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The
rugged Northern Cape offers those who prefer to unwind at an
easy-going tempo the opportunity to do so in a region of
striking contrasts, broad horizons, space and silence. Although
this is South Africa’s largest province, it has only one city,
one major town and a scattering of villages.
The
mighty Orange River, fed by its most important tributary, the
Vaal, surges across the landscape, at places in a sluggish tide,
at others in powerful, majestic exuberance. The river brings
life to what could otherwise have been a dry and unwelcoming
land, and it provides the basis for a healthy agricultural
industry. The most dramatic point on the river occurs at the
Augrabies Falls National Park where the mighty Orange plunges 56
metres over a massive ravine in a deafening, breathtaking
explosion of power.
The
first discovery of diamonds in Griqualand West took place in
1869 and 1870 and gave rise to the world’s greatest diamond
rush which changed the course of history in South Africa. It
also led to the establishment of Kimberley - an attractive city
with broad tree-lined streets, comfortable accommodation and an
efficient infrastructure. A far cry from the early mining town
days! The main mine has closed, but the Northern Cape is still
an important mining area. The "Big Hole", one of the
deepest man-made holes in the world, is a major tourist
attraction and Kimberley is also the site of two important
museums and a fine art gallery. Around the city, a number of
historical sites have been established and visitors will find
dozens of attractions to explore and enjoy.
Upington,
set in an intensively cultivated agricultural area between the
river and the Kalahari Desert, is the principal town of the
Lower Orange Region. It serves as the administrative, social,
business and educational centre and is the home of a number of
interesting historical and cultural assets.
Upington,
the centre of the Karakul sheep and dried fruit industries and
the most northerly wine-making region in South Africa, has the
largest wine cellars in the country and the second largest in
the world. From Upington to the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park,
the road leads through undulating rust-red dune lands marked
haphazardly by crags, scattered grasses and clumps of camelthorn
trees. The Kalahari Gemsbok National Park, together with the
Botswana National Park forms part of the largest nature
conservation area in Southern Africa and one of the largest
natural eco-systems in the world. This sunbaked, semi-desert
region provides unfenced access to a variety of game between
South Africa and Botswana and has a ground area of more than two
million hectares. (79 thousand square miles). In addition to the
gemsbok, after which the park is named, springbok, red and blue
hartebeest, steenbok, leopard, brown hyena, the distinctive
Kalahari lion and a surprising number of bird species inhabit
the reserve.
The
inaccessible Upper Karoo doesn’t divulge its secrets
willingly, but those who look further than the dusty, hot and
lonely roads will discover the heart of this vast region.
Dolomite hills like mirages on the horizon, a silence that is
absolute, and unforgettable sunsets. The town of Kuruman,
between Upington and Vryburg, provides a pleasant overnight
stop. The area is fresh and green, watered by the continual flow
of the "eye" (the source of the Kuruman River) which
rises from a dolomite cave. The source yields 18 million litres
of fresh water a day.
Namaqualand
is an enigma. Dry, sun-baked and windswept for most of the year,
after the right amount of rain, the landscape in spring explodes
in a wonderland of colour as far as the eye can see. The
marvellous displays of wild flowers have made Namaqualand famous
throughout the world.
The
Richtersveld section of Namaqualand displays scenes from nature
that seem inexplicable: a rocky moonscape, dry and unforgiving
flanks the cool and mighty Orange River with its banks of lush
greenery. If you’re fit, prepared to rough it, and keen to
explore unknown territory, the Richtersveld was designed
especially for you!
The
Hantam, bound by the Bokkeveld and Namaqualand in the west, the
Renoster River in the east, Bushmanland in the north and the
Roggeveld mountains in the south, is fresh and unpolluted, with
clear blue skies and stunning sunsets. This sheep farming
territory remains for most people an unfamiliar destination.
Calvinia, the principal town, nestles at the foot of the Hantam
mountains, while Nieuwoudtville lies on the plateau of the
Bokkeveld and provides its own annual flower show, even when
Namaqualand has a poor year. The Hantam provides a challenge for
those with an adventurous streak, full of possibilities for an
unforgettable experience. (Source: SATOUR) |
