Calitzdorp
Calitzdorp is one of the Klein Karoo's must-visit locations and offers some of the Western Cape’s most beautiful scenic delights. The Klein Karoo is one of the Cape Floral Kingdom’s most dynamic and intriguing destinations. While it is known as a mini desert with an arid countryside, it is surprisingly interspersed with a number of fertile valleys which have mountain springs meandering through the region that water the astounding amount of fruit valleys and orchards found there. Calitzdorp is located along the famous Route 62 and is about 4 hours out of Cape Town and is approximately the half way point to Port Elizabeth.
Further adding to Calitzdorp's unyielding and mesmerising beauty is the fact that this charming town is surrounded by no less than 3 supreme and majestic mountain ranges - the mountains of the Huisrivier Pass, Swartberg, and the Rooiberge. This often imposing and imperious backdrop gives the town a very dramatic ambience that only enhances its aesthetic appeal further. Besides its resplendent natural landscape, Calitzdorp is probably best known as being one of the world's premier port wine-making producers. Largely thanks to its very dry and arid climate, the vines struggle to ripen leading to the grape having a more intensified aroma which is a key ingredient to a delicious port wine. If you’re a wine connoisseur, then a visit to Calitzdorp promises to be especially rewarding.
The inner town of Calitzdorp is intriguing itself as its Queen Street boasts an eclectic and varied number of architectural styles including Victorian and Edwardian, while many of the Karoo buildings have been heavily influenced by English architecture. Another worthwhile attraction near to Calitzdorp is the Gamkaberg Nature Reserve, which provides excellent bird watching opportunities and hiking trails.
