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HOW TO GET THERE (GPS: 33 32S 21 41E) Situated on the R62 between Ladismith and Oudtshoorn. HISTORY In 1821, land was granted to the brothers JJ and MC Calitz. In 1853, the Calitz’s donated land for a church and school to be built. By the early 1900's both buildings were too small for the ever growing population and by 1912 both were replaced with new buildings. The economy of the time was linked to the local ostrich farming and signs of the booming times can be seen in construction projects of the time. Good examples are the current Museum (originally a bank) and the dam in the Nel's river, the first to be built in South Africa using concrete. The collapse of the ostrich feather industry together with a flu epidemic and droughts saw the total collapse of the local economy. A new railway line (1924) and electrification thereof (1937) brought new life to the comunity. A concrete road was constructed to Oudtshoorn which vastly improved communication to the outside world. The current R62 was built in 1978. Today Calitzdorp is a thriving farming community. The economy is still dependant on the ostrich industry allthough fruit and wine is also a major contributor. Calitzdorp produce some extremely fine Port wines and is known as 'The Port-Wine capital of South Africa' ORIGINS OF THE NAME Originally known as Buffelsvlei, named after the local vegitation and animals found here. Later named after the three brothers from which the land was obtained - JJ, MC and F Calitz. POPULATION 5,000 PLACES OF INTEREST Rock Paintings Museum WHAT TO DO AND SEE Annual Port Festival Birding Walking Trails Mountain Biking 4x4 routes Horse Riding trails Canoeing and Fishing ACCOMMODATION TOURISM OFFICE Tel/Fax: 044 213 3775 CELLARS ON THE KLEIN KAROO WINE ROUTE Boplaas Tel: 044 213 3326 Fax: 044 213 3750 Calitzdorp Tel: 044 213 3301 Fax: 044 213 3328 De Krans Tel: 044 213 3314 Fax: 044 213 3562 NEIGHBOURING TOWNS Ladismith 45km Oudtshoorn 55km |
