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Northern
Cape |
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Province:
Northern Cape |
Capital
City: Kimberley
Languages:
Afrikaans, SeTswana, Xhosa, English, Nama
Population: approximately
850 000
Population
Density:2 per sq km
Area
Size: 361 830 sq km
Total
% of Area of South Africa:7,6% |
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Welcome |
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NORTHERN CAPE
- Introduction
FOLLOW THE SUN, NOT THE CROWDS
In the southwest corner of South Africa, the sun
points the way to a place of clear skies, overwhelming
quiet and wide open spaces … where one can
stand under starlit skies and feel at one with
the universe … where the scent of herbs
is carried on the breeze ... and where one can
travel the desert and unexpectedly hear the call
of the sea. This is the Northern Cape , South
Africa 's largest province, and it calls to us
quietly, inviting us to come and discover its
treasures.
By day, the open desert plains, tinted in the
golden shades of the sun, seem to hold no secrets,
but over the ages, many explorers have found otherwise.
The land keeps its treasures in plain sight and,
like a trusting child, gladly reveals itself to
those who pay it the attention it deserves.
By night, the heavenly ceiling is decorated with
brilliant stars and many people agree that nowhere
else can one see so many stars so clearly. The
quiet black night forms a cocoon against the pressures
of the world and the wind whispers of peace and
harmony and the joy of simple pleasures. The Milky
Way is laid bare, inviting us to contemplate our
place in the universe and the Southern Cross benignly
gives us direction.
Reminiscent of the discoverers of old, their sense
of adventure uncurbed, modern-day adventurers
are becoming more and more entranced with the
Northern Cape . Hikers, 4x4 enthusiasts, river
rafters, hunters and divers seize at the opportunity
to explore the unspoilt desert and dunes, river
and sea. They do not come here to get lost in
the crowds, but rather to find themselves, to
hear again their own thoughts and to rediscover
their connection with Nature. They harness all
their senses to truly experience the Northern
Cape and are well rewarded for the effort.
This is an old land that has many stories to tell.
For many centuries, beings have imprinted a record
of their existence on this land, leaving behind
a treasure trove of information.Signs of early
life include dinosaur footprints and fossils that
can be found at archaeological and palaeontological
sites throughout the province.
The intrepid San people, small tribes of hunter-gatherers,
were among the first humans to explore this land
and make it their home.Their account of their
lives and beliefs has been left in the form of
rock art all over the province.
Every region and every season brings its own surprises.
There are no prizes for guessing which treasure
can be found in the Diamond Fields region. The
diamond rush that was sparked by a chance discovery
of a shiny pebble in the year 1866 brought treasure
hunters from all over the world, hungry for the
riches they thought were theirs for the taking.
Today, echoes of this past reverberate throughout
this region and are an inextricable part of Kimberley
, the Capital of the Northern Cape . However,
its recorded human history dates back even further
to the ancient people who made engravings on glacial
pavements and rocks.
The Karoo region offers silent testimony to the
fact that life always finds a way. After the first
rains, many species of succulents find their way
to the surface and appear among the short grasses
that feed the merino sheep which have become synonymous
with the region. Wind pumps flag the farms of
the hardy sheep and game farmers, some of whom
have opened their land to hikers, hunters and
nature enthusiasts. These farm holidays are a
welcome relief from the fast pace of city life
and are becoming increasingly popular among visitors.
The small villages are few and far between and
are characterised by traditional Karoo architecture,
a marvel of human adaptation to difficult living
conditions.
The first spring rains ignite a natural celebration
of life in the dry winter landscape of Namakwa,
one of the most diverse regions in the province.
A multi-coloured wildflower carpet grows almost
overnight, enticing thousands of people to visit
the area and share in the bounty of Mother Nature.
In the Richtersveld, the halfmens (“half
human”) stands guard over the flowers, with
its head always turned north. This rare succulent
is found only in the Northern Cape and has an
important place in San folklore, which tells the
story of the first San people in the area, who
had to flee here from their home in the north.
The halfmens are believed to be their ancestors,
looking back with longing to their northern home.
As you follow the setting sun to the west, you
hear the call of the Atlantic Ocean . Just over
the next dune, the clear blue waters shimmer in
the last light of day and the West Coast stretches
for miles. The routines of the fishing villages
along the shore are ruled by the rhythm of the
sea, but do not be deceived. Although the people
here may lead simple lives, they eat like kings,
having learnt from early childhood to appreciate
the offerings of the sea.
To those who have heard of the Kalahari Desert
, the name “Green Kalahari” may appear
to be a misnomer, but this region is only another
bonus for the visitor. A flourishing green valley
marks the path that the Orange River cuts through
the Northern Cape where farmers and in particular,
winemakers, have learnt to use every precious
drop of water wisely. The Augrabies Falls National
Park and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (a combined
conservation project between South Africa and
Botswana ), where thousands of animals have found
sanctuary, are the other two jewels of the region.
The Raptor Route leads to the Kalahari, an area
of never-ending horizons where raptors, soaring
high in the cloudless sky, sometimes cast the
only shadows on the red sands. This land was designed
to fool the casual observer and to award the intrepid
discoverer. Under the sands lie incredible mineral
riches and another, even more precious treasure
– water, which bursts forth joyously from
the earth in clear cool springs.
The rugged countryside, the open skies and the
strong presence of undisturbed Nature give rise
to such feelings of peace, tranquillity and belonging
that visitors often return to the Northern Cape
. The road may stretch far ahead, but the journey
is well worthwhile. And, despite the size and
ruggedness of the land, the people who live here
do their best to make visitors welcome in their
land. A well-developed transportation and road
network, modern telecommunication facilities and
sophisticated shops offer visitors every convenience
they may need. Combine this with the services
of experienced tour guides, the comfort of pleasant
accommodation facilities and mapped-out and guided
adventure routes, and the Northern Cape is an
easy place to visit, to appreciate and to fall
in love with. |
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Welcome |
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| Search
the Restinations database for accommodation establishments
in the Northern Cape by clicking on any of the
below accommodation category names, or alternatively,
view the e-cards below for members found in the
Northern Cape. |
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Accommodation Types |
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| * Click on the accommodation type above for a quick search |
Accommodation in Northern Cape, Douglas |
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| Bed & Breakfast
> Bed & Breakfast - Guest House Style |
| Northern Cape |
Douglas |
| Tel:
+27 (0)53 - 298 4314 |
Fax:
+27 (0)53 - 298 4314 |
In Douglas near the confluene of the Orange and Vaal rivers, in the tranquility of the Northern Cape you will find Villa de Ghaap Guesthouse for a relaxing and luxurious stay.
You will be su... |
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| Price Range:Budget - R50.00 - R500.00 |
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MORE
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Northern Cape Map |
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[
click for map ] |
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