What to do and see in Kuruman
Situated in the Northern Cape, Kuruman is surrounded by natural beauty.
Also known as the Oasis of the Kalahari, this town offers an abundance of water features and historical attractions which are an absolute pleasure to visit.
The town is also very popular for their mining and agriculture, some of the richest deposits are found in this region.
Here are some of the must-visit attractions on a trip to Kuruman:
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The Eye of Kuruman
For many who visit the town, they make it their mission to visit the Eye of Kuruman. This open spring is a breathtaking site to see in that it is the heart of the town, gushing millions of litres of crystal water into it every day. To put it simply, this ‘eye’ is located in the middle of the town and is surrounded by trees and a massive cave. The fauna and flora situated around it adds to the beautiful, calming experience. The Eye of Kuruman cave forms part of the eight caves on the dolomitic ‘Ghaap Plateau’ of the Northern Cape.
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Boesmansgat Sinkhole
Found on Mount Carmel Farm, just outside of Kuruman, the Boesmansgat Sinkhole is yet another famous South African cave. Filled with fresh water, this impressively large cave is one of the deepest water caves in the world. For outdoor climbers and adventurers who are looking to conquer something huge, this sinkhole is worth a bucket list entry. It is particularly tricky as it’s positioned at an altitude of 1 500 metres above sea level, and the pond’s surface has a diameter of 100 metres. Due to safety reasons, it is rather suggested that viewers admire it from the edge as you would need specialised equipment and experience to climb into this steep cave. Much like all the other beauty this town has to offer, the sinkhole is rich in geological and geographical value. On your drive up, you will be able to spot some wildlife and bird species along the way. Some of the animals include springbok, wildebeest, eland, kudu and gemsbok.
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Wonderwerk
Many South Africans are still not familiar with all that the Northern Cape has to offer. Unlike other provinces, this one has an array of natural, historical and cultural attractions which are extremely unique. For example, the Wonderwerk Cave. Also situated outside of the Kuruman town, this cave extends hundreds of metres into the ground. It is millions of years old and was originally used as a functional cave to enter and exit. Now, this cave is now a heritage site which is deeply treasured. There are some local folk who visit the cave for water, and nowadays, it is rather used for other healing and educational purposes. There are also some rock paintings and engravings near the entrance that showcase the lives of people who used to live there. The cave provides fantastic insights for people who visit the cave for research purposes.
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Kalahari Raptor Route
As you can imagine, the Northern Cape is ideal for bird watching. And especially birds of prey. Set in a large open area with picturesque views, you will be able to view birds at close range as this is home to hundreds of raptor, vulture and owl species. This establishment was developed as a rehabilitation to help save these birds by creating awareness and protecting them from being captured. For bird lovers, this site is perfect for educational purposes and is a great opportunity to explore the beautiful and scarce bird life in this region.
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Moffat Mission
Named after Robert Moffat, the Moffat Mission includes the original school establishment and the Moffat Church. These were the two main buildings, and in addition, there are a few other older buildings that serve as great historical homes for locals and tourists alike. In some of the working space, a revamp has been done to accommodate people who would like to make use of the property, for example, students and local church-goers. These extra rooms include a meeting and conference room, a hall, a kitchen and a dining room.
In conclusion
This beautiful, iconic town has so much to offer for those who are interested in exploring some historical and nature-inspired attractions. And for adventurers who love to keep their adrenaline high, there are a handful of 4×4 routes, mountain biking trails, rugged hiking trails and a nature reserve which you can enjoy and find pleasure. Although the town is small, many of these are situated outside of the town itself, therefore it is best to make a trip of it and settle down for the night to allow for extra exploring. There are a variety of different Kuruman lodges and hotels where you will be able to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. You will truly be blown away by the beauty that the above-mentioned attractions have to offer.