Kalahari & Diamond Fields

The Kalahari and Diamond Fields region of the Northern Cape borders Namibia, Botswana, the Freestate and the North West Province. The name Kalahari come from the San word meaning 'a place without water'. Some parts of the Kalahari Desert have gone without water for years and are flat featureless plains. But there is usually water beneath the surface, and the flat plains are broken up here and there by mountain ranges, amongst them the Langeberg and Korannaberg ranges. The Kalahari is at the far north-eastern tip of the Northern Province and is a boundless expanse of red earth. The daytime temperatures are extremely hot and the nights can be freezing cold.

In 1866 a young boy names Erasmus Jacobs found a white pebble on the banks of the Orange River close to where it joins the Vaal River. His discovery was to lead to the great South African diamond rush for he had found a diamond that was later to be called Eureka! Shortly after that a huge 83 carat diamond was acquired from a Griqua shepherd by Schalk van Niekerk. This diamond became known as the Star of Africa. Prospectors still sift the gravel beds of the Vaal and Orange rivers for diamonds, though their finds are now few and far between.

Just outside the town of Kimberley in the Diamond Fields region of the Northern Cape, two de Beer brothers had diggings on a farm which they had purchased for £50. By 1872 more than 50000 prospectors had crowded into the little shanty town that later was to become Kimberley. Most of the miners in those days made do with tents or shacks made from wood and corrugated iron ù similar to the informal settlements that can be seen today outside South Africa's big cities. The sites later developed to such an extent that they are now known as the Big Hole and the de Beers Mine. Today Kimberley has become a modern city and is the diamond capital of the world. The city is full of interesting period houses and museums and visitors should not miss a visit to the Big Hole and the Kimberley Mine Museum where there is a replica of the town as it was during the diamond rush.

Several important battles took place around Kimberley during the Anglo-Boer War and the town was besieged by Boer forces. Boer trenches can still be seen in the area and Kimberley's museums house uniforms, weaponry and equipment used during the war.

The Kalahari and Diamond Fields region town of Upington is a beautiful green oasis situated on the banks of the Orange River. The town is ideally situated as a stopover for travelers from Johannesburg or Cape Town heading towards Namibia. The Fish River Canyon, located just across the Namibian border, is a very popular destination for the adventurous hiker. Further to the north along the Botswana border lies the vast desert wilderness of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. These regions can be very hot during the summer months, so visitors are well advised come during the winter months when the temperatures are milder.

The Augrabies Falls National Park is situated about 80 kilometres to the west of Upington in the Kalahari region of the Northern Cape and the Falls ranks among the world's greatest cataracts. During exceptional floods the flow here exceeds that of the mighty Victoria Falls and is considered by many geologists to be the world's most interesting example of weathered granite. The park adjoining the Falls is home to the dassie, also known as the rock rabbit. Resembling a giant guinea-pig, the dassie's nearest relative is probably the elephant.The town of Kakamas is situated just a few kilometers from the Falls and is the perfect stopover for visitors. The town has widespread irrigation schemes and boasts eleven working water wheels. Kakamas has become a major farming area and produces export quality grapes and peaches.

The Kalahari & Diamond Fields region in the Northern Cape is rich in natural beauty and history.

Here are ten things to see and do in this area:

1. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: This vast wilderness area is known for its red dunes, wildlife, and exceptional bird watching. It's a perfect destination for game drives and photography.

2. Kimberley Big Hole and Mine Museum: Visit one of the world’s largest hand-dug excavations and learn about the diamond rush history at the adjacent museum.

3. Augrabies Falls National Park: Witness the spectacular sight of the Orange River plummeting down the Augrabies Falls. The park also offers hiking trails and scenic viewpoints.

4. Witsand Nature Reserve: Known for its white sand dunes and "roaring sands" phenomenon, this reserve offers a unique desert experience with opportunities for sandboarding and bird watching.

5. Riemvasmaak Hot Springs: Relax in natural hot springs located in a rugged, scenic area with beautiful rock formations.

6. Kalahari Desert: Experience the vast, arid landscape of the Kalahari Desert, which includes activities like dune surfing, 4x4 trails, and stargazing.

7. Tswalu Kalahari Reserve: This private game reserve offers luxurious safari experiences with opportunities to see endangered species and enjoy exclusive game drives.

8. Magersfontein Battlefield: Explore the historical site of the Battle of Magersfontein, which was a significant event during the Second Anglo-Boer War.

9. Mattanu Private Game Reserve: Participate in unique wildlife experiences, including helicopter game viewing, and stay in luxury tented accommodations.

10. Wonderwerk Cave: Visit this archaeological site where evidence of human habitation dating back millions of years has been found. The cave features ancient rock art and archaeological excavations.