Klein Karoo

The Klein Karoo includes Oudtshoorn, De Rust Calitzdorp, Lad

The Klein Karoo (Little Karoo) is situated between majestic mountains to the south and north of the wine producing and ostrich farming towns like Oudtshoorn. Visitors testifies of the regions distinctive gastrology, the friendliness of its people and the mystique of the Klein Karoos landscape.

The Klein Karoo stretches along the the R62 from Barrydale in the west to De Rust in the east. Route 62 meanders between Cape Town and Oudtshoorn, the Garden Route and Port Elizabeth, offering the shorter, scenic alternative to the N2 highway.

Travelling through the Klein Karoo the visitor passes through fruit growing, wine producing and ostrich farming towns such as Oudtshoorn, Calitzdorp, Ladismith, Van Wyksdorp, Barrydale and Uniondale and historic Amalienstein, Zoar, Dysselsdorp and Haarlem.

Its an area of magnificent landscapes and towering cliffs, crystal clear streams and the abundance of trees and indigenous flora - all contribute to making the Klein Karoo one of the Western Capes most diverse regions.

The ever changing colours of the majestic mountains, scenic passes, rivers, vineyards and orchards, as well as the multitude of attractions, will offer you an unforgetable adventure.

The Klein Karoo is also one of the the most diverse wine regions in South Africa. The climate is in general dry and its vineyards grows mostly in the fertile soil next to river banks. A diversity of microclimates allows winemakers to produce a variety of quality wines, including dry wines, fortified wines and brandies. World class port and South-Africas champion white muskadel are being produced here, as well as an extensive range of dessert wines.

Highlights of the region include the cango caves and ostrich farms at Oudtshoorn, the Swartberg Pass, Meiringspoort Gorge at De Rust and the wine route

Nature reserves in the Klein Karoo include the Doringrivier Wilderness area near Oudtshoorn, the Gamkaskloof Nature Reserves near Calitzdorp, the Anysberg Nature Reserve near Ladismith and the Swartberg area linking the Klein Karoo to the Groot (Great) Karoo.

Even in a country of such great diversity as South Africa, an area like the Klein Karoo stands out in it’s uniqueness. This scenic valley with it’s beautiful wild flowers, ostriches and spectacular rock formations, where every vista is filled with endless mountains, is only 60 km wide and 250 km long. It is bounded in the north by the Swartberg (black mountain) range and in the south by the Langeberg and Outeniqua Mountains, which isolate the region from the coastal plains. In the centre of the Klein Karoo is the district of Oudtshoorn, often referred to as ‘Feather Capital’ of South Africa, renowned for it’s ostrich farming. The Swartberg is famous for it’s mountain passes, arguably the most spectacular in Africa. Here one also finds the mysterious valley of the “Die Hel”, a deep and remote gorge, where the leopard still resigns supreme. To appreciate the diversity of Klein Karoo has to offer, one has to explore it’s ravines and caves, sample it’s fruits and wines and enjoy the hospitality of it’s people.

Towns
Amalienstein / Zoar, Barrydale, Calitzdorp, De Rust, Dysseldorp, Haarlem, Harrismith, Oudtshoorn, Uniondale, Van Wyksdorp / Kannaland.

Accommodation in and around Klein Karoo