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GENERAL INFORMATION ON CALITZDORP
Calitzdorp, South Africa's Port Capital is on the R62 Scenic
Route, halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. It is nestled
in the heart of the Klein Karoo, or Kannaland as it is better known,
50km from Oudtshoorn, 110km from George and 380km from Cape Town.
Calitzdorp, overlooking a valley that spills like a "Horn of Plenty"
from the Swartberg foothills, is the fruit-bowl of Kannaland and
source of the country's finest port wines. If the Klein Karoo
or Kannaland of old still lives on then its spirit is here,
lingering perhaps in some vista of loft-doored cottages up to
their cheeks in orchard bloom.
For nowhere is the authentic
character of a Klein Karoo community and the unique architecture
of the region better preserved. In the spectacular mountains that
shelter Calitzdorp on three sides, Nature too, seems unspoiled by
the twentieth century. Awaiting the ecology-minded explorer is a
wealth of flora, fauna and geological fascination. No wonder that
so many visitors stay longer than they intended, soaking up the beauty
and - why not? - a little of the wine!
   
Architecture
Apart from the imposing Dutch Reformed Church - a National Monument
in the New Byzantine
style - the general architecture of Calitzdorp is strongly English-derived.
Different styles have been adopted to different functions, e.g. the
so-called Karoo style was used for "church houses". Simplified renderings
of dominant British styles e.g. Regency, Late Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian
became fashionable for more permanent dwellings. Strolling through the town is
an architectural adventure.
Why are the Port-wines of Calitzdorp so good?
Port-grape varieties prefer a hot, dry, climate such as that
of Calitzdorp. There are quite a lot of similarities between the
climate of Calitzdorp and the Douro vally in Portugal. The poor,
well-drained soils of Calitzdorp, where vines struggle to ripen,
are very suitable for Port production. These port-wines are produced
from internationally recognized port grape varieties such as Tinta
Barocca and Touriga Nacional. A blend of these varieties enhances
the aroma-intensity, depth and complexity of these port-wines.
Last, but by no means least the dedication of the port-makers is
pivotal in the production of these prizewinning ports, made in the
classic tradition of a high alcohol and relatively low sugar
content.
Wine Estates and Wine Tasting
Boplaas Wine Cellars
De Krans Wine Cellars
Calitzdorp Wine Cellars
Axehill Wine Cellars
Withoek Wine Cellars
Activities
Birding: Best time for birders to visit is after substantial
rains in spring and early summer. Most important habitats for birds include:
- The open karroid veld dominated by stunted trees, mainly Gwarrie
and low succulent shrubs
- The denser vegetation on the hillsides
- The fynbos (Waboom Protea nitida)
- Several permanent streams providing a habitat for birds that are
not typical of this dry environment; Man made habitat eg. lucerne fields
Horse Trails and Horse Riding
Red Stone Hills
Mountain Biking
- Kruisrivier
- Matjiesvlei (22km)
- Redstone Hills (12km)
Canoeing and Fishing
- Nelsrivier Dam (yellowfish, blackbass, carp, eels)
- Gamkarivier / Matjiesvlei
Walking / Hiking Trails
- Gamkaberg Nature Reserve (medium - 1 - 2 days) 23.5km
- Redstone Hills (easy - difficult - 2 - 5 hours) 2 - 12km
- Matjiesvlei (difficult - 4 - 6 hours) 13km, (medium 2 - 4 hours) 5 - 15km
- Retreat at Groenfontein (medium - difficult - 3min - 4 hours) 2 - 10km
- Jakkalskop (easy - 1km from town)
- Buffelskloof (easy - 2 hours)
4X4 Trails
- Kraaldorings (medium - 3 - 4 hours) 18km
- Gamkaberg (medium - 1 and a half hour) 20 - 25km
- Redstone Hills (medium - 30 - 45 min) 8.2km
- Bôjaankop (medium - 3 - 5 hours) 30km
Scenic Drives
- Seweweekspoort: 27km tar road towards Ladismith, 17km gravel road through outstanding rock formation.
- Groenfonlein: 50km circular gravel road passing the Nelsrivier Dam.
- Kruisrivier: 50km circular gravel road passing the spectacular Redstone Hills and regional architecture.
- Matjiesvlei: 5km on the tar road towards Ladismith and then 16km gravel road with secluded farms amoung aloe-clad hills.
- Amalienstein: 27km on the tar road towards Ladismith - historical mission stations and a Lutheran church 150 years old.
Passes:
- Huisrivier (West): 8km tar road towards Ladismith with breathtaking views.
- Rooiberg (South): 16km gravel road towards Van Wyksdorp - succulents and fynbos. Swartberg: 45km gravel road via Groenfontein / Kruisrivier and a 15km tar road with spectacular view. No caravans over this pass.
Places to visit:
- Museum
- Succulent Garden
- Historical Watermills
- St Marks Church
- Dutch Reformed Church
- Kruisrivier Padstal
Fauna and Flora
Names like Buffelsvlei and Gamkarivier ( Khoi for lion ) recall
the wild animals that once roamed the Calitzdorp district. Today
one of the most endangered large animals, the Cape Mountain Zebra
( fewer than 800 ) is conserved in the Gamkaberg Nature Reserve.
Calitzdorp has the highest concentration in the Southern Hemisphere
of the Pale Chanting Goshawk - the only polyandrous raptor. Other
birdlife abounds as does a great variety of butterflies. Flowering
shrubs such as Wild Pomegranade, "vygies", lye-bush, milkweed and
Chinese Lantern, shelter many other smaller plants. This area is
incredible rich in succulents including the Crassulas and unusual
Haworthias.
Climate
- Summer: Hot during day - dry heat, up to 40°C, wind from the sea
every afternoon, moderate, cool evenings
- Winter: Sunny days, cold nights, occasional frost
- Rainfall: 170 - 225mm per year, often with the changing of seasons
- Prevailing winds: From the south in summer hot wind from the north in August
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TOURISM BUREAU
Tel: +27 44 213 3775
Fax: +27 44 213 3302
Email: calitzdorpinfo@kannaland.co.za
Website: www.calitzdorp.co.za
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