities on offer. These may include feeding an ostrich, petting a tame ostrich, standing on an egg or riding an ostrich.

Tips & Warnings

• The Internet is a great place to look for information on available ostrich farm tours. Many of the main ostrich farms offer tours and the relevant information is available on their websites.
• Take a camera and video camera so you can capture the ostrich farm tour on film.
• If you want to see ostrich eggs and ostrich chicks you will have to tour the ostrich farm during the breeding season.
• If you can find them, read online reviews of ostrich farm tours to help you narrow your choice.
• Most travel arrangements can be made online. Use maps to see what else may be of interest near the ostrich farm.
• Do not get too close to the ostriches on your farm tour unless your guide says it is okay. When touching an ostrich, follow the guide's instructions to the letter. Ostriches are beautiful but they can also be dangerous. The ostrich has a very powerful kick and have been known to kill people when frightened.
• Stay away from the young ostriches. They are often afraid of humans and may hurt themselves on fences while trying to get away.
• Find out whether you need a visa to get to the ostrich farm of your choice. Apply for the visa well in advance so that you can make your trip as scheduled.

Resources

• Ostrich Emporium.
• Curacao Ostrich Farm Tour.