• Province: Western Cape
• District: Overberg
• Coordinates 34°13′48″S′42″E
• Area 18.06 km2
• Municipality Theewaterskloof

Caledon is located in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, about 120 km east of Cape Town. The town lies at the foot of the Klein Swartberg Mountains, with the R316 providing the main route to nearby towns such as Napier, Bredasdorp, and Hermanus. Surrounded by fertile plains and rolling hills, the area is ideal for grain farming, stock farming, and wool production. The hot springs and nearby nature reserves make Caledon a gateway for visitors exploring the Klein Swartberg Mountains and the scenic Overberg countryside.

History of Caledon

Caledon was named after the first British governor of the Cape, the 2nd Earl of Caledon, Du Pre Alexander. It is the capital of the Overberg region, and it owes its existence to the iron-rich hot springs which come from the slopes of the Klein Swartberg mountains.

These springs were first discovered by the Khoi Khoi people, who called them Dispore Kamma (Hot water). The mineral springs became well known in the Cape in the early 1700s, and Ferdinand Appel built a structure, within which visitors who would travel from far away could enjoy the warm waters. The water is a constant 49.5 degrees and is free of organic matter. A bathhouse was built in the area in 1797, and a sick house/sanatorium was also established, but this was destroyed by fire.

The community grew, and the establishment of a courthouse, “Drosty”, and a church were needed. A Dutch Reformed church was therefore consecrated in the town in 1813. The Cape railway line reached Caledon in 1902; however, the line was closed in 1962.

The historical Caledon Wild Flower Garden was established in 1927 as part of the greater Klein Swartberg Mountain nature reserve. The well-known flower show occurs annually in spring (September), where there are exhibits of an array of fynbos from the area.
The economy here revolves around grain production, stock farming, and wool production

The license plate prefix in Caledon is CAM, and the postcode is 7230

WEATHER IN CALEDON TODAY

Browse businesses and places to visit in Caledon

Things to see and do in Caledon:

• In spring, the hills are yellow with canola flowers in bloom.
• Shaw’s mountain pass
• The museum on Constitution Street was built in 1917
• The Caledon Wild Flower Garden was established in 1927 as a part of the nature reserve on the Klein Swartberg Mountains, where there are 135 species of Protea. Since 1892, a Wild Flower Show has been held here every spring to exhibit the spectacular and abundant array of fynbos found in the area.
• The Holy Trinity Church
• The Town Hall, Coordinate: -34.2367655769, 19.4259121154
• The old Masonic Lodge
• The Standard Bank building.
• The old water mill at Beaumond Farm.
• The local Parkrun is held at the golf course Smal Street, every Saturday at 8:00 am.
• A walking tour travels some of the main streets, featuring the  Museum, old historical buildings, a restored Georgian Cottage and parts of the old wagon road from Cape Town. Contact Caledon Tourism 028 212 1511
• Small Town South Africa Facebook slide show

• Resources

  Practical information for the Western Cape: regulations, permits, and helpful tips. See the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide