Calitzdorp is known as the Port Capital of South Africa. The annual Calitzdorp Port Festival is held during the last weekend of July each year.

This fertile valley was originally inhabited by San and Khoi people who left numerous rock paintings. Buffelsvlei, the quitrent farm on which Calitzdorp now stands, was granted in 1831 to J.J. and M.C. Calitz.

Ground was donated for a church in 1853 and four years later, the foundation stone was laid and a church school established. Richard van Reenen Barry was the first pastor and served the community for 40 years.

In 1910 it was decided to build a new church as the congregation exceeded 4 000. 1912 was an important year as the new church and a new school building were completed, and a start made with the building of the Standard Bank as well as the Nelsrivier Dam.

Subsequently drought, the Great Flu and the collapse of the ostrich feather market all hit the area hard. However, recovery followed with the opening of the railway line (1924), electrification (1937) and the construction of a cement road from Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo.

Today, Calitzdorp is fast becoming a tourist destination. Popular outdoor activities include birding, mountain biking, canoeing and fishing, walking, hiking trails and 4x4 Routes.

Apart from the usual accommodation establishments, Calitzdorp also offer hospitable stays on Game lodges and guest farms as well as a relaxing, pampering experience at the renowned Calitzdorp Spa.

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