1000stays Journey: An Unforgettable 24 Hour Scenic Adventure in Caledon, South Africa.

A relaxing and scenic getaway, Caledon is surrounded by rolling hills, beautiful waterfalls, and unspoiled rural landscapes.

On a Friday afternoon in October, we gathered a couple of our teens from school and drove about 113 kilometres east of Cape Town to Caledon.

With exams on the horizon and a teen birthday bash to celebrate, we had just 24 hours to savour the beauty of Caledon. Despite the time crunch, this picturesque getaway had every moment bursting with charming landscapes and a vibrant atmosphere that made our escape truly unforgettable.

Caledon is mostly known as a drive-by on the N2 or as a Caledon Casino Spa and Hot Springs. There is no doubt that the hot, mineral-rich water that gurgles out of the ground in the hills above Caledon is one of the town's most famous attractions and is rich in its history and founding.

There are three Khoi ponds (42-44 degrees, 40-42 degrees, and 38-40 degrees) to choose from. If you have limited time like us, day visitors can also explore the Caledon Casino and Spa and enjoy the hot springs.

Interesting fact: The iron-rich waters flowing through Caledon's area have long been attributed to having healing properties by Europeans, but the Khoi-Khoi people discovered them first way before the Europeans arrived.

Caledon is a town that I call a "just turn right" kinda place. Sometimes, when you turn off the main highways in South Africa, you discover a paradise you never knew existed.

Here is our 1000stays 24 hour journey to discover Caledon.

To get supplies, we ventured through Caledon, marvelling at its old architecture, churches, museums, and silos.

The Otium Oasis, our 1000stay accommodation, is about 21km west of Caledon on a smooth gravel road to Tesselaarsdal. This route showcases the area's agricultural beauty, complete with towering wind turbines and scenic grain fields. Be ready to stop for passing tortoises. Caledon has a rich agricultural history, once thriving in the 1840s due to booming wool exports.

Did you know: Caledon is the official capital of the Overberg and the seventh oldest town in South Africa.

We aimed to find accommodation that was unique for the teens while also being comfortable for the adults. Otium Oasis fulfilled all our expectations, and we can't wait to return. 

We arrived at Otium Oasis around 5:30 pm and were welcomed by Alet who had heated the hot tub for our arrival. This unique escape is perfect for disconnecting, lighting a fire, and relaxing. The farm features four tented chalets and six campsites, including two Tipi tents. We stayed in a safari tent with electric blankets and a Victorian bath, while the teens enjoyed the traditional teepee experience without electricity. The teepee includes two futon beds and extra mattresses near the firepit, which the kids found incredibly comfortable. There are also three clean bathrooms with solar lighting, and the campsite paths are adorned with colourful fairy and solar lights.

There are also animals roaming around the camp as an added bonus. There are springbucks, zebras, alpacas, and other animals that make this a truly wonderful nature experience.

We had a surprise adventure planned for the morning, so after enjoying a braai under the fairy lights in our boma and relaxing in the hot tub, we went to bed early. To reach the Tipis tent, the kids walked through the pine trees and fairy light decorations.

1000stays extra mile: All wood, pine cones, and blitz are supplied, they have ice in the fridge, all necessary appliances, and all your braai tools.

 In the morning, we welcomed the springboks, gathered the teens, and embarked on a 30-minute journey to experience the K3, which is recognized as the world's longest zipline. As a blended family that thrives on exhilarating adventures, we've already zipped through South Africa and were eager to add this remarkable feat to our list of achievements. We were ready to take on the world’s longest zipline, which would be our second-to-last experience in South Africa. The K3 offers 3.2  kilometres of pure adrenaline at speeds reaching up to 120  kilometres per hour.

In the tourism industry, staff play a vital role in enhancing client experiences. We were warmly greeted, creating a comfortable atmosphere that made us feel well-cared for. The team at K 3 was outstanding—friendly and knowledgeable about the area and the zip-lining equipment. However, I felt a bit intimidated looking up as we ascended the mountain, but the breath taking views of Caledon made it worthwhile.

Interesting Info: Caledon is recognized for hosting some of the premier paintball fields in South Africa. These facilities are celebrated for their exceptional features, including tree houses, camps, and bridges. Forest Adventures, the same company that operates the K53, provides an exciting opportunity to rev up the action in paintball battles, which we look forward to experiencing soon.

Upon reaching the summit and arriving at the platform, the boys eagerly took the lead, with Batman in his onesie. As we heard their joyful screams and laughter, it became evident that we were about to embark on an adventure filled with unforgettable moments. One by one, following the boys in tandem, we zipped down the mountain, the initial  kilometres passing swiftly. At the bottom, we were warmly welcomed by our exceptional guides, who had captured fantastic photographs for us.

With cherished memories stored on our phones and in our hearts, we returned to Cape Town in high spirits, filled with newfound strength to tackle any challenge, including the upcoming exams.

South Africa is a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences! Whether you're craving fun in the sun on pristine beaches or scenic drives through stunning landscapes, this destination delivers on all fronts. Perfect for solo adventurers, couples, and families alike, South Africa offers an array of budget-friendly yet quality accommodations just waiting to be explored!

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