Caledon

Caledon, situated on the foothills of the Klein Swartberg, was established because of the mineral springs, one cold and six hot, that generate 2 million litres of chalybeate, radioactive water a day at 49°C.

A spa with a sanatorium and a first-class hotel, ‘The Overberger’, were built early in the 20th Century but destroyed by fire in 1946. In October 2000 the Caledon Spa and Casino was built. This new development offers a range of exciting outdoor experiences as well as respite for aching limbs and tired bodies. There is a rope challenge course, 4 x 4 trail, horse riding, abseiling and mountain bike trails.

Visit the famous Victoria Park (the Caledon Wild Flower Garden). There are many species of fynbos to be seen and a 10 km walking trail that leads to the famous “window rock” from which the local paper, The Overberg Venster, takes its name.

The Caledon Walking Tour takes visitors to the many historic buildings, many of which are National Monuments, in the town. There are museums to visit and a permanent exhibition of photographs of the community in the museum shop in the Caledon Town Hall.

Caledon lies at the heart of an agricultural area that produces barley wheat and wool. Blue Cranes can be spotted in the farm lands in spring. Land owners open their farms to the public, by arrangement, for a myriad of activities from bird watching to walking and 4 x 4 trails to just watching farm activities such as shearing, harvesting and planting.