Park/ Botanical Gardens

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Other places of interest

Boegoeberg Dam

The Boegoeberg Dam was created in 1929 by the construction of a 10.7m high weir which spans approximately 622m of the Orange River. It is located about 35km from Groblershoop by gravel road and is named for the medicinal Boegoe (Buchu) plants which grow in the region. The area is also known for its quiver trees (kokerbome) and the dam is often used for angling and watersports.

Airport/ Train Station /Harbour

Kimberley Airport

Kimberley airport used to host the World Gliding Championships and is still a popular venue for gliders in December and January. Facilities include a restaurant and kiosk. Airlink does scheduled flights between Cape Town and Kimberley, whilst flights to Johannesburg are serviced by South African Express.

Museum/ Exhibition/ Gallery

Port Nolloth Museum

The building which houses the Port Nolloth Museum was originally built as a clubhouse for the officers of the Cape Copper Company in the early 1900's. The museum is focussed on the history of the town, with special reference to the regional copper ore and diamond mines. It is open from 09h00 to 17h00 (Monday to Friday) and from 09h00 to 13h00 on Saturdays.

Airport/ Train Station /Harbour

Upington Airport

Opened in 1968, Upington Airport features the longest runway in Africa at 4.9km. The airport is used for both civil and military flight training purposes and is also utilised for many exports to Europe. Free parking is provided.

Museum/ Exhibition/ Gallery

Calvinia Museum

Dating from 1968, this rural museum is located in the art deco building of the old Jewish synagogue which had been operational since 1920. Utensils, clothing, porcelain, brass and other items relating to the lifestyle of the early European settlers are exhibited. Collections focus primarily on the Hantam , with displays of wool farming in a separate venue. The gardens offer a look at local flora and transport, including a steam locomotive. The museum also houses the Calvinia Tourism Office [more]Dating from 1968, this rural museum is located in the art deco building of the old Jewish synagogue which had been operational since 1920. Utensils, clothing, porcelain, brass and other items relating to the lifestyle of the early European settlers are exhibited. Collections focus primarily on the Hantam , with displays of wool farming in a separate venue. The gardens offer a look at local flora and transport, including a steam locomotive. The museum also houses the Calvinia Tourism Office which arranges local walks and activities.

Monument/ Memorial

German War Graves

Shortly after the start of WWI South Africa invaded the German South West Africa, from the town of Kakamas which is separated from the current Namibia by the Orange River. 6000 troops were assembled at Kakamas on 4 February 1915 when a German expedition fired at them and a battle ensued during which seven German soldiers were killed. In 1960 the Volksbund Deutscher Kriegsgräberfürsorge erected a memorial to them 4km outside the town and their remains have been interred there.

Other places of interest

Cornish Beam Pump and Smoke-Stack

Dating from 1882 and restored in 1965, the Cornish Beam Pump was declared a national monument in 1978. The pump was used to pump water from the Okiep copper mine, which was considered to be the richest copper mine worldwide until operations ceased in 1929. The Beam Pump can be viewed from the road only and is adjacent to the Smoke-Stack, an old smelter stack at the boilers where the steam to operate the pump was generated. The latter was declared a monument in 1952.

Other places of interest

Trading Post

The Trading Post is the remainder of a nostalgic era and also houses the Mannetjies Roux Museum which commemorates the SA Rugby hero. Memorabilia from the period and local Karoo produce are on sale, including items such as traditional homemade jams and preserves.

Other places of interest

Karoo Gariep Conservancy

This working Karoo farm has its own landing strip and offers hiking trails, fishing, a playground, and a restaurant. The Conservancy also offers paragliding opportunities and is situated 100km from the Gariep Dam, which is well-known for this sport. On site accommodation is available and night walks for stargazing is offered, as are hunting and fishing opportunities. A mapped birding route is available for those wishing to enjoy the almost 200 different local species. It is also home to the o [more]This working Karoo farm has its own landing strip and offers hiking trails, fishing, a playground, and a restaurant. The Conservancy also offers paragliding opportunities and is situated 100km from the Gariep Dam, which is well-known for this sport. On site accommodation is available and night walks for stargazing is offered, as are hunting and fishing opportunities. A mapped birding route is available for those wishing to enjoy the almost 200 different local species. It is also home to the only Karoo Hippos and activities offered include horse-riding, donkey-cart rides and visiting the abattoir & bottling plant. The Karoo Gariep Conservancy is located 8km off the N1 between Hanover (20km) and Colesberg (50km), which is approximately midway between Cape Town and Johannesburg.