The town is a settlement on the biggest island in the lower Orange...
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GREEN KALAHARI REGION
Vast tracts of bleak, shimmering semidesert contrast dramatically with lush green vineyards filling the Orange River’s fertile valleys. The region is further home to two meandering routes taking the visitor to the smaller hamlets and communities to explore and discover.
Town information
| Green Kalahari Region | |
| Northern Cape Tourism Authority | +27(0)53 492 0311 |
| Dawid Kruiper Tourism Office: | +27 (0)54 338 7019 |
| Augrabies Falls National Park: | +27 (0)54 452 9200 |
| Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: | +27 (0)54 561 2000 |
| Kalahari Red Dune Route: | +27 (0)82 785 1600 |
| Quiver Tree Route: | +27 (0)84 244 4408. |
| Email: | [email protected] |
SURROUNDING TOWNS
Upington
The second biggest town in the province and a former mission station. It is a contrasting sight of lush emerald green vineyards against the semi desert reds of the Kalahari Desert
TO SEE AND DO
Upington 26 Monument
This monument in the township of Paballelo commemorates the role that the Upington 26 played in the fight against oppression and apartheid during the 80’s
Camel and donkey monuments
The monuments commemorate the crucial role these domestic animals played in the history of the region.
Date Palm Avenue
Found at the entrance to Die Eiland Resort it is one of the longest palm avenues in the Southern Hemisphere – 1. 4km long.
Kalahari Oranje Museum Complex
Originally built as a church and mission station it now houses the museum.
Contact: +27 (0) 82 3362785.
Sakkie se Arkie Sunset Cruise
Watch as the setting sun turn the mighty Orange river in molten gold. Contact: +27 (0)82 564 5447
South African Dried Fruit Co-operative
The second largest fruit cooperative in the world and just the right place to stock up on dried fruit
delicacies. Contact: +27 (0) 54 337 2300.
Orange River Wine Tasting Rooms
The world’s second largest cooperative has an impressive tasting room in the town centre.
Contact: +27 (0)54 495 0040.
Augrabies and Marchand
are two of the smaller towns of the region situated on the banks of the Orange River and surrounded by lush green vineyards.
TO SEE AND DO
Augrabies National Park
named by the Khoi people “Aukoerebis” is the place of great noise. It is home to the Augrabies Falls, the world’s six largest waterfall which thunders down the 18km abyss of the Orange River Gorge.
17 great adventures await visitors at the park which includes hiking, biking, 4×4 trails, kayaking, fly-fishing, incredible Instagram-able points along the gorge walk. The night drive is a must, experience the secretive and somewhat mystical world of the nocturnal animals.
Groblershoop
founded in 1936 is the farming and administrative centre of the Orange River Valley, east of Upington.
TO SEE AND DO
Boegoeberg Holiday Resort
Offers luxury self-catering chalets, hiking, fishing, canoeing, skiing and sailing.
Contact: +27 (0)83 257 4730.
Witsand Game Reserve
Experience the roaring sands of the Kalahari, game drives, sand surfing and incredible birdwatching.
Contact: +27 (0)83 656 2117
Kakamas and Keimoes
are quaint towns in the fertile valley in the Lower Orange River, and are famous for their table grapes which is exported
world-wide.
TO SEE AND DO
Die Pienk Padsta
Foodies can enjoy typical Northern Cape farm produce crafts and light refreshments at this memorable local spot.
Contact +27(0)83 381 9272.
Kalahari Sushi
Known far and wide around the world Find them at the Kalahari Getaway Hotel. Contact +27(0)54 431 0838.
Akkerboom Padstal
Situated between Kakamas and Keimoes this stylish padstal is set amidst a setting of lush vineyards. Contact +27
(0)82 534 7433.
Bakkiespomp
is an old restored working waterwheel in the centre of the Keimoes which pumps water from the Gariep River to farms in the area. Located on the main street
Sunset Vineyard Safari
Explore the hundred islets of Keimoes in an open vehicle and a sundowner as the sun set behind the Tierberg mountain. Contact +27 (0)82 743 1736.
Tierberg Nature Reserve
The 160 hectares Nature Reserve features abundant aloes, succulents and is home to enormous herds of springbok. Contact +27 (0)82 743 1736
World War 1 War Memorial
The battle of Kakamas took place in 1915 and consisted of 3 skirmishes between German and Allied Forces. A memorial marks the location of the battle.
Riemvasmaak
North West of the little town of Kakamas and bordering the Augrabies National Park is the Riemvasmaak Community Conservancy, 75 000
hectares of land between the flowing Orange and dry Molopo rivers. Pronounced ‘reem fuss mark’, meaning ‘tighten the strap’, the conservancy is the very first land restitution story. In the 1960s there was an enforced removal of the residents of this beautiful mountain desert wilderness – mostly Damara and Koranna Khoi tribes – by the then Apartheid government. Roughly 1500 people were divided into three groups according
to their ‘racial’ classification and sent to either Welcome wood in the Ciskei, Khorixas in Northern Namibia, or the nearby towns of Marchand, Augrabies and Keimoes. A little after 1994 the current government chose to return this land to the children of the original residents. Contact Riemvasmaak Tourism: +27 (0)78 314 5565.
TO SEE AND DO
Adventure
There are challenging 4×4 trails, several hiking trails, impressive rock climbing and abseiling (bring your own equipment though)
Birdwatching
The black eagle breeds here, the fish eagle is often sighted and the while pale-winged starlings are prolific.
Natural Beauty
Riemvasmaak is 75 000ha of sheer mountain desert wilderness with imposing mountains, extensive desert plains and a wilderness born from violent volcanic activity millions of years ago, but it is a land of beauty that takes on spiritual proportion. Indigenous camel
thorn and shepherd’s trees; and wildlife that includes creatures from hyraxes (also known as dassies) to antelope and baboon.
Riemvasmaak Hot Springs
invites visitors to relax in the natural wonder of these therapeutic waters. Cliff faces surround the springs, towering 80 metres over those that are delighting in the warmth ofthe waters below. Two swimming pools have been constructed at the springs.
QUIVER TREE ROUTE
Named after the indigenous quiver tree, the Quiver Tree Route stretches along the mighty Orange River. It features quaint towns of Upington, Kakamas, Keimoes, Augrabies, Marchand, Kanoneiland, Kenhardt and Riemvasmaak. The route will appeal greatly to families, adventure and adrenaline seekers with activities such as river rafting, fly fishing, kayaking, river cruises, 4×4, hiking, MTB trails and excellent bird watching. With the longest wine producing area in the Southern Hemisphere there are many opportunities for world class wine and brandy tasting along the route. Contact Details: +27 (0)84 244 4408.
TO SEE AND DO
Riemvasmaak hot springs and hikes
Contact +27 (0)78 314 5565
Adventure experiences such as river rafting, fly fishing, kayaking, river cruises, hiking and excellent bird watching at Khamkirri.
Contact +27 (0)84 244 4408.
Excellent wine cellars along the route:
Bezalel Wine and Brandy Tasting – contact: +27 (0)83 257 4736.
Die Mas Wine Tasting – contact: +27 (0)71 015 7131.
Orange River Wine Tasting – contact: +27 (0)54 495 0040.
Vineyard safari and sundowner tour – contact: +27 (0)82 743 1736.
KALAHARI RED DUNE ROUTE
Golden dunes, wide-open skies and flat-topped acacia trees epitomize the Kalahari Red Dune Route. Stretching from Upington right to the Namibian border, visitors traverse the villages of Ashkam, Groot and Klein Mier and Rietfontein. Adventure-loving families and adrenaline seekers can enjoy dune hikes at dawn, eagle- owl encounters, close encounters with meerkats, sand duning and surfing in the red sand,. Be sure to visit the newest world heritage site, Khomani Cultural Landscape Heritage Site. Contact Details:
+27 (0)82 785 1600.
TO SEE AND DO
Khomani San (Bushmen) Experience – rediscover the wisdom, customs and folklore of this ancient tribe with Vinkies Tours,
Contact 27(0)72 977 0120.
Diamond T Coffee shop
Great local fare and home baked delicacies, locally created arts and crafts. Contact: +27 54 511 0025.
Aunt Koera’s Farm Kitchen
on the R360 between Askham and Andriesvale for traditional cuisine. Contact+27 83 588 8346.
Kalahari Info & Tented Camp
They offer 4×4 dune experiences including sunset tours and dinners, accommodation and great local cuisine. Contact: +27 63 048 0706
Meerkat Encounters
Kalahari Trials offers a sanctuary to many orphaned and injured meerkats and offers morning and evening walking tours and guided drives. Contact +27 054 511 0900.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Encounter magnificent herds of oryx, encounter the mighty Kalahari lion. The largest conservation area within Africa it is also home to a Dark skies’ sanctuary and home to the Khomani Cultural Landscape Heritage Site. Contact +27 (0)54 452 9200