Calitzdorp is located on the R62 between Ladismith and Oudtshoorn. The closest airport is in George, about 100 km's away. The town has a wine route and is well known for its fruit and grapes cultivated in the valley of the Gamka River.

Calitzdorp is heralded as the port capital of South Africa. Wines may be tasted on Boplaas and De Krans estates, as well as the local co-op.

Towards the southeast of Calitzdorp lies the Gamka Mountain Nature Reserve. The reserve is home to the Cape mountain zebra, which came close to extinction in the 1930's, but whose numbers have increased lately.

Also in the reserve you will see baboons, dassies, caracals, steenbok, duiker, grysbok, klipspringer and grey rhebok. Leopards are seen occasionally.

The reserve offers six hiking trails. These include the six-hour Tierkloof Trail. Bookings for the trails must be made in advance.

About 17 km's northeast of the town, on the R62, is the Calitzdorp Spa. The hot springs at the spa has a water temperature of about 50 degrees centigrade, as measured at the source.

There are two dams in the area, the Calitzdorp Dam on the Nel's River, and the Gamkapoort dam in the north. Lodges in the area have outdoor pools, Internet facilities and trails on site.

Activities include hiking, swimming, watersports and fishing. A visit to the ostrich farms in the area won't disappoint.