Thirty-five miles from Oudtshoorn lies Calitzdorp. Originally a Dutch Reformed Church settlement, it came into being on the farm Buffelsvlei which was donated to the church by Frederick Calitz in 1821. Initially only members of the church were allowed to own plots in the fledgling town, but that has since changed.
Calitzdorp produces its main agricultural crops under irrigation and is famous for its fruit, lucerne and grapes. Two of the major local wine-producing estates welcome the public to browse and taste before buying and attract visitors from near and far.
Formerly tobacco was grown and the district was a leading producer of ostrich feathers. Tobacco-growing of course has now become unviable and feathers lost their charm years ago, effectively curtailing these industries. However, since the ostrich market has revived, one can again see flocks of the great birds dotting the countryside.
A landmark and tourist attraction, the Calitzdorp railway station has fallen into disuse and is now privately owned, its future fate unknown.