About Caledon Blue Crane Route
The beautifully regal Blue Crane loves the short grasslands. But up to 90% of the numbers of these birds have declined, in many cases because of power lines and poisoning from agrochemicals. They are now on a Red Data endangered list.
Did you know? There are only about 25,000 Blue Cranes left in the world, around half of which can be found in the Cape Overberg.
They are a beautiful bird, pale blue, with incredible tails. Their faces lack any coloration and when in danger they puff out the feathers on their heads so that they look more intimidating than they are. Blue cranes breed only once a year, produce two chicks at a time (many of these have fallen prey to the pet trade) and have an elaborate mating dance over a couple of weeks before any actual mating takes place.
The Caledon farmers grouped together to protect the Blue Crane bird and increase tourism in the area, establishing the Caledon Blue Crane Route, which allows visitors to see the blue crane in its natural environment, and encouraging the blue crane onto their farmlands.
Did you know? Mated pairs of cranes engage in unison calling, which is a complex and extended series of coordinated calls. The birds stand in a specific posture, usually with their heads thrown back and beaks skyward during the display.
By all means enjoy the cranes from your car. But they are easily startled, leaving freshly laid crane eggs prey to the elements and predators, so guidelines insist that you do not approach the cranes on foot, that you do not interfere with them in any way. If there is a problem and you find a blue crane that needs help in any way, please contact Cape Nature.
Although called the Caledon Blue Crane Route, this is not the only town in the Overberg where you will see the bird. In all the wheat fields around Stanford, Gansbaai, Napier, Elim, Arniston and Bredasdorp you may sight them, usually in groups of two or three, occasionally more.
Need to Know
WhereCaledon Blue Crane Route, Caledon area and surrounds, Cape Overberg, Western Cape, South Africa
WhenThis is a Self-drive route best enjoyed during daylight hours.
OvernightStay in Cape Overberg Accommodation, Western Cape
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested inIn the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Cape Overberg
Dove Villa @ Barton
Dove Villa @ Barton offers Botrivier accommodation at Barton Vineyards in the heart of the Kogelberg National Park. This villa is set further awa...
Swallows Rest at Cornellskop
Swallows Rest, overlooking the dam, this quaint, tiled cottage is stylish and beautifully decorated. Able to accommodate two guests, the cottage ...
Black Eagle Villa
Situated in the Overberg Mountains outside Caledon, Black Eagle Villa offers accommodation at a farm-style retreat just 90 minutes from Cape Town...
The Milking Shed
The Milking Shed has two bedrooms. One bedroom is furnished with a double bed and the second bedroom is furnished with two single beds. The kitch...
Cornellskop Homestead
Able to accommodate 12 guests, The Homestead is a stylish, elegantly decorated multi-storey house with six bedrooms and four bathrooms as well as...
Otium Oasis Eco Camping
Otium Oasis Eco Camping is located in Tesselaarsdal near the town of Caledon. The campsite is surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Overber...
Beaumont Pepper Tree
Beaumont Pepper Tree is located on a working wine and fruit farm and offers comfortable accommodation in Botrivier. Surrounded by wine, wheat and...
Swartberg Guest House
Situated in the historical Mill Street in Caledon, Swartberg Guest House offers a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. Safe, off-street parking is a...
Things to do in the area
The Shuntin' Shed
The Shuntin' Shed Diner is a sportsbar and restaurant set along the train tracks at Botrivier Station, below the picturesque Houwhoek pass.Establ...
Dassiesfontein Farm Stall
Dassiesfontein is a fully licensed restaurant and traditional farmer's fare situated in the heart of the Overberg. From humble beginnings 12 year...
Van Brakel Stoor
The Van Brakel Stoor is an authentic, historical farm stall, on a lone stand, along the Caledon / Napier route. With its original antique wooden ...
The Black Sheep Diner and Satellite Bar
Popular with Caledon locals and visitors alike, the Black Sheep diner and adjoining Satellite bar are the places to be seen in Caledon! The Black...
Caledon Wildflower Trail
The Caledon Wildflower Trail within the Caledon Wildflower Reserve, is a 10km hike through natural mountain fynbos, up to the summit of the Swart...
Caledon Museum
The Caledon Museum is split into two buildings depicting very different parts of local history. The Victorian House houses an abundance of artifa...
Off Road Go-Karting In Caledon
Get your adrenaline pumping in a fun off road Go-Kart race. While others are on the track you can sit alongside the grassy banks, admire the magn...
Elgin Railway Market
Elgin may have earned its name as one of the prettiest fruit-growing regions in the country, but it is getting to the top of the tourist hotspot ...
Whale Coast Mall
Hermanus and the Overberg are spectacular for laid-back beach holidays and weekend getaways. And this is where the Whale Coast Mall invites visit...
Accommodation convenient to Caledon Blue Crane Route
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Western Cape Accommodation / Cape Town Accommodation / Cape Overberg Accommodation