CALITZDORP – HEART OF THE KLEIN KAROO

In the very heart of the Klein Karoo’s unique attractions, including the majestic Swartberg Mountains, the renowned Cango Caves, the stunning mountain passes and indigenous African flora and fauna, lies the little town of Calitzdorp - ideally situated on Route 62 within a couple of hours driving time of all that is special in the region.

Long known as the ‘Port Wine Capital’ of South Africa, Calitzdorp is also the succulent capital of South Africa: indeed, 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.

And while visiting the cellars for tasting of Port and fine red, white and dessert wines, visitors should keep their eyes peeled for the many examples of immaculately maintained old Georgian, Victorian, Cape Dutch and Karoo-style houses and prepare to be stunned by the beauty of the ubiquitous bougainvillea blooming on virtually every street corner of this quaint village.

 Pride of the main street is the Dutch Reformed Church, Calitzdorp’s national monument, where building began in 1855. Behind the DR Church at the church office, ask to see the famed bible-illustrating tapestries woven by congregants many years ago. If organ music is your thing, the organ, too, is a famous instrument, renowned for its sound and size. Another place of worship deserves a visit: the tiny chapel down the road from the big church. It is reputed to be the second smallest Anglican chapel in the world and is presently being painstakingly restored.

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’s welcoming facilities include accommodation and dining to suit all tastes and pockets: from four-star guest houses to relaxed self-catering cottages and from pizzas to a bistro that is uniquely located on a wine farm.