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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-door cottages up to their cheeks
in orchard bloom. For nowhere are 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.
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, the denser
vegetation on the hillsides, the fynbos, several
permanent streams providing a habitat for birds
that are not typical of this dry environment and
man-made habitat.
A definite
must is the scenic drives in the area.
Seweweekspoort: 27km tar road towards
Ladismith, 17km gravel road through outstanding
rock formation. Groenfontein: 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.
Cellars in and about town are
Boplaas Family Vineyards, Calitzdorp Wine
Cellar, De Krans Wine Cellar, Peter Bayly Wines,
Axe Hill, Du’SwaRoo, Withoek and TTT
Cellars. These cellars are renowned for the
world-class Port produced here. Dry reds, made
from traditional Port varietals are also a
favourite
Still more actvities and sight seeing ...
Hot springs;
horse trails and horse riding; mountain biking;
canoeing; fishing; hiking; 4X4 trails; birding;
passes.
To
find out more about Calitzdorp and its surround,
places to stay, where to eat or to get the
contact details of the activities mentioned,
please contact the Calitzdorp Tourism Bureau.
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