|
Calitzdorp
Calitzdorp, has its origins from the farm Buffelsvlei, which was granted in 1831 to J.J. and M.C. Calitz. In 1853, they obtained land to build a church. Richard van Reenen Barry was the first pastor. In 1912, a new church was built to accommodate the growing numbers of people. A new school building was also completed. Building work was also started on the Standard Bank and Nelsrivier Dam. The economy suffered through drought, the weak ostrich feather market and the Great Flu. In 1924, the railway line was opened and in 1937, there was electricity. A road from Oudtshoorn was built.
Today, this Klein Karoo town is known for its fine port wines. The semi-arid conditions are ideal for grape farming. Calitzdorp is 50 km west of Oudtshoorn and 50 km North of Mossel Bay. In Summer, it can become very hot, up to 40 degrees Celsius, and in Winter snow often falls on the adjacent Swartberg Mountain Range .
Gamkaberg Nature Reserve conserves the endangered Cape Mountain Zebra (fewer than 800). Birdlife and butterflies are plentiful, as is the diverse plant-life, such as Chinese Lantern, Wild Pomegranate, milkweed, "vygies", and the lye-bush.
The Dutch Reformed Church has been declared a national monument. Much of the architecture of Calitzdorp is largely English-derived. Overall, the town offers an interesting display of architecture.
For nature lovers, there are several hiking trails:
-
Gamkaberg Nature Reserve: 6 trails from 20 min to 2 days.
-
Groenfontein: unofficial, 4 hours - 1 day.
-
Gamkaskloof: Die Hel via Matjiesvlei: Permit required.
-
Hennie Cloete Nature Garden: 1 hour, weekends only.
-
Swartberg: 1 - 5 days, circular route, permit required.
Other interesting points to visit in the surrounding area include:
Seweweekspoort: 25 km towards Ladysmith and Matjiesvlei (16km) and the historic mission stations at Opsoek/Amalienstein/Zoar: (27 km).
One can also fish at Calitzdorp Dam. There are mountain bike and 4X4 trails.
Tours of the wine farms Boplaas Estate, Die Krans estate and the Calitzdorp
Wine Cellars are available on request.
Beaufort West - Matjiesfontein - Oudtshoorn - Swartberg Pass - Calitzdorp - Ladismith - Laingsburg - Prince Albert
|
South Africa Cape Town Guest Houses Accommodation Immigration White Shark Cage Diving Hotels Car Hire Property Garden Route Car Rental Camps Bay Hotel Garden Route Cape Town South Africa |
|
South Africa Immigration Hotel Accommodation Self-Catering Rent a Car Cape Town Camps Bay Knysna George Plettenberg Bay Photos Wildlife Cape Town Day Trips Tours and Safaris Cape Town City Tours Safari Day Trips |
| 
