Western Cape Article - South African Vacations

LITTLE KAROOGarden Route / Little Karoo Regional OfficesPO Box 1514, George, 6530Tel: +27 (0) 44 873 6355Fax: +27 (0) 44 884 0688E-mail: info@gardenroute.org.za / frieda@edendm.co.zaWebsite: http://www.capegardenroute.orgWhen people think of the Great Karoo, vast expanses of dry sands and dunes, stretching asfar as the eye can see and blue open skies not showing a single cloud, immediately spring tomind. This could also be a description of the Little Karoo, except by comparison, it is a muchsmaller region than the Great Karoo. Karoo is the Khoi word for “dry”, an obvious choice ofname for these two desert-like regions.The Little Karoo, though sparsely vegetated, also displays that remarkable power of attractionthat we associate with desert landscapes - far horizons, magnificent sunsets and wide-openskies. The region is ensconced between the majestic Outeniqua, Langeberg and SwartbergMountain Ranges. Although water is scarce, farmers utilise the sunny climate and fertile rivervalleys to grow high-quality produce, such as vegetables and fruit. Wine and dairy productsare also produced here and there are several ostrich farms in the region.The slightly higher rainfall in the less arid part of the Little Karoo creates magnificent scenerythat includes natural patches of indigenous fynbos, particularly proteas.The region also features one of the country’s most amazing natural wonders. The CangoCaves are a series of beautiful and brilliant limestone caves tunneling beneath the foothills ofthe Swartberg Range.One visit to the Little Karoo will immediately reveal the warmth and open-hearted hospitalityof the people of the region. One of the best-known annual events in South Africa is the KleinKaroo Kunstefees (Little Karoo Arts Festival) where many of South Africa’s talentedcraftsmen, artists and musicians display their talents. This would be the ideal opportunity tovisit the region and experience a true rural welcome.AMALIENSTEIN / ZOARThe farm Amalienstein was bought by the Berlin Missionary Society in 1850. Two missionstations were completed in 1853 in the building style of a century ago. The town was namedafter Frau Amalie von Stein who donated the money to purchase the land. The missionstations were transferred to the Dutch Reformed Church during the First World War. The townis part of the tourist route on Route 62.CALITZDORPThis village also lies on Route 62 and overlooks the Gamka River Valley. The surroundinglandscape is mostly fertile farmland, but is also renowned for the beautiful mountain scenery.ADVENTURE AND SPORTAdventure Opportunities: Calitzdorp has a variety of outdoor activities to offer, such as horsetrails, mountain-biking, canoeing, fishing, 4x4 routes and hiking.126