Northern Cape: Waterfalls, nature parks and diamond history

Travel experiences in the Northern Cape range from waterfalls and gorges to striking natural phenomena, diamond history and guided tours. When looking for a hotel, you can first consider what you want your stay to focus on: nature and landscapes, a 4x4 drive or Kimberley’s history. The destinations below each offer a different focus.

Waterfalls, landscapes and starry skies

Augrabies Falls National Park lies on the banks of the Orange River. The Augrabies Falls plunge 56 metres into an 18-kilometre-long gorge.

Tankwa Karoo National Park lies on the southern border of the Northern Cape. The Roggeveld Escarpment is to the east, the Cederberg to the west and the Klein Roggeveld Mountains to the south. In the park, visitors can stargaze beneath a dark sky filled with countless stars.

Three vegetation types from arid regions and bushveld meet in Witsand Nature Reserve. This variety attracts more than 170 bird species. Another special feature is the “roaring” desert sand: geological and climatic conditions give rise to this phenomenon. These are two distinct natural attractions: the vegetation and its birdlife, and the unusual sound of the sand.

4x4 routes and activities in the park

In Namaqua National Park, the 4x4 route leads from Skilpad Wildflower Reserve through the habitats of the Namaqua region, from the mountains to the coast, and ends at the mouth of the Groen River. Its starting point, course and endpoint give you a clear idea of the drive. Seasonal conditions can affect some sections; check conditions before setting out if you plan to include the route in your itinerary.

In |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, you can explore the area in a 4x4 vehicle or travel along the river by paddle boat. Check vehicle and river conditions before your trip. The hiking trail base camp is in Ganakouriep Valley and accommodates nine people. The trail itself is closed because there is a shortage of qualified guides. Check visitor access before your trip, especially if you are planning to visit for the hiking trails.

Diamond history and museums

The display of real diamonds at the Big Hole complex features thousands of gemstones. Visitors can view the excavation from above from the viewing platform. The platform is 30 Cape feet wide and 30 Cape feet long. The visitor centre at The Big Hole offers tours with a site guide; individuals and families do not need to book. As operational details can change, it is advisable to check the latest tour information before your visit.

The Alexander McGregor Memorial Museum is a history museum in Kimberley and highlights the “Kimberley Firsts.” Exhibitions at the McGregor Museum cover the environment, archaeology and the history of the Northern Cape. These themes offer different focuses to consider: the Memorial Museum centres on the “Kimberley Firsts,” while the exhibitions mentioned cover other regional topics. This lets you choose between a diamond exhibition, views of the excavation and museum visits covering historical, archaeological or environmental subjects.

Discover more destinations: Kgalagadi, Pixley Ka Seme, Siyanda, Frances Baard, Namakwa, John Taolo Gaetsewe, Bo-Karoo, Diamandveld, Keimoes, Kalahari District Council, Benede Oranje.

For the broader travel overview: South Africa.