Vanwyksdorp : Little Karoo dirt road access only : R327 Calitzdorp Ladismith Volmoed

3 days driving in South Africa

Van Wyksdorp is a small rural village in the Klein Karoo of the Western Cape in South Africa. The nearest towns are Ladismith 45km (33km gravel), Calitzdorp 55km (52km gravel mountain pass), and Riversdale 67km (45km gravel). The population is around 800, many of whom are laborers employed on the farms around town. Because of its unique and special character Van Wyksdorp has attracted a number of very interesting, creative, successful, caring people from all walks of life, with many different viewpoints, who nonetheless all get along as a working caring community. Van Wyksdorp has recently been host to a very successful Jobs for Carbon project, where the indigenous Spekboom portulacaria afra has been replanted on 800ha to aid restoration of the degraded veld.

Often regarded as the undiscovered corner of the Klein Karoo, Van Wyksdorp remains a cultural kaleidoscope untouched by the modern hustle and bustle of city life. In contrast, tranquility abounds and time has almost stood still. Situated within the Cape Floristic Kingdom (an internationally recognized Biodiversity hotspot), Van Wyksdorp is ecologically rich in Succulent Klein Karoo biodiversity. This quaint little village provides a unique charm, warm character, and friendly residents. People from afar come here over weekends or permanently to breathe in the atmosphere of a living village. Young and old enjoy themselves while children still play safely in the few streets. The town provides almost stress-free living necessary in contrast with today’s fast-paced lifestyle. This superb location and inspiring lifestyle provide the cornerstones of healthy living, hence providing a soul-fulfilling and memorable experience, true value for money, and a rare opportunity to invest in an affordable property of distinction.

Many of the small farms practice organic and sustainable farming and living and are happy to share this way of life with other like-minded people.

A new initiative in town is the Van Wyksdorp Development Institute which will be built on land donated by a farmer in the area. The Institute will be a Skills Development and Training Centre for all residents of Van Wyksdorp and surrounding towns.

0:00 R327 south
1:14 Vanwyksdorp
1:48 Calitzdorp road, Assegaaibos Pass
2:53 Unnamed track to Volmoed
7:28 Volmoed tar road to Calitzdorp
9:18 Calitzdorp
10:33 Rooiberg Pass
12:37 Assegaaibos Pass
13:30 Vanwyksdorp
13:51 R327 south from Vanwyksdorp to Gouritz
15:57 R327 Gouritz back to Vanwyksdorp
18:37 R327 Vanwyksdorp to R62

#driving #southafrica #karoo