The Klein Karoo is caught between two worlds. It sits at the cusp of the Great Karoo but is also just a few hours away from the ocean, resulting in a multihued mix of semi-desert and greenery. The area is surprisingly fertile – small towns such as Calitzdorp and Barrydale have been built up from vineyards and orchards. Along the Cape Route 62, the Klein Karoo’s rustic appeal becomes clear.
Start your journey in the Swartberg mountains, where the Meiringspoort pass cuts through burnt orange crags. Nearby, the Meiringspoort waterfall cascades into a cool, clear pool which is ideal for a quick swim. Follow the N12 to the village of De Rust, where Doornkraal Padstal offers a wide range of foods and wines from the area. For a further taste of the region’s delicacies, join the R62.
Over an hour away is Calitzdorp, the port capital of South Africa. Hot summers and minimal rain make the dry soil conducive to growing fruit for the sweet dessert wine. The town is also known for its architecture. The Dutch Reformed Church was rebuilt in the 1910s, its sandstone walls reflecting the surrounding hills. Twenty minutes away, the Amalienstein Church from the 1850s still stands.
To see a more eccentric side of the Klein Karoo, continue along the R62. You can’t miss Ronnie’s Sex Shop on the way to Barrydale. The unusually named pub is an iconic stop, and has a collection of bras hanging from its ceiling. Barrydale itself is a flourishing contrast to the otherwise dusty terrain. Apples, peaches, plums, oranges, apricots, and figs sweeten the village. With quirky establishments such as vintage diner Diesel & Crème and the Karoo Art Hotel, this area has all the makings of a contemporary South African dorpie.
Extending hundreds of kilometres, this region is a fascinating convergence of arid land and abundant growth. The countryside hums with quiet intrigue. Whichever corner you choose to explore, the Klein Karoo will no doubt leave you captivated.
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