Between the Swartberg and Anysberg mountains, Kannaland – comprising Ladismith, Calitzdorp, Vanwyksdorp and Zoar – may be quiet, but it springs to life each year through vineyards, hiking weekends, art and heritage celebrations that truly capture Karoo character.
Here’s a selection:
Calitzdorp Port & Wine Festival (mid‑June)
Affectionately known as South Africa’s port‑wine capital, Calitzdorp hosts a Port & Wine Festival every year in June, where local estates like Boplaas, De Krans and Axehill open their cellars for tastings, food stalls and live music. It’s a cosy winter gathering for wine lovers and route‑62 road‑trippers alike.
Kringe in Kannaland (early December)
This adventurous three‑day hiking weekend in and around Calitzdorp offers circular trails through Buffelskloof, Rooiberg and Tierkloof – ranging from 10 km to 18 km per day – and includes meals, a welcoming gathering vibe and options to stay over locally.
Art, Heritage & Cheese in Ladismith
Though not tied to a single big festival, Ladismith supports regular exhibitions – like the Otto Hager Church’s permanent gallery of local art – and hosts heritage‑based music or arts events as part of its cultural offerings. Visitors can pair this with cheese‑farm experiences: the region produces signature treats under the Ladismith Cheese brand, often linked to seasonal visitor events.
Nature & Adventure Year‑Round
Kannaland is also a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The Seweweekspoort Peak hike is a standout multi‑day trail and rated one of the best in the area—long, strenuous, and spectacular. Scoring a day‑hike or run here is a rite of passage for serious hikers.
Why visit Kannaland?
Whether it’s sipping rich port by Karoo sunsets, forging your way through rugged kloofs on multi‑day hikes, or exploring local arts and dairy heritage, Kannaland offers a refreshingly authentic and slow‑paced Karoo experience. Perfect for travellers craving quiet adventure and cultivated simplicity.