Calitzdorp, South Africa's Port capital, is on the R62 Scenic Route halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Nestled in the heart of the Klein Karoo or Kannaland as it is better known, 50 km from Oudtshoorn, 110 km from George, 380 km from Cape Town.
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 adjoining church hall a team of local seamstresses has given Calitzdorp a 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 furtune. 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 Amaleinstein, a town famous for its beautiful church and whitewashed buildings.
MORE INFORMATION ON WHAT TO SEE OR DO
Dutch Reformed Church:
(declared a national monument 1991) Style: Neo Byzantine with a Marseilles roof . It is a good example of sandstone architecture of the ostrich area in the Little Karoo. Inauguration: 1912 : Pulpit made out of yellow- and stinkwood organ build by Capetonian organ builders G. W. Price and Son. The pews, shaped like benches, are of solid oak and can seat 1050 people. Enormous vestry table( 5,2 m long) had to be made on site. The clockwork and bells, the latter cast in Germany cost 425. The cast iron enclosure dates form 1899. Situated in middle of the town on the mainroad. Contact: Dominee de Kock at 044 213 3311 / 044 213 3400
St Mark's Church Style: simplified Neo-Gothic (1880)
The bells were cast in London and bear the date 1880. The beauty of this church lies in its stark simplicity. There is a possibility that it could be the second smallest Anglican church in the world - the smallest being St. Jade in Scotland.
Situated in one of the first streets in Calitzdorp: Queens Street, next to the Police Station (1930). Neo Cape Dutch.
Contact: 044-2722486
Places of relevance to travellers with an interest in science. E.g. archaeology, palaentology, geology, astronomy, botany:
Red Stone Hills
Called Enon-conglomorated stone in stone colourful red hills at the foot of the Swartberg , on a holiday farm called: Reds Stone Hills Holiday Farm.
Bushmen rockart found here and a large amount of bird life, Rob Martin is busy with research on the farm for Robert's book of birds. This will be a main attraction for the "Environmental and Outdoor Expo" in Calitzdorp 2 - 5 October 2003.
Contact: Petro Potgieter 044-2133783
Hennie Cloete`s Succulent Garden
One hour trails through the garden
Contact: Johan Cloete 044-2133498
Gamka Mountain Nature Reserve
6 trails from 20 min - 2 days
Gamka Mountain is an isolated mountain range in the Little Karoo, lying between the Swartberg and Reserve (9 428ha) comprises virtually the entire mountain range and is situated 33 km south-west of Oudtshoorn and 32 km south-east of Calitzdorp. The name Gamka is derived from the Khoekhoen ("Hottentot") word gami, meaning lion.
The Reserve was established in 1974 in order to conserve a local population of endangered Cape mountain zebra and their natural habitat. The terrain is rugged, with mountainous plateaux consist of table Mountain quartzites and shales, and Bokkeveld sandstone and shales.
Contact: Tom Barry 044-2133367
Groenfontein and Kruisrivier
Mountain splendour and regional architect along circular route (50km)
There are also two water mills that were used long ago for grading corn.
Contact: Francois Potgieter 044-2133763
Matjesvlei (16 km out of town)
Secluded farms along aloe clad hills and also having a 4 x 4 route and hiking trails. Contact: Marieta Nel 044-2133753
Sites of importance in terms of art and culture (including those related to literature and music)
Oude huis Gallery
Re-opended as Tim Robson Gallery in October 2002 in memory of the owner, the late Tim Robson (died in May 2002), landscape & waterpainting artist.
Dutch reformed church - Wall hangings
27 applique tapestries done by the ladies in town, each 2.2 by 1 metre big. Depicting the gospel of St. Matthew as well as all the parabels of Christ.
Interesting development initiatives
Calitzdorp Dam : Possibility of camping site- fishing\birdwatching
CHECKLIST OF WHAT TO DO
Taste some port-wine at our world renowned wine cellars
Soak up the mineral waters of the Calitzdorp Spa
Try the local food-specialities
Do some art hip-hopping
Drive one of the scenic tours
Visit the museum
Don't miss the magnificent Dutch Reformed Church, unique legacy in the form of 27 wall hanging in the church hall.
