Van Wyksdorp is situated on a gravel road on route 327 - 42km from Ladismith and 75km over the Garcia Pass to Riversdale.

Established in 1904 on the farm “Buffelsfontein”, the town was named after the large number of Van Wyk residents in the area.

The present population is about 1500 which includes the village and farms around Vanwykdorp. The source of water for the village is a mountain spring known as “the eye”.

The Rooiberg Pass leads you 45km to Calitzdorp and the Cloete and du Plessis passes 81km to Herbertsdale. These 3 passes are gravel and very popular with mountainbikers and off road motorbikes.

4 x 4, hiking trails, mountain biking are getting very popular for tourists while camping is possible on farms and bush camping in stone houses next to the Groot River. Stargazing and sunsets are amazing to see. Bird watching is very good and the area is abundant with wild life.

Several big events have taken place during 2007/08 like the Eden Eco Challenge, Epic cycling tour (international cycling event),  Opening of the Field of Dreams Sports/holiday farm at Lusthof which includes a rugbyfield, netball and volleyball.  Field of Dreams venue are booked for cyclists, school camps, sports development and is a perfect venue for any occasion with a fantastic garden for photography.

Vanwyksdorp is a very popular but still quiet hideaway place in the Klein Karoo.