Things to do in Caledon
Caledon is situated in the heart of the Overberg and is a wonderful stop-over if you’re travelling from Cape Town up towards the Garden Route. There are a number of activities and adventures to be had in and around this town which is situated right next to the national N2 road and highly accessible. Whether you’re interested in trying your luck at the local casino or taking a dip in the world-renowned hot springs, you’ll be spoilt for choice in this agricultural hot-spot.
Boasting seven mineral pools alongside the slopes of the Swartberg Mountains, the Caledon Hotel is a popular spot for those looking to bask in the rejuvenating, iron-rich waters. There are six thermal hot-springs which are heated to around 49.5°C from deep underground pressure and one cold spring to test the brave in between warm dips. The Caledon Spa uses these minerals waters in their famous hydro treatments which are high on the list of essential things to do in Caledon.
Don’t forget to visit the Caledon Wildflower Garden. This incredible nature reserve is also known as the Venster Kloof Gardens. It’s a wonderful experience for those who love to hike through unique landscapes. There is a small dam near the entrance and, depending on the time of year, you’ll also be able to take in fields upon fields of daisies. The garden features a rather extensive network of paths that can take a few hours to walk but remember to take your own water along. The best time of year to visit this reserve is in September (Spring) when all of the wildflowers are in bloom and you can truly take in the beauty of South Africa’s indigenous floral kingdom.
For those who are seeking a bit of a thrill, rather than lounging around mineral waters or having spa days, there are a range of outdoor activities to take part in. An extremely popular adventure is the zip line tree top tours which allows visitors to view the landscapes while travelling from tree-top to tree-top with professional guides and state-of-the-art equipment. You can also opt in to do a bit of go karting or even quad biking, depending on whether you fancy a bit of competition or just want to travel around the farmlands at your leisure.
Of course, regardless of which activities you want to enjoy, Caledon’s charm is waiting for you at the end of a fun-filled day. You can choose from a variety of restaurants - or even take out if you’d prefer to relax at your accommodation - as well as pop into a pub or two and spend some time mingling with friendly locals.