You will find the Northern Cape a unique landscape, abundant wildlife, and an oasis for outdoor lovers. The land has many different cultures, and its history dates back to thousands of years. The Northern Cape has 10 top-rated places that you should visit while on vacation.
1. Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
It covers approximately 102,000 ha. Tswalu was committed to “restoring the Kalahari to itself”It is South Africa’s largest private game reserve and has a conservation vision. The Kalahari Lions are a highlight, as is the majestic Cheetah or Desert Black Rhino. Tswalu, home to over 250 species of birds and 70 other mammal species including Roan Antelope (and Sable), is home also to 70 different species. Tswalu provides unparalleled safari experiences including guided walks, horseback safaris and hot air ballooning over the desert landscape.Being a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux you can be sure that guests are offered luxurious accommodation and splendid cuisine.
2. The Orange River
This river, which stretches 2340 kilometers, is perfect for canoeing or rafting. It has long flat stretches punctuated with rapids. The weather is also warm throughout the year. The Orange River Wine Route is responsible for 10% of South Africa’s vineyards. This will appeal to wine enthusiasts. Five wineries make up the Cellars. The wine grapes from the Oranjerivier Cellars come directly from 794 Orange River producers.
3. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
This Park was created by the unification between South Africa’s Kalahari Gemsbok Park, Botswana’s Gemsbok National Park. The result is a unique ecosystem that remains unspoiled. This park covers 3.7million hectares and is considered one of the most important conservation areas worldwide.
4. Kimberley’s Big Hole
The discovery of diamonds on an old hilltop resulted into a wild scramble to gain fame and fortune in 1871. Today, the Kimberley big hole is one of the biggest hand-dug excavations in the entire world. The mine was dug using picks, shovels, and sheer determination. It measures 215m deep, with an area of 17 ha, and yielded 2 722 kg of diamonds.
5. Augrabies Falls National Park
At its greatest, the world’s sixth-largest waterfall can be found where the Orange River flows. Augrabies falls is created by the Augrabies River, which thunders its way through a ravine to a pool surrounded by granite. The Khoi word, which means “place of great sound”, gave rise to the name Augrabies Falls. This describes the sounds that thunder as the waterfalls plunge 56m deep into the ravine.
6. Sutherland
Sutherland is well-known for its spectacular night sky and the world-famous Southern African Astronomical Observatory. This site houses 10 telescopes including ‘SALT (Southern African Largest Telscope). Recording distant stars and galaxies that are too far away to see with an unaided eye is possible.
7. Kuruman
A permanent, abundant water source is a blessing for this small town. The Kuruman Eye is also known. It flows water from Gasegonyana through densely vegetated areas that are more dense than other oases. The Eye, a natural spring that delivers approximately 20-30,000,000 litres per day of clear, crystal-clear water, supplies water to the city, and also feeds into the Kuruman River. It then spills more water into two canals 7km long. This fresh water source was what led to the creation of Moffat Mission Station in early 1900s. It is also the reason why the Eye has been called the “fountain for Christianity”.
8. Richterveld National Park
It is a hauntingly beautiful place. The Richtersveld consists of mountains and sandy plains that form Southern Africa’s largest desert park. This area covers 160 000 ha. The Richtersveld, despite being dry and harsh, is an excellent living lab for botanists. It houses around 30% of South Africa’s succulent plants. The Richtersveld has a very fragile ecosystem, receiving less than 50mm annually of rainfall. It is astonishingly beautiful and offers rare purity in an unspoilt land.
9. Kathu, “the town under the trees”
Kumba, an open-cast miner of iron ore in South Africa, gave the name its origin. Sishen Golf Course in the mine also has one of South Africa’s finest golf courses, Sishen Golf Course. This unique location allows you to enjoy a round golf through a Camelthorn forest covering 500 hectares at the Kalahari Desert. Robert Grimsdell’s final masterpiece, this par 72 18-hole golf course has been ranked among South Africa’s top 30 most popular courses. Because it’s off the beaten path, visitors will always be able to get a game.
10. Namaqua National Park
Namakwa transforms from a dull place to a vibrant, colorful world between July-September. This is the most varied and arid ecosystem in the world, with more than 6000 plant species and 250 bird species. There are also 78 species mammals and 132 reptiles, amphibians, and unknown numbers of insects. 40 percent or more species of this fauna are not found anywhere else.