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Four X Four Holidays in Springbok - Essential Travel Info
South Africa Northern Cape Springbok | four by four trails,4 by 4, 4 X 4 4X4 in Springbok Northern Cape South Africa
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Four X Four Holidays in Springbok Northern Cape South Africa (1 Results)
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Goegap Nature Reserve- Springbok Northern Cape South Africa Four X Four HolidaySituated 15km south east of Springbok in Namaqualand and covering approximately 15 000ha. Encompassing the typical granite koppies and sandy plains of Namaqualand. Vegetation includes a large component of ephemeral plants (plants with a short life span). Veld a multicoloured carpet of flowers for a few weeks of the year. Guided tours can be arranged during the flower season. The 45 mammal species, 34 reptile species and 3 amphibian species which are found in the reserve are animportant component of the animal life in this arid region. The Hester Malan Wild Flower Garden at the information centre consists of a succulent display and an interesting rock garden. Video and slide shows are presented at the information centre. A number of picnic sites, a lapa and kiosk but limited overnight facilities. 4x4 route, mountain bike route, wilderness trails, as well as 2 short nature trails. Meals on request from July to September.
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Geography: The 'capital' of Namaqualand is situated on the main road north from Cape Town to Namibia, and is the last major town before the border.
History: The town started life when copper began being mined in the area. It was originally named Springbokfontein owing to the large amount of springbok that gathered at a strong spring around which the town steadily grew.
Arts and Culture: There are a number of provincial heritage sites that can be seen by tourists. The smelting furnace that the Cornish miners built in 1866 is the oldest modern smelting furnace in the country, while the original prospecting shaft sunk by Simon van der Stel in 1685 is also a provincial heritage site. Halfway between Kamieskroon and Springbok is an old ngoenie tree, which was used as a 'council tree', where tribal issues of the Nama were resolved.
Science and Nature: Visitors will find fascinating plant species in the area. At the Goegap Nature Reserve there are 580 indigenous species including rare succulents, the quiver tree and annuals. Within the bounds of the reserve is the Hester Malan Wild Flower Reserve, which has spectacular displays of colourful flowers in springtime. This famous flower season starts early September and continues until the end of October.
Entertainment: Springbok has good shopping and as such is a big attraction for locals and people from the surrounding small towns. The Namibian Herero and Ovambo people trade their grass baskets and wooden handmade crafts in Springbok while local food and handmade crafts can be bought.
Did You Know? The first commercial mine in South Africa was in Springbok.
South Africa Northern Cape Springbok | four by four trails,4 by 4, 4 X 4 4X4 in Springbok Northern Cape South Africa