Caledon was originally known as Klein Swartberg, from the mountain that forms the backdrop of town and it first achieved popularity because of its hot springs. Ferdinand Appel a well-known Stellenbosch farmer was granted the land at the springs in 1710, on condition that he created a commercial venture for the use and benefit of the public. 

The hot springs at Caledon became very popular and the baths were developed over the years. Seven springs of chalybeate (iron rich) water originally bubbled to the surface, one of which was cold and the other six was thermal. The water, in contact with rocks heated by pressure deep under the ground, is warmed to a steady temperature of approximately 50°C, with just under 1 000 000 litres reaching the surface each day. As with other natural springs in South Africa, the thermal springs of Caledon are not related to volcanic activity. The main beneficial characteristics of the water, in addition to its warmth, are that it is free from any organic matter and that it contains a large amount of iron. Samples of Caledon’s mineral springs water were submitted in 1893 to the greatest exhibition of the time, the Chicago World Fair, where the water was awarded first prize as one of the world’s top quality mineral waters. 

Following the establishment of the baths, it was another 100 years before the farming community had increased sufficiently to warrant the establishment of a Drostdy and a church in the area. The government’s decision to create a sub-drostdy at Klein Swartberg was taken in March 1810 and by the end of 1813 the first Dutch Reformed church had been consecrated, and the town’s name changed to Caledon, in honour of the previous governor, the Earl of Caledon.

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Explore Caledon

Tourist attractions

Tourist attractions

Caledon is well-known for its mineral springs where the first bath-house was constructed in 1797. The town is considered the hub of the attractive Overberg region with its rolling hills and farmlands. 

Sport

Sport

Caledon's outdoor activities include 4 x 4 trails and quad biking, abseiling and water skiing.

Nature

Nature

Take a stroll in Caledon's Wild Flower Garden and Nature Reserve Walk to view the Blue Crane and the Cape Sugarbird.

Team-building experience

Team-building experience

A new Adventure Farm just opened in Caledon, just next to the Caledon Casino Hotel and Spa. The farm specialises in team building with activities including tree-top slides, off road go-carting challenges and paint-ball.

Living in Caledon

Areas near to Caledon

Arabella Country Estate, Arniston, Bettys Bay, Bredasdorp, Cape Agulhas, Elgin, Gansbaai, Greyton, Hermanus, Kleinmond, Napier, Onrus, Pringle Bay, Rooi Els, Stanford, Struisbaai, Swellendam, Villiersdorp,

Education

The well-established Overberg High School produces highly performing scholars and popular sportsmen. Caledon also offers three Primary Schools for the little ones.

Shopping

A newly built Mall was recently established. Other businesses including florists, computer shops, garages, and a well known chilli farm called Diep River is located just outside Caledon.

Agriculture

There’s little doubt you’re in Caledon when surrounded by the seemingly endless wheat, barley and Canola fields. Caledon is also famous for its transforming of the South African Wool industry. Moreover it was a key agricultural supplier to the rest of the Cape Colony in the mid 19th Century. Located in the centre of the Overberg it's also the seat  of the Theewaterskloof Municipality of which comprises 8 municipal offices.

Travel

Caledon is situated less than 1½ hours from Cape Town, in the foothills of the Klein Swartberg, just off the N2 highway leading to the Garden Route. 

For example Camps Bay or Mauritius