Springbok

Springbok in the Northern Cape is situated 570 km north of Cape Town, on the N7 and is the last major South African town before crossing over into Namibia. Not only is this a convenient place to fill up with fresh supplies, if you are venturing into the Richtersveld, 180 km to the north, but Springbok is real close to some “hotspots” when it comes to the Namaqualand spring wild flowers. See how to drive the Cape Flower Route.

The Goegap Nature Reserve is just 6 km to the south of the town, off the N7 and the Namaqua National Park is 80 km south of town. These two parks offer some of the most stunning wild flower displays in the Cape. The flowers begin to bloom in July and continue into August.

Springbok, now the administrative capital of the region, was established in 1862 after mining began in the area,  200 years after it was discovered. 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. Because the spring at Springbok was the nearest supply of drinkable water, the town became a centre for mining prospectors. Today, Springbok is a prosperous town with about 15 000 inhabitants. The main income is generated from tourism, mining activities, commerce and farming.

Attractions in and around Springbok

Klipkoppie, a central hill around which the town grew, offers splendid views across the valley, especially when it is covered in spring flowers. The koppie is also the site of a modest stone church, known as Klipkerk, built in 1921, a magnificent example of stone masonry. Visits can be arranged through the minister, Tel 027 712 1429, and the remains of the walls of the original fort used in the Anglo Boer War.

The Anglican Church, built in 1861, houses the Tourism Information Office while the Synagogue, completed in 1929, houses the Namaqualand Museum. Tel 027 718 8100.

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.

Springbok Namastat is 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.

Look out for the massive sociable weaver nests, either in trees, or else on the telephone poles. The nests can house over 150 birds and last for 100 years.

At the Old Cemetery outside Springbok on the Kleinzee road, lies the graves and fallen soldiers and those of mining pioneers dating to 1860.

The Blue Mine, Springbok’s first, on the western outskirts of Springbok, includes a walking trail offering views of the town from its western outskirts.  The Smelting Furnace to the north of Springbok, a national monument, unused since 1871. Mineshaft, east of Springbok, at Carolusberg, was dug in 1685 on Simon van der Stel’s instructions. Orbicule Hill 22km north-east of Springbok, contains orbicular diorite, previously only found in Scandinavia.

Nababeep lies 20km to the north-west of Springbok. The main reason to visit here is to explore the Mining Museum.

Okiep – just off the N7 and 8km north of Springbok, was the world’s richest copper mine until production ceased in 1918. A smokestack built in 1880 can be seen next to the hotel.

There are some excellent 4×4 trail options, through the beautiful desert regions, along the Gariep (Orange) River from Pofadder to Alexander Bay.

To get to the west coast, Port Nolloth is 145 km and Kleinzee is 105 km.

For more information on Namaqualand, see ShowMe Namaqualand.