Day 5 - Uniondale to Calitzdorp. 153 km Approx.

With the Swartberg Mountain range on our left, we cycle in a westerly direction towards the small village of De Rust. Later in the day we pass through Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of South Africa. This busy town is a center for the region and enjoys a healthy economy due to its many tourist attractions, such as the Cango Caves. With Oudsthoorn behind us we are once again firmly on the Route 62 as we head toward Calitzdorp where we overnight.

The fertile valley of Calitzdorp was originally inhabited by the indigenous people of the Western Cape, the Khoi - San, who were later displaced by European settlers. The name literally means Calitz Village. Calitz being the surname of a local family of farmers who donated land for a church to be built in 1853.

Calitzdorp is world famous for its port and other wines as well as having a smoking pipe manufacturer in the village. The pipe crafter is apparently well known internationally for his skills and often has visitors who come specifically to have a pipe made.