Calitzdorp

In the Klein Karoo, the land of ostriches, wild flowers and birds, the land of majestic sandstone mountains cleft by spectacular ravines, of vineyards and orchards, lies elegant Calitzdorp. During the pioneering days hunting was good in the Klein Karoo and soon homesteads were built and by 1845 a community centre was established. The town enjoys a mild climate, especially in winter, and its mineral rich spring waters are a great attraction.

Take a walk down Queen Street, the oldest street in town, with its fine examples of Edwardian and Victorian architecture and don't miss the lovely stone church. In the adjoing church hall a team of local seamstresses has given Calitzdorp unique legacy in the form of 27 wall-hangings illustrating the gospel according to St Matthew. There is a small museum and two art galleries.

The Hennie Cloete Nature Garden offers a lovely view of the town and a one-hour walk to view many of the succulents for which Calitzdorp is famous. Further afield is the Gamkasberg Nature reserve, where the new protea Golden Mimetese was discovered. You can visit the five wine cellars on the wine route: Boplaas, Die Krans, Calitzdorp Winery , Axe Hill and Withoek, which produce a variety of red, white and dessert wines as well as the famous port for which Calitzdorp is world-renowned.

Take a drive to the spectacular Swartberg Pass, the Huisriver Pass or the Rooiberg Pass with its stunning flora and views and cairn of stones deposited by travellers to bring them a safe journey and good fortune. 27 km for Calitzdorp, a gravel road leads northwards through the Swartberg to the famous Seweweekspoort with its unique rock formation. Yet another drive worth taking is to Amalienstein, a town famous for its beautiful church and whitewashed buildings.

Calitzdorp accommodation:

Calitzdorp Spa
Die Dorpshuis
Living Waters Mountain Estate
Matjiesvlei Cottages - Bokwagtershuis
Matjiesvlei Cottages - Die Stalle
Matjiesvlei Cottages - Middelplaas
Matjiesvlei Guest Farm
Port Wine Guest House
Red Stone Hills
Retreat at Groenfontein
River View Cottages and The Old School House
Spekboom Cottages
Welgevonden Guesthouse

Calitzdorp attractions:

Dutch reformed church - Wall hangings
Gamka Mountain Nature Reserve
Groenfontein and Kruisrivier
Hennie Cloete`s Succulent Garden
Oude huis Gallery
Red Stone Hills
St Mark's Church
The Donkey Trail

Calitzdorp activities :

Calitzdorp Spa
Gallery Route 62
Gamka Mountain Nature Reserve
The Donkey Trail

Eating out in Calitzdorp:

Die Dorpshuis
Rose of The Karoo