Adventure Kayaking – Van der Kloof

329 Striata Street

Van der Kloof 8771

Northern Cape

Contact: Lorna Myburgh

Mobile: 082 454 0112

Email: lorna@adventurekayaking.co.za

Website: www.adventurekayaking.co.za

Karoo Rustigheid Gaste Plaas

Sutherland 6920

Northern Cape

P.O. Box 88 

Contact: Alta Steenkamp (Owner)

Mobile: 087 551 3139

Email: info@karoorustigheid.co.za

Website: www.karoorustigheid.co.za

Facebook: KarooRustigheidGuestFarm

CALITZDORP is a town on the Western side of the Little or Klein Karoo in the Western Cape Province of South Africa and lies on South Africa's Route 62. The farm, on which Calitzdorp stands, was granted to JJ and MC Calitz in 1831.

Snuggled between the Outeniqua, Swartberg, and Rooiberg mountains, you will discover the village of Calitzdorp. Ideally situated as a hub from which to partake in all that the region has to offer, including the majestic mountain passes, the Cango Caves, and their exquisite flora and fauna. in all that the region has to offer, including the majestic mountain passes, the Cango Caves, and their exquisite flora and fauna.

Some other tags used to describe this unique town are, The Port capital of South Africa, Fruit Basket of the Klein Karoo, Home of 200 species of plants found nowhere else on earth, Night skies and sunsets, and Gorgeous Karoo architecture.

The well-known Seweweeks Poort is located just outside Calitzdorp on the way to Zoar a small Mission Station with 2 steeple Churches.

The architecture in Calitzdorp is from Victorian homes to Karoo Cottages (Nagmal Huisies) Georgian styled homes and many more, some of which are lovely
Guest Houses where you could find some of the best hospitality in the Karoo. Wonderful wine estates, restaurants, an interesting museum so a visit should be for 2 -3 days to see everything. Calitzdorp Information Centre - www.calitzdorp-everything.co.za

History of the people who occupied the Cape Of Good Hope Castle.

Monday, 21 February 1803 – On this day, 216 years ago, Britain returns the Cape to the Netherlands and the flag of the Batavian Republic is hoisted on the Castle

In terms of the Treaty of Amiens, signed in 1802 (between England and France), the British officially returned the Cape Colony to the Netherlands on 21 February 1803. It was then renamed the Batavian Republic and the flag of the Batavian Republic was hoisted on the Castle.

The Dutch only governed for three years (1803-1806), but their enlightened administration of the Cape was a great improvement upon the rule of the Dutch East India Company, which had lasted from 1652 to 1795. Commissioner-General J.A. de Mist and the Governor of the Cape of Good Hope, Lieutenant-General J.W. Janssens, sponsored development and reforms.

This is where the Afrikaans saying “Die Kaap is weer Hollands” comes from. In short, the colonial history of the Cape of Good Hope from its first occupation in 1652 is as follows:

Dutch rule in the cape colony 1652 - 1795

British occupation 1795 - 1803

Return to Dutch rule 1803 - 1806

Second British occupation 1806

The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest existing colonial building in South Africa. It replaced an older fort called the Fort de Goede Hoop which was constructed from clay and timber and built by Jan van Riebeeck, the first Commander of the Cape. It is a prime example of a “star fort” built between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India Company. Its position marks the original shoreline before years of land reclamation changed the Table Bay coastline. On 26 April 1679, the five Bastions were named after the main titles of Willem, the Prince of Orange.

Slavery in Southern Africa existed until the abolition of slavery in the Cape Colony on 1 January 1834. This followed the British banning the trade of slaves between colonies in 1807 with their emancipation by 1834. The Slavery Abolition Bill passed by the British parliament in 1833 was enforced. To make them fit for freedom, the emancipated slaves were compelled to serve their previous masters as apprentices for four years.

1836 Start of the Great Trek by 12 000 frontier farmers, who demonstrated their unhappiness about the government’s policy to release slaves from the control of Free Burghers as slaveholders. Non-Whites were finally accorded similar treatment like White colonists in their interaction with the public institutions of the local authorities. 1838 End of slave “apprenticeship”. About 39 000 slaves are freed on Emancipation Day, 1 December 1838.

1839 The Moravian Missionary Society acquired the farm, Vogelstruyskraal near Cape Agulhas in the Caledon District. The newly established mission station was named Elim. Today, the town of Elim has a population of 2000 inhabitants.

In 1936 the Castle was declared a historical monument (now a provincial heritage site) and following restorations in the 1980s it is considered the best-preserved example of a Dutch East India Company fort.

The Castle acted as local headquarters for the South African Army in the Western Cape, and today houses the Castle Military Museum and ceremonial facilities for the traditional Cape Regiments. The Castle is also the home of the Cape Town Highlanders Regiment, a mechanized infantry unit.

Walking between the hallowed, majestic bastions of the castle, Leerdam, Oranje, Nassau, Katzenellenbogen, and Buuren, through the governor’s chambers, the castle barracks, old munitions storage facility, and the gloomy torture chamber, on guided tours, one is reminded of the cruelty of the past.

Since the 1980s many changes have had been happening for the best and it is now a great tourist attraction here in Cape Town. It is 2021 and the Castle of Good Hope will be turning 351 years this year.

Guards at the Castle

The Castle Dining Room

Lady Anne’s Bath

Ammunition Quarters

The Parade Grounds

The Gun Powder Store

History of “Die Hel”

Gamkaskloof or "Die Hel" as it has become known, is a hidden valley, deep in the heart of the formidable Swartberg Mountain Range, between Oudtshoorn and Prince Albert. The fertile valley runs in an east-west direction and is approximately 20 km long and 600 meters wide. The Kloof gets its name from the Khoisan word for Lion - Gamka - also the name of the river that enters the valley from the north. There are about 153 species of bird-life in Gamkaskloof, even the fish eagle makes its appearance from time to time. Wildlife includes - Klipspringers, Grey Rhebuck, Rooikat, Porcupines, Leopards. The Valley features the Gamka River, Campsites, Picnic Sites, several historic houses and outbuildings, a school, a cemetery, an old Norse watermill, a landing strip, and curious history, plus a local restaurant and shop.

The earliest inhabitants of the valley were the San Bushmen. In the early 1830’s the first Boer (Farmer) wandered into the valley and finding it fertile with abundant water made it his home. Other families followed namely Cordier, Mostert, Marais, Nel, Snyman, and Joubert. They farmed and lived in comparative isolation for about 130 years. Although isolated they maintained a good standard of living. Education in the valley consisted of a school for the local children and church services were held in the school by the schoolmaster or teacher. The Donkey played a very important role in the Gamkasklower’s lives because they transported all their products & food via the ladder to the outside world.

In 1958 the first car was brought into the valley through the Gamka River gorge. In 1962 a road was built into the valley (constructed by Koos van Zyl).

This facilitated communication with the outside world and was the main reason for the exodus of the youth. The older folks had to follow. The last remaining farmer left in 1991, leaving the valley with no permanent residents.

This brings us to the Farm Mooifontein, owned by Annetjie Joubert (neé Mostert). She is the only remaining "born and bred" inhabitant that has retained property in Gamkaskloof and came back permanently in 1998. Annetjie, Ben (husband), Piet(son), and his wife Marinette, skillfully converted the original farmstead into comfortable guesthouses, they have a caravan park, camping sites, and the only Kiosk and Licensed Restaurant in Gamkaskloof.

This valley is one of the most historical places in the world, still having many untold stories and surely a few secrets never to be known.

email: info@gamkaskloof.co.za

Website: www.gamkaskloof.co.za

Perhaps, the biggest diamond in the rough. Mossel Bay, is definitely worth a visit! Once a very popular tourist destination, this place lost some of its luster when an oil company decided to industrialize it.

Yet, Mossel Bay is currently on an upswing once again, and you will find no shortage of amazing beaches, replete with stellar surf spots, and there are plenty more adventures to accommodate the wayward traveler. The views of dramatic rocky cliffs, which separate a green inland from the blue sea, will alone leave striking images in your memory forever. The ocean itself is flourishing with sea life, including the infamous great white shark. About three wonderful Big 5 Game Reserves added to this seaside village on the Southern Coast of South Africa, makes it ideal holiday resort for any local or overseas visitor. Abundance of accommodation, restaurants, and you can even learn how to make you own Gin, what more would you like for the gents, and lovely English High Tea for the ladies at a 1903 historical hotel. Then, they even have a Casino for the big spender. We look forward to welcoming you all to our town. 

Highgate Ostrich Show Farm

5 Volmoed Street

Oudtshoorn 6625

P.O.Box 898

Oudtshoorn 6620

Contact: Manager – Billy Engelbrecht

Reservations: 044 272 7115

Email: manager@highgate.co.za

Website

Highgate Ostrich Farm is one of the oldest working ostrich farms in South Africa, located just outside the town of Oudtshoorn in the heart of the Klein Karoo. This popular destination offers guided tours where visitors can learn all about ostrich farming, from eggs to feathers, and get up close to these curious and majestic birds. With its rich history, beautiful Karoo landscapes, and interactive experiences, Highgate provides a fun and educational outing for families, tourists, and anyone curious about these iconic South African animals.

We offer a Traditional Ostrich Tour with either a delicious classic or mouthwatering premier meal. Come melt into a desert sunset with us all year round. We also serve piping hot traditional Indian & Punjabi cuisine!