Introduction Calitzdorp, overlooking a valley that spills like a horn of plenty, from the Swartberg foothills, is the fruit-bowl of Kanaland and source of the country's finest Port Wines. If the Klein Karoo 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!


 

Names like Buffelsvlei and Gamkariver (Khoi for lion) recall the wild animals that once roamed the Calitzdorp district. Today one of the most endangered large mammals, the Cape Mountain Zebra (fewer than 800) is preserved in the Gamkaberg Nature Reserve. Calitzdorp has the highest concentration in the southern hemisphere of the Pale Chanting Coshawk - the only polyandrous raptor. Other birdlife abounds (approx. 250 species) as does a great variety of butterflies. Flowering shrubs such as wild pomegranate, Portulacus, lye-bush, milkweed and Chinese Lantern shelter many smaller plants and succulents including the Crassulas and unusual Haworthias.

Red/orange sandstones and mudstones were laid down between 250 and 350 million years ago as sediments beneath water and then tilted by powerful pressures. As they dried out in more recent times they provided a landscape of extraordinary colours. Spectacular mountains of Enon-Conglomurate - locally known as the Red Stone Hills - can be seen between Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn and offer hikers some excellent lookout points.

- 30 min. from all the Oudtshoorn attractions:  Cango Caves, Ostrich Farms, Golf
- Port Tastings/Seminars
- Ostrich Tours
- Art Gallery and local artists
- Local Spinners and Weavers
- Local Museum, Historic Walking Route, Olde World Architecture
- Scenic Drives (Seweweeks Port, Rooiberg Pass, Swartberg Pass, Outeniqua Pass etc.)