About Kanna Biodiversity Route
The Kanna Biodiversity Route is a rural tourism route created by Open Africa as a way to draw attention to the lesser-known gems, and old favourites, of the Klein Karoo and Route 62.
Kanna, or Sceletium tortuosum, is a succulent herb commonly found in South Africa. It is also known as Channa or Kougoed (chewable things) and was used by hunter-gatherers as a mood-altering substance; a little like a natural form of Prozac. The San used it to reduce hunger, thirst and tiredness, and the first written account of its uses was by Jan van Riebeeck in 1662.
In relation to the route Kanna refers to Kannaland, the original name for the Klein Karoo derived from the kannabos that grows prolifically in the area an area also recognised as one of the world's high-priority conservation areas. These days, however, it is the farmers' goats and ostriches that benefit from the plant rather than those who live here.
The Kanna Biodiversity Route includes the towns of Ladismith, Van Wyksdorp, Zoar, Amalienstein, De Rust and Calitzdorp. Yet the route (a collection of travel attractions, accommodation, tour operators, local artisans, guides and restaurants) is less about the places than it is about the people who live there, for it is the people who provide the character of any place.
Activities on the Kanna Biodiversity Route include
Hendrik Konstabel's Zoar Donkey Taxi (Hennie is Zoar's Khoi chief who knows the veld like the back of his hand)
The 'donkey trail', a four-day walking trail over the Swartberg Mountain from Calitzdorp to 'Die Hel', follows the only connection with the outside world of this historic valley before a road was built
personalised tours of Zoar and De Rust
Hennie Cloete Veldtuin, an unusual garden overlooking Calitzdorp
Land & Sand hiking route
Other highlights include farm stalls, wine estates, 4x4 routes, art galleries, craftspeople, nature reserves and mountain passes.
To book or for further information contact the co-ordinator of the Kanna Biodiversity Route, Alistair Reizenberg on the telephone number above.
Need to Know
WhereThe Kanna Biodiversity Route includes the towns of Ladismith, Van Wyksdorp, Zoar, Amalienstein, De Rust and Calitzdorp.
WhenPlease enquire.
How muchPrices on request.
Telephone+27 (0)79 222-4473
OvernightStay nearby in Calitzdorp, in Western Cape
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Find Kanna Biodiversity Route in these collections
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options by proximity
* Distances shown are "as the crow flies", not driving distances. Please confirm with the establishment should driving distance be a factor in your decision.
Karoo Life Bed & Breakfast
Karoo Life Bed & Breakfast is found in the quaint town of Calitzdorp on the popular Route 62. While here you can take a dip in the swimming pool,...
The Queen of Calitzdorp
This over a century old establishment is situated in the centre of Calitzdorp town, within walking distance of Boplaas, De Krans and Calitzdorp C...
Karoo Nest
Karoo Nest offers charming self-catering accommodation in Calitzdorp, a small town in the Karoo. The guest house is close to award-winning wineri...
Calitzdorp Country House
Overlooking the little town of Calitzdorp on Route 62, Calitzdorp Country House offers spectacular views across vineyards and orchards to the maj...
Matjiesvlei Retreat Katrien
Matjiesvlei Retreat Katrien in Calitzdorp is located on a farm and offers fabulous mountain views. The house sleeps six guests in three bedrooms....
Matjiesvlei Retreat Swartskaap
Matjiesvlei Retreat Swartskaap or Blacksheep is a self catering holiday home found on a peaceful farm in Calitzdorp. The house has three bedrooms...
Matjiesvlei Retreat 1945
Matjiesvlei Retreat 1945 offers self catering accommodation on a farm in Calitzdorp. The house sleeps six guests in three bedrooms. There is a ba...
Tula Retreat
Tula Retreat is located on the water's edge of the Calitzdorp dam in the Western Cape and offers luxury tent accommodation ideal for a couple or ...
Matjiesvlei Cottages
Matjiesvlei Cottages offers self catering accommodation in three lovely cottages in Calitzdorp. Each cottage has kitchen facilities, a furnished ...
Matjiesvlei Guest Farm
Come and enjoy the serene and tranquil beauty of this valley, situated at the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains between Calitzdorp and Ladismi...
Groenfontein Guest Farm
18 km north-west of Calitzdorp (Route 62) in the foothills of the majestic Swartberge, lies the evergreen Groenfontein valley. On the banks of th...
The Retreat At Groenfontein
This Victorian farmhouse offers Klein-Karoo hospitality in 4 rooms on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis. Set in the secluded Groenfontein Valley an...
Red Stone Hills
Red Stone Hills farm is situated between Oudtshoorn and Calitzdorp, 6km on the Kruisrivier turn off, near the foot of the Swartberg Mountain. All...
Almond Valley Manor House
Nestled in the heart of South Africa's Klein Karoo, Almond Valley presents a captivating retreat in the form of a meticulously restored Victorian...
Sweetheart Cottage
The Sweetheart Cottage offers a delightful retreat set in tranquil surroundings. Nestled amidst grand mountain vistas, it serves as a gateway to ...
Soleta Cottage
Discover the epitome of rustic luxury at The Soleta Cottage, an exquisite retreat designed for discerning travelers seeking respite from the urba...
The Mulberry House
The Mulberry House at Buffelskloof Getaway offers a serene, self-catering haven situated in the charming town of Calitzdorp. Ideal for both famil...
Celebratio
Celebratio is situated on a pomegranate farm halfway between Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn on the R328 and is perfect for day excursions to the wine ...
Other things to do in the area
Calitzdorp Museum
Along the world-renowned route called the R62, deep in the heart of the Klein Karoo, there lies a world of history, heritage, culture, and fine w...
Calitzdorp Dutch Reformed Church
The small town of Calitzdorp is perched conveniently along the R62, a popular tourist route that highlights the cultures, vistas and stunning win...
Calitzdorp Country Walk
The semi-desert of South Africa's Karoo is a very special place because it combines extraordinary landscapes with plenty of choice when it comes ...
Boplaas Family Vineyards
Boplaas is situated in Calitzdorp, a small picturesque village in the Southern Cape province in the majestic Little Karoo. The Nel family is part...
Gamkaberg Zebra Crossing
Gamkaberg Zebra Crossing consists of various 4x4 trails ranging from 16 km to 36 km, stretching over the Gamkaberg Mountain Range, leading over s...
Horse Riding on Saint Helena Farm
The Klein Karoo in the Western Cape of South Africa holds a magnificence that is not a little challenging to put into words. It is simultaneously...
Du' SwaRoo Wines
The smallest wine farm on the Klein Karoo wine route, Du'SwaRoo farm is just north of Calitzdorp on the road to Gronfontein. It lies on the secon...
The Donkey Trail
Take part in a great walking tour with donkeys for companions! The trail takes four days and three nights, and you can be guaranteed of a great ...
Noteworthy attractions
Klein Karoo Wine Estates
The dry, harsh conditions of the Klein Karoo are actually ideal for the production of excellent wines. The summers are very hot and dry, while wi...
Anysberg Nature Reserve
In the heart of the Cape Fold Mountains, the natural abundance of the Anysberg Nature Reserve is situated in the Little Karoo of the Western Cape...
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
At the foot of the Warmwaterberg, in the heart of the Little Karoo, between Montagu and Barrydale on the famous Route 62, the vision of the San i...
Uniondale Poort
The little town of Uniondale on the N9 south west of Willowmore, has rather a few passes in the vicinity. The town lies in the Kammanasie River v...
Spitzkop Viewpoint
The Spitzkop viewpoint is the highest point above Knysna. Drive, or hike up there and you will find one of the best panoramic views of the town a...
Prince Alfred Pass
The Prince Alfred Pass is another built by the indefatigable Thomas Bain, between 1860 and 1867. It was to be one of his biggest challenges, as t...
Klipspringer Pass
The Klipspringer Pass takes one up to one of the best view points in the Karoo National Park, which you'll find just outside the town of Beaufort...
Cogmanskloof Pass
Cogmanskloof, sometimes also spelt Kogmanskloof, is the pass through which one drives between the towns of Montagu and Ashton in the Western Cape...
Karoo National Park
The Karoo National Park is situated close to the N1 highway between Cape Town and the hinterland, approximately 1000 km south of Johannesburg and...
Accommodation convenient to Kanna Biodiversity Route
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