Just 4 hours from Cape Town on quiet and scenic Route 62 and halfway to Port Elizabeth, lies Calitzdorp, gateway to the Garden Route.
At the very heart of the Klein Karoo's unique attractions, including the majestic Swartberg mountains, the Cango Caves, a renowned World Heritage site, the stunning mountain passes and indigenous African flora and fauna, Calitzdorp is ideally situated within a couple of hours driving time of all that is special in the region.
Also known as the "Port Wine Capital" of South Africa, Calitzdorp is the fruit bowl of the Klein Karoo and the ideal stopover for travellers wishing to enjoy all that the region has to offer. Naturally, this enjoyment starts with the seven wine cellars, famous for their Port wines that regularly win top local and international accolades.
The area is also renowned for its indigenous flora, especially the 500 species of succulents, 200 of which are found nowhere else on earth. And not least, the stunning sunsets and glorious Karoo night sky with its billions of stars, totally unsullied by the city's smog, will live long in your memory.
Calitzdorp is also known for beautiful gardens featuring splendid Bougainvillea and the wide variety of special architectural styles of the village houses which date from the founding of the village in 1821. The Dutch Reformed Church, a national monument, was originally built in 1857 and holds a magnificent organ, large even by European standards.
With a population of 8400, Calitzdorp's economy is driven by Port and wine making, ostrich and fruit farming and tourism. Overnight visitors may choose from a wide selection of accommodation; from backpackers to budget B&B to five star country house, 31 in all, and no less than 6 restaurants serving a variety of food, from take-away to country-style haute cuisine.
One night is too rushed; you'll need a week to take it all in.
Things to do and see
- Cango Caves in the area
- 4x4 routes
- Angling
- Birding
- Canoeing
- Darts
- Gamka River Safari Co.
- Hiking trails
- Horse riding
- Karooicus Calitzdorp (hike)
- Klein Kannland Farm and Tea Garden
- Mountain Biking
- Stargazing
- Swimming
- Tractor Tours
- Bonsai Garden
Source: calitzdorp.org.za
- 4x4 routes
- Angling
- Birding
- Canoeing
- Darts
- Gamka River Safari Co.
- Hiking trails
- Horse riding
- Karooicus Calitzdorp (hike)
- Klein Kannland Farm and Tea Garden
- Mountain Biking
- Stargazing
- Swimming
- Tractor Tours
- Bonsai Garden
- Museum
- Spa
- Cango Caves in the area
This fertile valley was originally a lake. The soil is mainly alluvial and agricultural crops are grown 1 km on either side of the rivers (Nel's and Gamka - lion in Khoi).
Early writings prove that the Khoi called Kannaland "the valley with no grass". Evidence of early San and Khoi peoples are evident in numerous rock paintings found in the surrounding mountains. In 1821, land was granted to JJ and MC Calitz who named it Buffelsvlei. This name was derived from the local vegetation and animals found here.
In 1853, the Calitz's donated land for a church and school to be built, as Oudtshoorn proved to be too far to travel for their monthly "Nagmaal".
In 1910, the population was 4000 and a larger church and school were needed. Both buildings were completed in 1912. The church has a neo-Byzantine style with a Marseilles roof. It is a good example of the sandstone architecture of the ostrich-era in the Klein Karoo. It was declared a national monument in 1991.
Also in 1912, building commenced on the old Standard Bank building, presently housing the museum, and the Nel's river dam. This dam wall was the first of many to be built in South Africa, using cement.
Subsequent drought, the great flu epidemic, and the collapse of the ostrich feather industry, played havoc amongst the community.
New hope however, came to Calitzdorp in the form of a railway line (in 1924) and electrification (in 1937), as well as the construction of the first cement road between Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn (also a first for South Africa). The new R62 was built in 1978. Today, this Klein Karoo thriving community is known as the "Port Wine Capital of South Africa", the "Fruit Basket of Kannaland", and the "Heart of the Klein Karoo".
Source: calitzdorp.org.za
