The Station Is Alive: A New Era in the Heart of Calitzdorp

The outdoor seating area at The Calitzdorp Station — where rustic Karoo charm meets laid-back hospitality. Perfect for craft beers, wood-fired pizza, and unforgettable sunsets against the rugged hillside.

There’s something magical happening in the Klein Karoo — and it’s coming straight from the platform.

The Calitzdorp Station, once a forgotten stop on the railway line, is buzzing again. Not with the sound of trains, but with laughter, clinking glasses, the sizzle of something good on the grill, and stories being shared under the stars. Since the change of ownership, The Station has gone from a quaint memory to a must-visit destination. And let us tell you — this is only the beginning.

New Tracks, New Energy

Since the new owner took the reins, The Calitzdorp Station has seen transformation like never before. Vision, hard work, and a deep love for hospitality have collided in all the right ways. The goal was never just to renovate — it was to revive. And if you’ve stepped foot on the property lately, you’ll know we’re doing just that.

From reimagining our accommodation spaces to revamping the restaurant and bar, this place is no longer just a pitstop — it's a place to stay, to play, and to truly feel at home.

Meet Elsabe – The Heartbeat of The Station

Every great venue has a soul. Ours goes by the name of Elsabe.

Host, chef, manager, problem-solver, pizza magician — she wears many hats, and somehow rocks them all at once. She’s the warm welcome when you walk through the door, the calm in the chaos during a festival weekend, and the reason many of our guests extend their stay "just one more night."

And if you haven’t tried one of Elsabe’s famous wood-fired pizzas, you haven’t truly experienced The Station. Locals rave about them. Travellers return for them. We’ve even seen cyclists plan their ride around pizza night. Whether it’s the crispy base, the generous toppings, or just the love she puts into every bite — there’s something about her food that just hits right.

Upgrades That Matter

The vision has always been clear: keep the charm, level up the experience. Over the past months, we’ve upgraded our accommodation with a mix of rustic comfort and modern convenience. Each space — from our restored Ticket Offices to our glamping tents — tells a story, and we’ve made sure every guest gets a good night’s rest, whether under canvas or ceiling.

We’ve added more outdoor seating, refreshed the bar area, and created thoughtful touches throughout the property that make staying here feel like coming home. And the best part? We’re just getting warmed up — literally.

Because when the Karoo evenings bite and the stars hang low, you’ll find our winter fires glowing strong. It’s one of the simple pleasures we hold sacred here. There’s nothing like a crackling blaze, a warm plate of food, and a night sky stretched out endlessly above.

A Place With Purpose

This isn’t just a business. It’s a community hub. A safe space for creativity, connection, and celebration. We've hosted mountain bikers, festival-goers, tired travellers, and curious wanderers — and every one of them has left a mark on The Station’s story.

What makes this journey even more exciting? We've been building it all with the help of ChatGPT. From polishing menus and branding our vibe to writing stories like this one, we’ve embraced AI as part of our small-town, big-dream vision. Because in a place like Calitzdorp, innovation doesn’t have to look like tech parks and office towers — it can look like a dusty railway platform turned soulful destination.

So, what now?

Now we keep going. We keep welcoming. We keep growing. Whether you're booking a room, popping in for a drink, or staying for the weekend, you're not just visiting — you're becoming part of the story.

The Calitzdorp Station is alive again. Come see what we’ve been working on.

Stay. Taste. Explore. Feel at home — right here on the platform.