Ostrich riding is one of the most thrilling experiences that Africa offers. Tourists can get this experience whenever they are in Kenya or South Africa). However, it’s much scarier than you may think.
Riding an ostrich is just like being on top of a giant, angry bird who can turn its long neck around and peck you at anytime. And if you get too close to the front of them, they’ve been known to front kick you and break ribs.
This deadly ride is what one may think people would avoid, however, the reverse is the case. Ostriches are inquisitive birds that will peck anyone or anything. You will certainly feel the peck but it doesn’t hurt. But, be cautioned, beware of their claws!
They kick forward, not backward, and their claws are sharp enough to inflict wounds. Especially the males who become aggressive as they get older. The males are black with white plumes while the females are brown.
Ostriches are the tallest living birds on the planet. The Ostrich is a large, flightless bird – the largest living bird on earth. When fully grown it weighs over 120kg pounds.
Ostriches have long necks, small heads, large eyes, long, powerful legs, and two toes on each foot. Ostriches have great vision and because of their strong legs can run at 70 km per hour.
Visiting Oudtshoorn in South Africa, one can observe large flocks of Ostriches at different stages of development. There are petting areas where you can cuddle the chicks or feed an ostrich by hand, watch how feather dusters and boas are made.
Professional multilingual guides take tourists on a conducted tour where they will learn about the birds surrounded by thousands of ostriches.
There are also restaurants where tourists can try an Ostrich Steak or the Ostrich egg (which feeds 20 people), this can be tasted together with Ostrich Paté and Biltong.
