NORTHERN CAPE ACCOMMODATION SPRINGBOK
SPRINGBOK
Springbok is the administrative and commercial centre of Namaqualand and lies in a narrow valley surrounded by the Koperberge (copper mountains). It was established in 1862 after mining began in the area nearly two centuries after the mineral was first discovered here. In 1685 an expedition led by Simon van der Stel sank a shaft and discovered copper near Springbok. This shaft is now a national monument together with the old smelting furnace built by the Cape Copper Mining Company in 1866. They can both be seen to the north of the town en route to Okiep.
In the late 1870s rich copper deposits were discovered to the north at Okiep and people flocked to the scene of the new discovery, but because the spring at Springbok was the nearest supply of drinkable water, the town became a centre for mining prospectors. The Blue Mine, on the western outskirts of Springbok, provides an excellent view of the town. The Anglican Church, built in 1861, houses the Tourism Information Office while the Synagogue, completed in 1929, houses the Namaqualand Museum. The Springbok Lodge has permanent photographic, mineral and semiprecious stone displays which are of great interest. The photographic collection captures Namaqualand's kaleidoscope of striking scenery and intriguing history.
Of historical interest is Monument Koppie, a hill in the centre of Springbok surrounded by Anglo-Boer War monuments. Springbok is a centre for tourists who come to view the spring wild flowers and other attractions in the area. Set in a narrow valley bisecting the granite domes of the Klein Koperberge (small copper mountains), is the principal town of Namakwa, Springbok. Shortened from Springbokfontein in 1911, it owes its existence to copper-mining undertaken after 1850 and a ready supply of water.
In the late 1870s, rich copper deposits at Okiep saw most Springbok residents following their dreams to drought-stricken claims. Many returned.
The British fort built on the hillock in the centre of town during the Anglo-Boer War was destroyed by dynamite planted by a commando led by General Jan Smuts.
Springbok lies in a deep low plain between rugged mountains, about 600 km north of Cape Town. It is the commercial and cultural center of Namaqualand, located directly on the N7 which connects the Cape and Namibia. Springbok is a prosperous town with about 15 000 inhabitants. The main income is generated from tourism, mining activities, commerce and farming.
ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS:
Blue Mine
Springbok’s first, it includes a walking trail offering views of the town from its western outskirts.
Dutch Reformed Church
Also known as Klipkerk. The church was built in 1921 and is a magnificent example of stone masonry.
Goegap Nature Reserve
This reserve features most of Namakwa’s natural riches, supporting 600 indigenous flower species, 45 mammal species and 94 bird species. It includes the Hester Malan Wild Flower Garden that showcases many Namakwa succulants and a rock garden. The reserve is open daily from 08h00-16h00. Limited accommodation is available. Tel 027 718 9906 Fax 027 718 1286.
Mineshaft
Dug in 1685 on Simon van der Stel’s instructions. Situated east of Springbok, at Carolusberg.
Monument Koppie
Town centre. Wrested from the British by Boer forces, commemorates the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902).
Namakwa 4x4 Route
Starting at the picturesque Pella Mission Station, the Namakwa Route follows the Orange River 642km to the sea. You’ll cross Namakwa Brokenveld, False Succulent Karoo, Arid Karoo, Western Mountain Karoo, Succulent Karoo and Sandveld. There are three routes lasting 2-9 days. Tel 027 712 8035/6.
Namaqualand Museum
In the old synagogue. Tel 027 718 8100.
Smelting Furnace
To the north of Springbok, a national monument, unused since 1871.
Springbok Namastat
A traditional "matjieshuis" village 3km from Springbok on the N7 to Cape Town. The village comprises 15 "matjieshuise", round homes traditionally made by the Nama out of beautifully crafted reed matting spread on a skeleton of sticks. The homes can be rolled up and easily transported as people follow their flocks. The Nama language is probably South Africa's last indigenous language still spoken in the greater Namaqualand area and is a remnant of the Khoisan culture which once dominated large parts of the Southern African region. No cultural activities are currently offered at the village.
Synagogue
Completed in 1929 and now used as the Namaqualand Museum. Tel 027 712 2071.
War Graves
With those of mining pioneers dating to 1860, they lie in a cemetery on the Kleinzee road.
TOURIST INFORMATION:
Springbok Regional Tourism Office
Voortrekker Street, Springbok
Tel 027 712 8035/6
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ACCOMMODATION IN SPRINGBOK
Annie's Cottage
Serene ambience in a lovingly restored colonial home situated at the foot of the ‘koppie’ where South Africa’s first commercial mine was found. During August to October when the Namaqualand flowers go into bloom nothing compares to the beauty of our area. Eleven luxury en-suite rooms offer comfort & a feeling of ‘coming home’ for the weary traveller.
Mountain View Guest House
Mountain View Guest House - 12 Rooms 1 Self Catering flat - In a peaceful, country setting amongst granite rock mountains. Individually-decorated, spacious bedrooms offer all the comforts and each has its own entrace, with sitting areas in the garden. The swimming pool overlook the valley and mountains in the distance.
Accommodation in Springbok
NORTHERN CAPE ACCOMMODATION TOWNS & CITIES
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