Calitzdorp – Heart of the Klein Karoo
Visitor Stats: 1 July 2010 to 31 June 2011, more than 5 600 South African Visitors and more than 1 500 International visitors.
● South Africa's Port Capital
● Situated halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth
● Altitude: 233m
● Position: 33.32.099s 21.41.145e wgs 84
● Gateway to the Garden Route
, Fruit harvesting is the main source of income for locals
, Wine Industry is the major industry of the town
● Alex Fick Succulent Nursery
● Beauty Saloon
● Bonsai Garden
● Calitzdorp Museum
● Calitzdorp Spa
● Cango Caves
● Curiosities and antiques
● Dried fruit and home made jams
● Dutch Reformed Church
● Gamka Valley Lookout point
● Gamkapoort Dam
● Groenfontein Valley
● Hennie Cloete Veldtuin
● Historical Heritage
● Hospitality and the "local is lekker" Flavor
● Nels River Dam
● Old water mills
● Ring of stones
● Smallest St Marks Anglican Church in the Southern Hemisphere
● Wall hangings, telling the story of the new testament (The story of Jesus from His birth, up to the out pour of the Holy Spirit)
● Wine tasting at our 8 local wine cellars
● 4 x 4 Routes
● Bird watching
● Fishing
● Mountain biking
● Hiking trails
● Donkey Trail
● Grape and apricot picking in season
● Tractor Tours
● Horseback riding
● Stargazing the Milky Way, Orion and the Southern Cross
● Classical organ recitals
● Port Festival
At the very heart of the Klein Karoo's unique attractions, including the majestic Swartberg mountains, the highest peak in the Western Cape, the Cango Caves, a renowned World Heritage site, the stunning mountain passes and indigenous African flora and fauna, Calitzdorp is ideally situated on the longest wine route in the world, 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, where free classical music recitals can be enjoyed every week from Monday to Sunday.
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.












