Upon the primary glance, Namaqauland looks like simply some other extensive tripsite co uk semi-desolate tract. But do now not allow first impressions fool you! This unspoilt stretch of copper and diamond wealthy land is host to over 4000 species of flowers, hibernating deep in the soil, watching for the rains as a way to spring forth and amaze us with their shade and splendour!
An example of the same old flowers to be discovered here, is the 'Halfmens' (or Half Human in english) medical name Pachypodium Namaquanum. A extraordinary, tall and slender succulent plant with a bushel of leaves at the pinnacle that resembles a human head!
Running through and along the Namaqualand is the Orange River, a exquisite source of water, leisure (with an extremely good dose of threat, of path) and meals to the population of this extensive landscape of sand and granite.
Towns visited in this course consist of:
Springbok, Alexander Bay, Brandvlei, Calvinia, Concordia, Fraserburg, Garies, Hondeklip Bay, Kleinzee/Koingnaas, Leliefontein Area, Loeriesfontein, Nababeep, Nieuwoudtville, Okiep, Pella, Pofadder, Port Nolloth, Steinkopf, Sutherland.
When we continue into this treasure buried beneath sand, the primary city we discover is Springbok (550km north of Cape Town). The capital of Namaqualand, Springbok is the website of the first industrial mining operations within the united states. In 1852 the first Copper mine turned into introduced into operation.
252km northwest of Springbok lies Alexander Bay, so aptly named, as it was based by Sir James Edward Alexander in 1836. Alexander bay is well-known for its Diamond mining sports and is the maximum northerly located city along the west shoreline of South Africa.
Pushing on we discover Brandvlei, situated within the heart of Bushmanland, Brandvlei is host to lots of birdlife, San rock engravings and historical memories.
Calvinia, 418km north of Cape Town, was named after a non secular farmer, John Calvin, is considered one of South Africa's biggest wool-producing regions. Founded in 1851, Calvinia is located right on the foot of the Hantam Mountains.
Concordia. Used as headquarters by Boer Commandos at some point of the Anglo-Boer War in April 1902. This city turned into fashioned as a task station with the aid of Rev. Brecher in 1852.
Next up is Fraserburg. Founded in 1851 inside the west Nuweveld, the metropolis is famous for its well preserved Victorian homes.
Garies, a Khoisan word that means 'couch-grass'. Some of this metropolis's attractions encompass Letterklip (letter stone) and the spring vegetation that bloom in springtime across the Kamiesberg location.
Hondeklip Bay derives its call from a stone similar to a dog near the police station. Hondeklip Bay became as soon as the main harbour from which the copper ore become exported.
Kleinzee/Koingnaas serves one of the global's main diamond mines, De Beers Namaqualand Mines. A allowance is needed to visit this city.
Leliefontein Area, Southeast of Kamieskroon, Founded inside the nineteenth century, this vicinity is home to biking trails, National Monuments, Cultural camps, and seasonal plants.