The Northern Cape is the largest province in South Africa, covering 31% of the country’s surface area (slightly bigger than Germany). However, the Northern Cape remains the province with the smallest share of the South African population.
The province is noted for its San rock art, diamond diggings, 4X4 safaris and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. It is a vast stretch of semi-desert land. The province is renowned for its spectacular display of spring flowers which, for a short period every year, attracts thousands of tourists.
Sutherland hosts the southern hemisphere’s largest astronomical observatory, the multinational-sponsored Southern African Large Telescope. The Northern Cape is one of two sites to host the Square Kilometre Array radio-telescope (better known as the SKA Project), the largest and most advanced radio telescope in the world. Among many other benefits, the province’s tourism and hospitality industry is profiting from the project, as scientists and other interested parties are flooding into the town of Carnarvon. Electrical power generation presents an opportunity for greater economic diversification and growth in the province.
In addition to the fabulous diamonds discovered which catapulted the city of Kimberley to fame and fortune, and changed the course of history, a rich bounty of alluvial diamonds is mined off the west coast. The wild and lonely western coastline is also one of the world's most prolific fishing grounds, providing yet another source of revenue. Wealth there is too, in copper, but to some, the greatest gift of all lies in the extravagant beauty of Namaqualand's wild flowers.
The area is also notable for fine examples of Bushman art, abundant deposits of semi-precious stones, and friendly hospitality. Four major wildlife sanctuaries and a number of smaller reserves provide endless opportunities for getting back to nature.

When travelling in the Northern Cape, visit Kimberley's Big Hole, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park; go rafting on the Orange River, see the daisies or visit the Augrabies Falls National Park where moon rock, potholes and echo corner are apt names for beautiful places. And don’t miss the oddly shaped quiver trees in Springbok or the Orange River Wine cellars co-op in Upington.

Kimberley

Kimberley is a prospecting city famous for its quality diamonds, the largest man-made excavation in the world and impressive variety of tourists attractions It is the capital city of the Northern Cape and surrounded by five of South Africa's big rivers, two of them being the Orange and Vaal Rivers.

The city projects itself as a significant tourist destination, the 'City that Sparkles', boasting a diversity of museums and visitor attractions. It is also a gateway to other Northern Cape destinations including the Mokala National Park, nature reserves and numerous game farms or hunting lodges, as well as historic sites of the region.

Start your exploration of the city at its main attraction: the Big Hole. Imagine a hand-dug hole the size of eight football fields and you have some idea of the labour that went into creating the Big Hole. In fact, the Big Hole is one of the world’s largest holes excavated by hand.
Right next to the Big Hole is the Kimberley Mine Museum, which brings to life the way the city was during the bustling days of the diamond rush. Many of the buildings here are originals that have been moved over the years to this spot.
A few kilometres from the city centre lies Kimberley’s oldest residential suburb, Belgravia, which dates back to the 1870s. These homes were built at the peak of the diamond trade. This is where South Africa's mining dynasty's patriarch, Harry Oppenheimer, was born. It's said that there was once more millionaires in this area than anywhere else in the world.
Art lovers are also in for a treat at the Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art Centre which showcases San art, both ancient rock art and contemporary creations. Not far away is the William Humphreys Art Gallery, specialising in South African artists but also offering a fine collection of 16th and 17th century Flemish, Dutch, English and French masters.
For the military history buff discover more about when the Boers besieged Kimberley for several months during the South African War (also called the Anglo-Boer War), the many key battles waged. You may also want to visit the Magersfontein Battlefield, dating back to 1899, with its museum which is about 30km from Kimberley to catch a glimpse into this conflict of the past.
Being the diamond capital of the world, Kimberley is well-known for its exquisite, individually crafted jewellery. When you visit, be sure to get yourself a precious personalised memento of your trip to Kimberley, the Diamond City.

Museums and Historic Places - a trendsetter in many ways, various memorials and National monuments in Kimberley remind us of historic firsts. Africana Library - containing missionery Robert Moffat's personal copy of his seTswana translation of the Bible, the library is a rich repository of memorabilia portraying life in the Northern Cape. Art Gallery in the Kimberley Mine Museum, it contains a set of De Beers-commissioned watercolours depicting Victorian life in Kimberley Belgravia - The oldest, exclusively residential suburb features architecture from 1873 to today. Cathedral Church of St Cyprian - has the longest nave in the country. Duggan Cronin Galley - Depicting indigenous cultures and lifestyles, some 8 000 photographs taken by Irishman AM Duggan Cronin form the core of this invaluable ethnographic collection. Dunluce - and elegant home built in 1897 for Gustav Bonas and John Orr's family home from 1902 to 1975. Market Square - Kimberley was developed around this square, formerly the main trading area for the dry diggings. Rhodes's Statue - Kimberley citizens knew him, astride his horse, a map of Africa on his lap. Square Hill Memorial - Built to honour those of the Cape Crops, who lost their lives in the Battle of Square Hill, Palestine during the First World War. Star of the West - formerly an hotel and today South Africa's oldest continuously operating bar, it houses CJ Rhodes's custom-made barstool. Synagogue - a building in Byzantine Style. William Humphreys Art Gallery - one of the most important galleries in the country, housing a representative collection of South African works, 16th and 17th century Flemish and Dutch Old Masters, and British and European Masters.

Campbell

Campbell is a small town situated on the edge of the Ghaap Plateau in the Diamond Fields Region of the Northern Cape province of South Africa. Campbell is located 48 km east of Griquatown.
Campbell was originally known as Grootfontein, but was renamed in honour of Reverend John Campbell who visited the Cape Colony in 1813. Barlett's Church, built in 1831, is one of the oldest churches north of the Orange River and both Reverends Robert Moffat and David Livingstone preached from its pulpit.
Renowned for its spectacular dolomite rock formations, many springs, Karee and Wild Olive trees, Campbell has a multifaceted history and has been home to San, Koranna and, later, Griqua settlers drawn by the springs. Aloe Nature Reserve - A kloof on the edge of the Ghaap Plateau, now the Aloe Nature Reserve, is mentioned in accounts by early travellers including Burchell and Andrew Smith.
Anglo-Boer War - Visit Fabersput Battlefield, the monument to Kasie Briedenham and grave of Oupa Swartbooi (British spy).
Bartlett’s Church - Completed in 1831 and proclaimed a national monument in 1960, it is one of the oldest churches north of the Orange River.
Griqua Rebellion - Place of the battle between the Settlers and the Griquas in 1878. Holy Ark Wood - Trees and succulents.
Accommodation in Campbell includes B&B’s, Guesthouses, Farm Stays, Camping and Self Catering.Aloe Nature Reserve - A kloof on the edge of the Ghaap Plateau, now the Aloe Nature Reserve, is mentioned in accounts by early travellers including Burchell and Andrew Smith.
Anglo-Boer War - Visit Fabersput Battlefield, the monument to Kasie Briedenham and grave of Oupa Swartbooi (British spy).
Bartlett’s Church - Completed in 1831 and proclaimed a national monument in 1960, it is one of the oldest churches north of the Orange River.
Griqua Rebellion - Place of the battle between the Settlers and the Griquas in 1878.
Holy Ark Wood - Trees and succulents.
Accommodation in Campbell includes B&B’s, Guesthouses, Farm Stays, Camping and Self Catering.

Olifantshoek

Olifantshoek lies at the foot of the spectacular Lange Mountains, on the Namakwari Route in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. Olifantshoek was officially founded in 1912.
Olifantshoek is named after the tusk of an elephant which was used as payment for the farm on which the town was built. In addition, many elephant bones were found in the vicinity.
Olifantshoek offers much adventure, many natural wonders and cultural artefacts that can be explored by all enthusiasts. These activities are complemented by Olifantshoek natural beauty and tranquillity. Witsand Nature Reserve - Where stunning white sand dunes stand out in contrast to the red dunes that surround them. These white dunes are also known as the Kalahari Roaring Sands due to the sounds they make under certain conditions. There are many hunting and hiking opportunities in the Olifantshoek area. The Neylan and the Pudu hiking trails are well worth exploring.
There are numerous San Rock art paintings and engravings which can be viewed on Meerlust and Pan Heuwel farms. Learn how the San described animals as well as their many fascinating hunting antics.
There is also an interesting war grave dating back to 1879 during Galeshewe's war which can be witnessed on the farm Fuller. Accommodation in Olifantshoek includes Guest Lodges, Game Farms, B&B's, self catering and camping establishments.

Upington

Upington is the principal Town of the Green Kalahari in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. Upington is situated 820km north of Cape Town and 875km west of Johannesburg. On the Kalahari-Namaqua-Namibia (Nama-kwari) route to and from Johannesburg and Cape Town, it is a convenient stopover for those travelling to the Augrabies Falls National Park, the Fish River Canyon and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The town of Upington is named after Sir Thomas Upington, the first Attorney General of the Cape. Originally known as Kharahais, bound by the Orange River and the Kalahari desert, Upington owes its prosperity to agriculture and its irrigated lands along the Orange River. Upington is an ideal winter holiday destination with excellent facilities and beautiful countryside. The contrasts of the semidesert reds with the emerald and olive greens of fertile vineyards are quite memorable! Linked by air and road to most parts of the country, the town is accessible, offers excellent accommodation and has a well-developed commercial infrastructure. Visit SA Dried Fruit Co-operative Make sure to pay a visit at The Mill to fill up on local delights with products such as dried fruit, freshly baked home products, goat's milk feta cheese, arts and crafts to body product and home decor. The Kalahari Kuierfees, held in September at Upington offers loads of entertainment, for more information visit www.kalahari-kuierfees.co.za Spitskop Nature Reserve just outside Upington, provides a perfect destination for a day's outing, picnicking, game drives or even doing the hiking trails in the Reserve. Take the scenic Orange River Wine Route through Keimoes, Kakamas and explore the unique stops along the way to the majestic Augrabies National Park and waterfalls only +-120km away Take a sun downer river cruise on Sakkies Arkie in Upington. Accommodation in Upington includes luxury Lodges, Guesthouses, B&B's, Hotels, Self catering and camping.

Van Zylsrus

Van Zylsrus is a settlement in John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. It also is the nearest settlement to The Kalahari Meerkat Project, the filming of nature TV shows such as Meerkat Manor. Van Zylsrus is situated on the banks of the dry Kuruman River that only sees water in this area after heavy rains. It is on the southern edge of the Kalahari and comprises little more than a few stores, a hotel and a post office.
Van Zylsrus is a popular stopover for tourists on their way to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Van Zylsrus is surrounded by the rust-red dunes of the Kalahari. Game viewing and 4x4 off-road driving - On guest farms in the Van Zylsrus vicinity. Contact the local Tourist Information.
Hunting - For information and hunting venues, contact the Tourist Informat Van Zylsrus boasts with some of the most prosperous game ranches, especially for trophy hunters or holidaymakers, in the immediate area. And, for biltong lovers, this is paradise! Accommodation in Van Zylsrus includes luxury Guest Lodges, Game Lodges, Hotels, Safari Lodges and self catering/camping. Boasting a cosy hotel and a teagarden, the Oasis Cafe, the town offers true Kalahari hospitality!

Colesberg

Colesberg is a traveler’s oasis on the main Cape Town to Johannesburg route. Colesberg is situated in the Great Karoo in the Northern Cape on the N1 approximately halfway between Johannesburg and Cape Town at the foot of Coleskop. This makes it the ideal stop over place when travelling between Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Colesberg lies in a typical Karoo veld and is surrounded by koppies (little hills). The most famous is Coleskop, which can be seen from a distance of over 40km. The curious thing about this koppie is that as you travel towards it, it never seems to get any nearer!
In a sheep-farming area spread over half-a-million hectares, greater Colesberg breeds many of the country’s top merinos. It is also renowned for producing high-quality racehorses and many stud farms, including one owned by legendary golfer, Gary Player, are nearby. Colesberg has several national monuments, one of which is the Colesberg-Kemper Museum. A fine example of 19th century Karoo architecture, it originally was the Colesberg Bank and later the Standard Bank. It now houses fascinating relics of the town’s rich tapestry of history. Activities in and around Colesberg include:
Doornkloof Nature Reserve: On the south-eastern banks of the Vanderkloof Dam, the 9 388ha reserve features kudu, eland, brown hyaena, mountain reedbuck, steenbok, grey duiker, bat-eared fox, aardvark and aardwolf. About 173 bird species inhabit the area. It also features a 10km stretch of the Seekoei River, one of the most important tributaries of the Orange River. Exploring the koppies in the area is an archaeological delight. These reveal stone-age artifacts and other interesting fragments of the past.
Those who enjoy the Great Outdoors of the Great Karoo will enjoy the fauna and flora of the veld around the town. Colesberg has comfortable hotels and motels, affordable overnight guest rooms, chalets, self-catering cottages, B&B establishments and a spacious caravan park. There are also several guest farms and hunting lodges in the district. Many of Colesberg’s original buildings, in pristine condition, are fine examples of early Karoo architecture.

Prieska

The town of Prieska lies on the south bank of the Orange River west of Hopetown in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. Prieska was established in 1878 and is a rich source of precious stones. Situated on the south bank of the Orange River at the foot of the Doringberg, it was originally named Prieschap, a Khoisan word meaning "place of the lost she-goat". Prieska is literally in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by many small settlements with names such as Niekerkshoop, Marydale, Copperton, Omdraaisvlei, Putsonderwater.
The site of the town, founded in 1882 and renowned for its semiprecious stones, was a fording place used by early travellers. The British Stone Fort on the top of Prieska Koppie overlooking the town, is made entirely of tiger's eye. The fort was built during the Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902, and the graves of British soldiers who died in the war can be seen in the Memorial Garden in town. The Schumann Rock Collection, including semiprecious stones and Khoisan stone implements, can be viewed at the municipal offices.
The area between Prieska and Vioolsdrif is often called the "Rock Garden Route" – where the rare halfmens and succulents of the Lithops family can be found - and the Ria Huysamen Aloe Garden outside town contains a large array of succulents.
Die Bos Nature Reserve with indigenous trees, shrubs and abundant birdlife, picnic spots, angling and suspended bridges across the Prieska River.
Fort on top of Prieska Koppie, built with tigers eye by the British during the Anglo-Boer War. The Memorial Garden in town which contains the graves of British soldiers killed during the Anglo-Boer War.
Prieska Museum
Wonderdraai where a horseshoe-shaped island is formed by the flow of the Orange River and makes it seem as if the river turns to flow uphill. Accommodation in Prieska includes Guesthouses, B&B's and Self Catering establishments.

Sutherland

Sutherland is situated in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. Known as the “Gateway to the universe” ....... Sutherland is the Land of snow and stars. To get to Sutherland, take the tar road from Cape Town - turn off at Matjiesfontein, the famous English Karoo town with its splendid museum, then another 110 km and you reach Sutherland famous for its Observatory and crisp, pure fresh air ! The town was established in 1855 with everything focused around the Dutch Reformed Church. In 1872 there were 19 houses, with a community of 138. Today it is mainly a sheep farming area. Sutherland is well known as the coldest place in the Republic and having the largest telescope in the Southern Hemisphere....... a telescope so powerful that one could see a candle flame on the moon.
Another interesting fact about Sutherland is that the growing of tulips in South Africa was pioneered by Rev M B Brink right here. In 1925 he arrived in Sutherland during a snowstorm. Having studied for several years in Holland, he immediately realised the climate in Sutherland was similar to Holland, therefore ideal for growing tulips! It can be said that he made the Dutch tulip also a well known South African flower. Today tulips are mainly cultivated in Sutherland to produce bulbs for the market.
There are two large shops in town as well as a café, one service station, 2 butcheries, farmers Coop, two schools and one bank (Standard Bank). All basic products can be bought locally. The newspaper of the day is only available in the late afternoon due to the distance from the cities.
When visiting Sutherland you do not have any choice but to walk the amazing veldplant route of either 3- or 12 km just about two kilometers outside town. On route all the plants are numbered and presented in an A5-booklet with botanical names and short description of each plant together with a digital photo.
Especially the 3 km route is so laid out that even a two-year old can walk and enjoy it. The booklet also presents a numerical as well as alphabetical index of the plants. The most ideal time where the most flowers are in bloom is August to October. The 12 km walk is more strenuous and one needs time to walk and enjoy it. This same route is also the mountain bike trail and can be enjoyed by old and young.
We have an 18 hole golf course, tennis courts and yoke pin coarse provide the sport activities. The average minimum temperature is 3°C throughout the year and the average maximum is 20,5º C. Accommodation in Sutherland includes Guest houses, B&B's, Self Catering and farm stays.