- Wes-Kaap
- Caledon-Myddleton
- Caledon
Caledon, Caledon-Myddleton, Wes-Kaap
Capital of the Overberg
The Overberg Region stretches between the four towns of Hermanus, Caledon, Swellendam and Bredasdorp and also includes Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa. Caledon is set against the backdrop of the Swartberg, a mere 110 km from Cape Town. This very scenic part of the Cape is enclosed by mountains and the ocean.
Caledon is the 7th oldest town in South Africa and owes its origin to the hot water springs on the slopes of the Klein Swartberg, which today, form part of the Caledon Casino Resort. However, what it is most popular for these days is its world renowned wildflower garden and reserve. The garden forms part of a reserve at Venster Kloof and holds an annual flower show in September. The area is known for its scenic beauty and spring time in Caledon provides a spectacular show of flowering fynbos.
This quaint town is the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts. On offer in the area are hiking trails, mountain bike trails, 4x4 routes, fly fishing, abseiling, nature walks and picnicking.
Caledon offers a range of accommodation which includes Guest Houses, B&B’s, self-catering and award winning farm accommodation.
Places to Visit
Things to do and see
- Caledon Casino
- Caledon Wildflower Trail
- Caledon Blue Crane Route
- The Wild Flower Garden
- Salmonsdam Nature Reserve
- Dassiesfontein Farm Stall
- Von Brakel Stoor (Farm Store)
- Caledon Museum
- Genadendal Mission Museum
- Shaw’s Mountain Pass
- Walkerbay Wine Estate & Birkenhead Brewery
- Creation Wines
Climate
Caledon receives approximately 382&bnsp;mm of rain annually with the majority of its rainfall occurring during the winter months.
Summer months, November to March will have average temperatures of between 16˚C and 27˚C.
Winter months, May to August will have average temperatures of between 6˚C and 17˚C.
Transport
There are daily flights into Cape Town International Airport. Caledon is approximately an hours’ drive away along the N2. Car hire facilities are available at the Airport.
Festivals
June – Caledon Day Festival: Food, wine, beer and plenty of entertainment! Excellent music event, competitions and a different fun theme each year!
September – Wildflower Show: One of the worlds’ most spectacular wildflower shows. Spring in Caledon makes for a majestic fynbos-rich festival.
September / October – Hermanus Whale Festival: This enviro-arts extravaganza celebrates the giant creatures of the deep in one of the best land-based whale watching spots in the world. Excellent local performers, crafts, scrumptious eats, sporting events and all round family fun!
History
The early Khoi-Khoi people discovered the hot springs first, but it was only in 1710 when the first permanent settlement in the area was founded when 10 hectares of land was granted to Ferdinand Appel at the location of the hot springs. He was instructed to build a sanatorium for visitors as the Europeans believed the hot springs had healing powers.
Around 1810 the farming community was increasing considerably and the first Church was built. By 1840 there was an increase in wool production and the small town changed from being one of the poorer grain producing areas to one of the most prosperous farming districts in the Colony. The more the wool industry grew, so did the town and between 1840 and 1860 Caledon doubled in size.
Today Caledon is still one of the main grain and wool producing areas in South Africa.