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HISTORY
This fertile valley was originally inhabited by San and Khoi people who left numerous rock paintings. Buffelsvlei, the quitrent farm on which Calitzdorp now stands, was granted in 1831 to J.J. and M.C. Calitz. Ground was donated for a church in 1853 and four years later, the foundation stone was laid and a church school established. Richard van Reenen Barry was the first pastor and served the community for 40 years. In 1910 it was decided to build a new church as the congregation exceeded 4 000. 1912 was an important year as the new church and a new school building were completed, and a start made with the building of the Standard Bank as well as the Nelsrivier Dam. Subsequently drought, the Great Flu and the collapse of the ostrich feather market all hit the area hard. However, recovery followed with the opening of the railway line (1924), electrification (1937) and the construction of a cement road from Oudtshoorn. The Calitzdorp of today still fits the description given by a visitor in 1857 - "this romantic and beautiful spot."

CLIMATE
Summer: Hot during day - dry heat, up to 40 C, wind from the sea every afternoon, moderate, cool evenings.
Winter: Sunny days, cold nights, occasional frost.
Rainfall: 200 mm per year, often with the changing of seasons
Prevailing winds: From the south in summer, hot wind from the North in August.