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Province: Western Cape
Region: Klein Karoo/ Little Karoo

Amalienstein  |  De Rust  |  Dysseldorp  |  Haarlem  |  Ladismith Oudtshoorn  |  Uniondale  |  Calitzdorp


The Little Karoo has a spectacular landscape fashioned almost entirely by water, with vegetation ranging from lush greenery in the fertile river valleys to short, rugged Karoo plants in the veld. Gorges follow rivers that cut through towering mountains, while breathtakingly steep passes cross imposing terrain. The long, narrow valley is rich in geological shapes, being home to the spectacular Cango Caves, a series of magnificent, glittering limestone caverns fashioned over millennia beneath the foothills of the Swartberg Range. The region also boasts many species of indigenous plants, and is the natural habitat of the largest bird in the world - the ostrich. 

However, the region is also profoundly rich in culture and history. The annual Klein Karoo Kunstefees draws thousands of arts lovers to enjoy music, theatre and dance, while Bushman paintings offer a drawcard equally strong. A climate dominated by the sun produces excellent Port wines, honey-sweet fruits, raisins and cheese. 

Three beautifully-set Mission Stations depict a quaint and unique architecture of a century ago, while attractive sandstone mansions, or Feather Palace's remind one of the heady days when the ostrich feather industry was at its peak. Oudtshoorn, the centre of the ostrich industry, has remained the region's leading town. 


Sunny conditions inspire the regions popular pastimes, which include hiking, mountain-biking, 4x4 excursions, caving, climbing, horse riding, bird-watching, fishing and much, much more. The main road through the Little Karoo Kannaland is the R62 - the Great Alternative Scenic Route - stretching from Cape Town via Worcester, Montagu and Oudtshoorn (approximately 4 hours) to the coast and Port Elizabeth. 

Visiting the region's towns and meeting the friendly, open-hearted locals is truly a worthwhile experience - one that you will, indeed, forever remember and cherish. 

Oudtshoorn, the world's ostrich feather capital, is the region's main town. South Africa's first German Angora Rabbit Show Farm and the Swartberg Nature Reserve and Pass are also worth a visit. The Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees is held in the town annually. Some 26 km from Oudtshoorn lies the remarkable Cango Caves, a series of spectacular subterranean limestone caverns. Bearing evidence of early San habitation, the 30-cave wonderland boasts magnificent dripstone formations. Between 300 000 and 400 000 people visit the Caves annually. 

Amalienstein and Zoar are historic mission stations midway between Ladismith and Calitzdorp. Visitors can go on donkey-cart and hiking trails through orchards and vineyards, while the Seweweekspoort is ideal for mountain biking, hiking, and protea and fynbos admirers. 

Calitzdorp boasts four wine estates, three of which are open to the public. The spring water of the Calitzdorp Spa is rich in minerals and is reputed to have medicinal properties. The Gamka Mountain Reserve is home to the rare and endangered Cape mountain zebra. 

De Rust lies at the southern entrance to Meiringspoort. The Meiringspoort Gorge extends 20 km through the Swartberg Mountain Range. Halfway through, a beautiful 69 m-high waterfall can be seen. Wine farms in the area are open to the public. 

Ladismith is home to the Towerkop Cheese Factory. There are various hiking trails, mountain-biking trails and 4x4 trails in the area. The Anysberg, Klein Karoo and Towerkop nature reserves can also be visited. 

Uniondale, on the main route between George and Graaff-Reinet, features the largest water-wheel in the country, the Old Watermill. Uniondale Poort is a scenic drive linking Uniondale with Avontuur in the Langkloof Valley. 

At Vanwyksdorp, visitors can see how fynbos is dried and packed for the export market. Donkey-cart rides take visitors to restored ostrich palaces and Anglo-Boer/South African War grave sites. 


Garden Route & Little Karoo Tourism
P O Box 1514
GEORGE
6530
SOUTH AFRICA
Tel: +27-(0)44-873 6355
Fax: +27-(0)44-884 0688
E-mail: tourism@scdc.co.za
Visit: www.capegardenroute.org