Caledon lies in an intensively cultivated agricultural region in which arable farming and sheep-rearing are the principal sources of income. The town grew up round its mineral springs, which were frequented by the first European settlers in the 18thC and are still used for medicinal purposes. There are seven springs, with a total daily flow of 900,000 liters (200,000 gallons) of water containing iron and other minerals; six of them are hot, with temperatures around 50°C/122°F, and one is cold. A new hotel was opened in 1990.
40km/25mi southeast of Caledon is the Salmonsdam Nature Reserve (area 846ha/2,090ac) which is reached by way of R 316 and R 326 (signposted to Stanford). This area of typical Cape fynbos vegetation can be explored on three well waymarked trails, respectively 3km/2mi, 5km/3mi and 8km/5mi in length. If you are lucky you may see antelopes and gazelles as well as various species of birds.
The Venster Kloof Nature Garden (area 56ha/138 ac) established in 1927, is part of a nature reserve on the Swartberg, a hill to the north of the town. It takes its name from a rock in the shape of a window (venster). It contains many native species of trees, but is mainly known for its profusion of wild flowers. A large Wild Flower Show is held here annually in September.
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Caledon
