| karooinfo.com |
HOW TO GET THERE (GPS: 31 28S 19 47E) From Cape Town, follow the N7 northward towards Namibia. At VanRijnsdorp (about 350km from Cape Town) turn towards Calvinia, some 120km on. HISTORY Nestled at the foot of the Hantam Mountains, on the banks of the Oorlogskloof river, the town was established in 1851 on the farm Hoogekraal. Calvinia became a municipality in 1904. At 970 m above sea level, the average summer temperature is 22°C, but frequently soars above 40°C. During winter the average day temperature is 10°C, but it may plummet to -8°C, with an average night temperature of -2°C. ORIGINS OF THE NAME Originally named Hantam (derived from the Khoi word meaning "where the red bulbs grow"), it was renamed in 1853 in honour of the religious reformer, John Calvin. POPULATION PLACES OF INTEREST Museum Number of Historic Buildings WHAT TO DO AND SEE Annual Meat Festival (end August) Stroll around town San Rock art Boer War sites Wildflowers (in season) Akkerendam Nature Reserve 4x4 trails ACCOMMODATION TOURISM OFFICE NEIGHBOURING TOWNS Williston 129km Brandvlei 173km Middelpos 131km |
