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Typical Little Dorp

Calitzdorp in the Western Cape of South Africa is a typical little dorp with the added benefit of well-developed tourist facilities. Art galleries, curio shops, hiking trails, 4x4 routes, scenic drives and country cooking are all available. 

The main take-off is a large grassed area with a gentle run-off slope where you can ridge-soar until you can work your way to the main peak where the principal thermals fire. Once up there (2 083 m), it's possible to fly across to the Drakensberg - and then the sky's the limit. The site is flyable in southeasterly-to-northeasterly winds.

Tramp onto the Marutswa Forest Trails and Bird Boardwalk for a fantastic two-hour walk through the indigenous forest of giant yellowwoods and other ancient trees near Bulwer. Wander along a network of raised, aerial trails. Sightings include the endangered Cape parrot. At the reception is a craft shop with locally made basketware and pottery.

Gateway to the Garden Route

Calitzdorp is the geographical divide between the lush Garden Route and arid Karoo, languishing where the R62 crosses Nels River. Some travellers refer to the dorp as the ‘Gateway to the Garden Route’, but you should venture to the unique selling points such as top quality port, Karoo sunsets, the Swartberg’s gravel passes and good food most probably rate higher on the priority list for your Average Joe and Josephine.
An easy four hours’ drive from Cape Town, this unique dorp epitomises the friendly heart of the Klein Karoo, with a range of unique attractions in the immediate vicinity. Day trip into the majestic Swartberg ranges; visit the Cango Caves, ride an ostrich, quaff good wine, lose yourself amongst the aloes… this surely is a special place. The surrounding Klein Karoo landscape is renowned for its indigenous flora, including 500 species of succulents of which 200 are found nowhere else on earth. Plus, the sunny days and scintillating Karoo night sky will become treasured memories forever.

By David Fleminger