Springbok Information and Tourist Attractions
Springbok Information
Springbok is a small town in the heart of Namaqualand situated at the junction of two main highways, the N7 National road between Cape Town and Namibia and the N14 to Johannesburg. Surrounded by high granite domes, this picturesque little town is an ideal stop off point for visitors wishing to view the flowers of Namaqualand. Founded in 1685 the town was called Springbokfontein due to the large herds of Springbok that gathered at a spring in the area. Originally a copper boom area, visitors can still see the original prospecting shaft sunk by Cape Govenor Simon van der Stel.
Springbok is formed around a central koppie known as klipkoppie (stone hill) and was used by the Boers during the second Boer War as a fort due to its vantage point. There are still remains of the walls of the original fort and the koppie is also home to a stone church built in 1921.
Nature lovers can visit the Skilpad Wildflower Nature Reserve particularly in August and September, the Goegap nature Reserve or travel a little further afield to the spectacular Augrabies Falls.
Springbok offers tourists vast accommodation options with choices from Hotels, Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfasts, Self Catering, Camping and much more. Food Lovers will not be disappointed as the towns numerous restaurants has something on offer for all tastes.
Climate
Springbok has a Mediterranean climate receiving most of it’s rainfall during the Winter months. Average daytime temperatures range from 16.5”C in July to 28.3”C in February. More information
Places of Interest
Blue Mine
Springbok’s first mine, 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.
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.
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.
War Graves
With those of mining pioneers dating to 1860, they lie in a cemetery on the Kleinzee road
Namaqua National Park
As if by magic a tapestry of brilliant colours unfold enticingly along the winding roads of the Namaqua National Park. Butterflies, birds and long-tongued flies dart around among the flowers, seemingly overwhelmed by the abundance and diversity. Every turn in the road paints an unforgettable picture: valleys filled with Namaqualand daisies and other spring flowers that pulse with sheer energy and joy. Next to some eye-catching succulents, a porcupine and a tall aloe pay witness to a baboon overturning a rock and pouncing on a scorpion. During early August and September, seemingly overnight, the dusty valleys of Namaqualand are transformed into a wonderland, carpeted with wildflowers. With its winter rainfall, Namaqualand is home to the richest bulb flora of any arid region in the world and more than a 1 000 of its estimated 3 500 plant species are found nowhere else on earth. More Information
Augrabies Falls National Park
Few sights are as awesome or a sound as deafening as water thundering down the 56m Augrabies Waterfall when the Orange River is in full flood. The Khoi people called it ‘Aukoerebis’, or place of Great Noise, as this powerful flow of water is unleashed from rocky surroundings characterized by the 18km abyss of the Orange River Gorge. Picturesque names such as Moon Rock, Ararat and Echo Corner are descriptive of this rocky region. Klipspringer and kokerboom (quiver trees) stand in stark silhouette against the African sky, silent sentinels in a strangely unique environment where only those that are able to adapt ultimately survive. The 55 383 hectares on both the northern and southern sides of the Orange River provide sanctuary to a diversity of species, from the very smallest succulents, birds and reptiles to springbok, gemsbok and giraffe. More Information
