Namaqualand
- Land of dramatic contrasts
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Namaqualand - If you have been there
once, you will return to savour this land of splendour and beauty!
This land of the Nama and The San offers vast semi-desert spaces, gigantic
outcrops of granite, the lush green girdle of the mighty Orange River,
mineral riches in diamonds and more.
The dramatic contrasts of this arid
and sparsely populated region will soon mesmerize the visitor with its
star studded nights, mountain moonscapes, floral carpets covering the veld
in colours that impinge on one's eyes and the humble friendliness of its
people. |
| Namaqualand invites the hikers,
bikers and the 4x4 enthusiasts to the Namakwa 4x4 Route – an unforgettable
journey towards the largest mountain desert in the Southern Hemisphere,
the Richtersveld National Park. A route that will take you through
breathtaking scenery along the Orange River; a route which can also be
explored by raft or canoe through untamed gorges of this life-giving artery
of the region.
Turn south where the mighty Orange
mouths into the sea at Alexander Bay and experience the diamond wealth
of the cold Benguela current (Atlantic Ocean) which rolls in onto the shore
with fury on cruel jagged shores – only to come to rest at flow with breathtaking
sunsets, impressing to your mind forever. Port Nolloth and Mc Douglas
Bay will allow you to let the world go away and to indulge in the riches
of the sea – crayfish, snoek and many more – watching the diamond boats
coming to shore with valuable loads of diamond bearing gravel sucked up
from the sea-bed.
The founding of copper put Springbok
to the map since 1850 from where Copper mining towns like Okiep, Nababeep
and Carolusberg are easily reached. Only 22 km northeast from Springbok
you can visit the orbicule Koppie where the best example of orbicular diorite
in the country can be exhibited near to Concordia. This rock type
was previously only found in Scandinavia.
A Mining Museum in Nababeep gives
information on the copper boom in this area and Clara, a narrow-gauge steam
locomotive which was used to rail copper ore to Port Nolloth harbour, can
still be seen here. Visit the Cornich Beam Pump, used from 1882 for
water supplies to the mine and the smokestack, which was built by the Okiep
Copper Company in 1880 in Okiep. |
| During August and September Springtime
causes a magic transformation in the semi-desert when blazing carpets of
flower splendour. More than 3 000 species survive and thrive in this
extraordinary semi-desert land of blistering extremes and mystical surprises.
Walk around in the unending tapestry of flamboyant and brilliantly interwoven
colour carpets of lilies, daisies, succulents and many unique, rare and
endangered plants. Get your shoes dusted with pollen and let the
aroma of the veld fill up your senses – allowing you to rejuvenate your
soul and refresh your contact with creation in the land of mystery, magic
and boundless fun. |
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| Just 15 km from Springbok, nestles
Goegap Nature Reserve between the granite domes. About 600 indigenous
flower species, 45 mammal species, bird, reptile and amphibians can be
found here. A mountain biking trail, three hiking trails as well
as a 4x4 trail give the visitor a choice on adventure.
Skilpad Namaqua National Park near
Kamieskroon offers you a showcase of a multitude of spring flowers, filling
the air with unending floral dreams and splendour. Kamieskroon is
a must for the discerning photographer and keen hikers. From here
the Kamiesberg range and Lelierfontein Region are easily assessable.
From here spectacular and scenic drives take you to Hondeklip Bay, Garies,
Soebatsfontein and Kleinzee.
When the time has come to go home,
you will be reluctant to leave this kingdom of contrast. If you have
been here once you will come back again to this Land of the Nama – a natural
wonderland where Quiver Tree, granite domes, frail spring blossoms and
the indescribable mineral wealth compete to keep your memories spellbound
and a fresh.
This information is provided by Elkoweru
Guest House, Springbok. |
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