Dordrecht

Dordrecht in the Karoo Heartland of the Eastern Cape, is on the northern slopes of the Stormberg Mountain range and is blessed with excellent grazing, making it ideal for sheep and cattle farming. This was something the early settlers discovered in 1856, and many of those families have been farming in this picturesque area for over 100 years. It also has a reputation for breeding champion race horses, built up by the Birch family.

More recently, tourism has also become an important contributor to the economy. The Freedom Mountain Bike Endurance Trail on the R56 from Pietermaritzburg to Middelburg winds through the Stormberg towns of Rhodes, Vaalhoek, Dordrecht, Pronskraal, Brosterlea and Hofmeyr before setting off for the Great Karoo. It did not take long for visitors to realise Dordrecht had much on offer.

The beautiful, well wooded, tranquil Dordrecht Kloof is a popular picnic spot and ideal for walks. The summer weather is mild and the Kranskop hiking trail well worth the effort. Dordrecht is also well known for its trout fishing, and pheasant and game hunting.The winters are cold, often with snow.

And then there is the town itself. It has many historical buildings, is well laid out and provides all services required by an active farming community or visitors.