Caledon is one of the oldest towns in South Africa, and was first established because of the extensive network of mineral springs delivering high quality thermal water, free of pollutants. Although the spa is still very popular, Caledon developed into the capital of the Overberg Region mainly because it is at the heart of an extensive farming area.
The rolling hills of wheat, barley and canola make this one of the most beautiful areas in the country. it is ideal for sheep farming and wool is also an important industry. The harvested wheat fields are a magnet for the endangered blue crane and they can be easily spotted in spring.
Things to do!
Caledon Hotel, Casino & Spa offers superb accommodation, an original Victorian bath-house with therapeutic massages and invigorating pools, state-of-the-art conference facilities and a contemporary casino complex with various entertainment areas – all set amidst extensive gardens and woodlands.
Take the Caledon walking tour which includes Mill Street, the first residential street in Caledon and part of the old wagon road from Cape Town to Swellendam. The entire street has been declared a conservation area because of the concentration of old buildings dating from 1813, including the Bath River Bridge (1866), The Anglican Church, the Town Hall and a Georgian Cottage in Donkin Square.
The Caledon Museum is housed in the old Masonic Lodge and in a Victorian House filled with artefacts reflecting the heritage of the community. The Caledon Museum Shop and Art Gallery can be found in the Town Hall and has a variety of home-baked goods, dried flowers, antiques, arts and crafts as well as a permanent exhibition of photographs of the community.
The Caledon Wild Flower Garden, established in 1927 is part of the greater nature reserve of the Klein Swartberg Mountain. The garden has won world renown for its splendid display of up to 135 species of proteas that are especially beautiful in spring. Also called Vensterkloof Gardens after the “window like” rock formations, they are one of the best kept secrets of Caledon. The gardens have an extensive network of paths, a rocky kloof, a number of places to rest and appreciate the beauty of nature, water features, lawns and picnic spots. Since 1892 a Wild Flower Show has been held here every spring (September) to exhibit the spectacular and abundant array of fynbos found in the area.
A 10km walking trail has been laid out in the nature reserve, offering panoramic views of the surrounding areas, bird life and tranquility. The trail is steep in places, and about 3-5 hours should be allowed for the whole route. There is no drinking water available on the trail.
Nearby!
Greyton, an idyllic weekend getaway and firm favourite with South Africans (R406 39km)
Genadendal, the oldest and most authentic mission village in Africa (R406 33km)
Hermanus, a charming village famous for Whale Watching and Wine Tasting and accessed from Caledon through the magnificent Hemel-and-Aarde Valley on the R320 (35km)
