Widely considered one of cricket's finest ever players, Kallis racked up 13,289 runs and 292 wickets during 166 Tests in a 19-year career.
And many of the game's best talents both past and present were quick to pay tribute to the 38-year-old's stellar career, with Kallis remaining the only player to have scored more than 20,000 runs and take over 500 wickets in international cricket.
South Africa's one-day international captain AB de Villiers commented: "His value and statistics on the field speak volumes, but his presence in the change room and willingness to teach the youngsters was immense.
"He has played a big role personally for me since making my debut for South Africa in 2004, and is a huge loss for South African cricket."
South Africa Test captain Hashim Amla added: "Jacques is a legend; sportsmen like him only come around once every five decades. He is an astute professional who always gave 100 per cent for his country and I believe a lot of youngsters coming up can learn a lot from the way he shaped his career.
"He will be sorely missed in the dressing room and in the slips where he was a trademark figure. It has been a pleasure to have shared the crease with him on a number of occasions, and I wish him well for the future. He has earned his break."
Many opponents were also eager to praise Kallis, with South Africa-born former England batsman Kevin Pietersen tweeting: "Arguably the greatest ever cricketer retires...cricket will miss you, @jacqueskallis75!"
Australian bowling great Brett Lee added "@jacqueskallis75 congrats on a magnificent career mate! Best ever !", while his ex-team-mate Jason Gillespie tweeted: "Jacques Kallis- congratulations on a wonderful career. Quality cricket over a long period of time. One of the very best. #legend"
Former England captain Michael Vaughan, meanwhile, has no doubt where Kallis stands in the pantheon of cricketing icons
He posted on Twitter: "Jacques Kallis is the Greatest ever Allrounder IMO... The international game will miss him... #Kallis."