Kenhardt

The heart of Kenhardt in the Kalahari is the Hartbees River, with its green shoulders giving a slice of colour to the arid brown sand otherwise punctuated only by black dolerite boulders. The Rooiberg Dam also contributes to the agriculture by feeding irrigation water to Kenhardt.

Kenhardt is considered the capital of Dorper farming – the Dorper being a cross breed sheep well adapted to the farming conditions of the area and bred for its meat.

Even the birds in the area have adapted, using man-made technology! They build their nests in telegraph poles. These nests of the sociable weaver can easily house up to 150 birds and can last for more than a century.

In town, visit the giant camelthorn tree under which the special magistrate set up camp in 1868 to establish Kenhardt. The tree is between 500 and 600 years old. Also of historical interest is the old library building that dates from 1897 and was declared a national monument in 1978.

Bushmanland Self-catering offers guided tours to see interesting petroglyphs, rare rock engravings, and the quiver tree forest in the Kenhardt area of Bushmanland. There is also the option of a panoramic hiking trail – the best time to do this is at sunset.

Take a trip to the amazing Quiver Tree Forest and see 4-5000 of these amazing trees. The 4 km hike is especially awe-inspiring towards sunset.

You can visit the wide-open spaces of Verneukpan which is perfect for parasailing and photography. Verneukpan was made famous in 1929 when Sir Malcolm Campbell unsuccessfully attempted to break the world land-speed record in his Bluebird 1.

Kenhardt Golf Course has 9 holes, a driving range and free push trolleys. Contact Details: Tel: +27 72 405-7529: As you exit the town of Kenhardt towards Brandvlei turn right towards the golf club.

For more information on the Green Kalahari, visit ShowMe.