Caledon

This remarkably stunning Overberg town is known as the capital of the Overberg region. It owes its establishment to the ri...

This remarkably stunning Overberg town is known as the capital of the Overberg region. It owes its establishment to the rich mineral water resources found below the surface of its verdant soil. The water in the Caledon area is strongly believed to contain healing properties. The land at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains, where the water erupts, from was given to Ferdinand Appel in 1709 for taking care of the sick. The first bathhouse was only constructed in 1797. In 1813, a spa and sanatorium was built by Governor John Cradock, as well as a first-class hotel. Another asset of Caledon is its infamous wild flower garden and reserve that was designed by Cecil Young in 1933. Every year the garden attracts hundreds of locals, tourists and bird species alike with its marvellous display of wildflowers. The Overberg Wheat Belt, of which Caledon is the centre, has been declared an Important Bird Area, because the area contains the largest population of South Africa