Cape Route 62 Introduction
Cape Route 62 traverses the dramatic open spaces
of the Karoo and the sharp, prolific mountains that devide the arid
interior from moist coastal regions. Also called the Inland Route
East, this is the road less travelled between Cape Town and Port
Elizabeth and was the original link between these two towns before
the N2 highway was built in 1959.
Although the route does visit a few major centres,
it's the quaint towns and friendly villages that offer a truly unique
South African rural encounter. Now known as the World's Longest
Wine Route, it weaves a tranquil path through wine regions and some of
the most spectacular agricultural fields, dotted with an abundance
of grapes, deciduous fruit and olives, all set amidst miles of natural
expanse.
What to see and do in and around Calitzdorp
Historical Buildings
Apart from the imposing Dutch Reformed Church
- a national Monument in the New Byzantine style - the general
architecture of Calitzdorp shows a strong English influence. Different
styles have been adapted to different functions, eg. The so-called
Karoo style was used for "church houses". Simplified
renderings of dominant British styles eg. Regency, Late Georgian,
Victorian and Edwardian, became fashionable for more permanent
dwellings. Strolling through the town is an architectural adventure.
In Matjies River Valley there are a number of
preserved houses, which represent Klein Karoo cottage architecture.
Bring your camera!
Wine Routes and Wine Tasting
| Boplaas Wine Cellars |
044 213 3326 |
| De Krans Wine Cellars |
044 213 3314 |
| Calitzdorp Wine Cellars |
044 213 3328 |
| Withoek Wine Cellars |
044 213 3639 |
| Axehill Wine Cellars |
021 780 1178 |
Fauna and Flora
Names like Buffelsvlei and Gamkasrivier (Khoi
for lion) recall the wild animals that once roamed the Calitzdorp
district. Today one of the most endangered large mammals, the Cape
Mountain Zebra (less than 800) is conserved in the Gamkasberg Nature
Reserve. Calitzdorp has the highest concentration of Pale Chanting
Goshawk in the Southern Hemisphere. Other birdlife abounds as does
a great variety of butterflies. Flowering shrubs as Wild Pomegranate, "vygies",
lye bush, milkweed and Chinese Lantern occur widely and shelter
many other smaller plants in their shade. The Little Karoo stretches
from Montagu in the West to Uniondale in the East and is bordered
by the Langeberg in the South and the Swartberg in the North: with
about 500 species of succulents it is the second richest area for
these interesting plants in the world. Only Namaqualand boasts
more diversity. Calitzdorp is right in the middle of the Little
Karoo so it is an ideal place to see succulents. Many of which
are found only here, including the peculiar horse teeth (Haworthia
truncate).
Port-grape varieties prefer a hot, dry, climate
such as that of Calitzdorp. There are quite a lot of similarities
between the climate of Calitzdorp and the Dauro valley in Portugal.
The poor, well-drained soils of Calitzdorp, where vines struggle
to ripen, are very suitable for Port production. These port-wines
are produced from internationally recognised port grape varieties
enhances the aroma-intensity, depth and complexity of these port-wines.
Last, but by no means least the dedication of the port-makers is
pivotal in the production of these prizewinning ports, made in
the classic tradition of a high alcohol and relatively low sugar
content.
Nature Reserves
Gamkaberg Nature Reserve 37km
Swartberg Nature Reserve 90km
Contact Details: 044 874 2184
Scenic Routes and Passes
| Seweweekspoort: |
27km tar road towards Ladismith, 17km gravel road through
outstanding rock formation. |
| Groenfontein: |
50km circular gravel road passing the Nelsriver 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 among aloe-clad hills. |
| Amalienstein: |
27km on the tar road towards Ladismith - historical mission
station and a Lutheran Church 150 years old. |
| Huisrivier Pass: |
8km tar road towards Ladismith with breathtaking views. |
| Rooiberg Pass: |
16km gravel road towards Vanwyksdorp - fynbos and succulents. |
| Swartberg Pass: |
45km gravel road via Groenfontein/Kruisrivier and a 15km
tar road with spectacular views. |
Farming
Ostriches, fruit (apricots, peaches, plums and
grapes), certified seed production, cattle and sheep.
Arts and Crafts
| Artists |
044 213 3181 Judy Bumstead
044 213 3602 Marinda Combrink |
| Pipe Maker (smoking) |
044 213 3569 Ebenhart Botha |
| Pop Art/Airbrush |
082 974 7795 CJ Morkel |
| Blue Door Gallery |
044 213 3755 Rick Prins
(sculpture, prints, painting, etc.) |
| Tapestries Wall Hangings |
In church hall |
| The Gallery |
Kantey, Thomas Jung & Helen Schaffer
(Batik, acrylic & oils) |
Local Produce
| Dried and Seasonal fruit |
044 213 3859 Elnatan Fruit Stall
044 213 3546 Komma In Fruit Stall
044 213 3639 Rooirand Fruit Dryers |
| Mustard and Olives |
044 213 3402 Anita vd Merwe |
Places to Visit
| Dutch Reformed Church |
044 213 3311 (National Monument) |
| Historical Watermill |
044 213 3474 |
| Museum |
044 213 3474 |
| St Marks Church |
044 213 3037 (2nd smallest in world) |
| Succulent Garden |
044 213 3198 |
Other Activities
- 4x4 Routes
- Birding
- Canoeing and Fishing
- Horse Trails and Horse Riding
- Mountain Biking
- Walking/Hiking Trails
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