Springbok, the principal town of Namakwa, is located in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, just 120 km south of the Namibian border. Situated in a narrow valley that bisects the granite domes of the Klein Koperberge, Springbok serves as the Gateway to Namibia. Shortened from Springbokfontein in 1911, Springbok owes its existence to copper-mining undertaken after 1850 and a ready supply of water.
The Dutch Reformed Church in Springbok.
A Town Forged by Copper and Time
Springbok‘s founding story involves mining, colonization, and culture. Copper ore had been discovered in nearby Okiep in the 1850s, enticing prospectors to the area, and creating an economy, an infrastructure, and a mining-related economy for the area that would endure for over 100 years. The influx of settlers affected the region‘s indigenous resident (the Nama) who continued to live out of their ancestral home.
Originally called Springbokfontein, Springbok was officially formed in 1862 to serve as the town for the burgeoning copper mining industry; during this time Springbokfontein was abbreviated to Springbok. The town soon became a brief stop for traders and travelers passing through from the Cape Colony to the interior.
Springbok was also a strategic point for army scouts and mounted troops. The siege of the 2nd Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902) provided a British commander an advantage when using a nearby hill for a fort. The remains of the British fort still stand as a prominent historic landmark just on a hill on the far side of the town.
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Today Springbok is a prosperous town with 15,000 inhabitants. The main income is generated from tourism, mining activities, commerce and farming.
Even though mining activities have dwindled, the town remains an important administrative capital in the region and due to its location a favourite stopover for tourists on their way to Namibia.
The Allure of Namaqualand
Springbok is Namaqualand's largest town, perfectly positioned as a stopover en route to Namibia and renowned as the flower capital of Namaqualand. It’s not difficult to imagine the prominence of Springbok antelope in the narrow valley wedged between the high granite domes of the Klein Koperberge (copper mountains) that must have lead to the town’s rather obvious name. By all accounts the attractive town of Springbok is formed around a central koppie or hill, known by locals as ‘klipkoppie’ (stone hill) that was used by the Boers during the Second Boer War as a fort for its incredible vantage point.
Views from here across the valley are beautiful, as are the examples of flowers during spring every year that not only blossom on the little hill but in the surrounding scrubland as well. The koppie is also the site of a modest stone church built in 1921 and the remains of the walls of the original fort.
Namaqualand flower display.
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Though the mining industry has waned, Springbok has endured. Today, it is best known for its spectacular springtime wildflower displays, which transform the dusty landscapes of Namaqualand into a vibrant tapestry of color.
Namaqualand will count a minimum of 330 days of sunshine a year. Well, today the town relies on travellers and tourists passing through the city.
Namaqualand is a vast area filled with mountain passes and gravel roads. It is sometimes best to make a base in one of the towns and explore this arid landscape on day excursions. You will find that most of the roads along the west coast of Namaqualand somehow connects at a given point.
The Namaqua National Park was named for the nomadic Nama people, the largest surviving group of the Khoikhoi tribes emanating from South Africa, Botswana and Namibia.
The dusty plains of the region burst forth with blooms of a thousand colours as the wildflowers arrive in all their breath-taking glory. This spectacular floral display transforms the arid landscape and, in the process, draws tens of thousands of tourists to the region.
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Things to Do and See in and Around Springbok
Springbok is a great tourist destination with plenty of accommodation options. From luxury hotels to backpackers and self-catering holiday apartments, there is something for everyone. There are also many guesthouses available, offering comfortable rooms at very reasonable prices.
Here are some highlights:
- Explore Namaqualand's Flower Season: Springbok is famous for being the gateway to Namaqualand, renowned for its breathtaking springtime floral displays.
- Visit Goegap Nature Reserve: Immerse yourselves in the rugged beauty of the Northern Cape landscape at Goegap Nature Reserve.
- Picnic at Kamiesberg: Pack a picnic and head to Kamiesberg, a scenic mountain range near Springbok. Enjoy a peaceful day surrounded by nature, with panoramic views of the rolling hills and valleys.
- Discover Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape: Venture further afield to explore the Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Go Stargazing: Escape the city lights and indulge in some stargazing with your family. The clear night skies of Springbok provide the perfect opportunity to marvel at the Milky Way and countless stars.
- Experience Local Cuisine: Treat your taste buds to the flavors of the Northern Cape with a visit to one of Springbok's local eateries.
- Explore Springbok's History: Delve into the town's history with a visit to its museums and historical sites.
- Enjoy Outdoor Adventures: From mountain biking and 4x4 trails to rock climbing and river rafting, Springbok offers a host of outdoor adventures for the whole family to enjoy.
- Relax at a Local Park: Unwind and relax at one of Springbok's scenic parks or green spaces.
- Attend Local Events and Festivals: Immerse yourselves in Springbok's vibrant community spirit by attending local events and festivals.
Main Attractions:
- Blue Mine: Claimed to be the first mining operation in South Africa. The blue hue in the area is due to copper deposits that have oxidized.
- Goegap Nature Reserve: The Goegap Nature Reserve is a semi-desert nature reserve in Northern Cape, South Africa and lies around 8 km (5.0 miles) east of Springbok.
- Namaqua National Park: Namaqua National Park is a South African national park situated approximately 495 km north of Cape Town and 22 km northwest of Kamieskroon.
Accommodation Options
A good alternative to staying in Springbok is the Namaqua National Park which is approximately 50 km from the town, (55 minutes).
- Sperrgebiet Lodge: Lodge accommodation with free wifi and free private parking; 6 km away from Geogap Reserve; free cancellation; mountain views; balcony; kitchenette; outdoor pool; braai (BBQ) facilities; rated 9,1 (superb) on Booking.com
- Blue Diamond Lodge: Lodge accommodation with free wifi and free private parking; 7 km away from Goegap Reserve; non-refundable; outdoor swimming pool; rated 8,2 (very good) on Booking.com
- Skilpad Rest Camp: SANParks accommodation in the Namaqua National Park; options include the Beach Flower Camp.
Getting Around
There are really two alternatives for getting around when visiting these remote areas of the country:
- A hired vehicle: If cost permits it is recommended that a 4x4 vehicle be hired because of the very rough terrain of the region. There are some roads that can only be accessed by a 4x4 vehicle.
- Organized tour of the region.
Before embarking on a road trip in this region make sure that you have at least one spare wheel which is the right pressure, a full tank of petrol or diesel (filling stations are few and far between), some essential supplies like bottles of water, a proper toolkit and all the necessary hazard equipment.
Food and Drink
- Wimpy: Wide selection of burgers, breakfasts, deserts and sides.
- Tauren Steak Ranch Springbok: Local steak house serving a variety of steaks, pork spare ribs, Eisbein, pizza and sides.
- Steers: The company is well known for serving burgers and chips. Other menu items include chicken burgers, ribs as well as ice cream and milkshakes.
- KFC Springbok: Popular international southern-fried chicken chain with various options like chicken burgers
- Debonairs: South Africa pizza franchise serving a wide selection of thin base pizzas with sides like chicken wings and cocktail sausages.
- Pot & Barrel Pub & Restaurant: Local pub with a pub menu.
Climate
Springbok experiences low levels of air humidity, limited soil moisture and severe sunshine throughout the year. What would generally be an unfavourable environment for vegetation, this area experiences high floral diversity.
Springbok Routes
From Springbok. drive about 50 km north on the N7 to reach Steinkopf - the gateway to the Richtersveld.
| Month | Average High (°C) | Average Low (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 30 | 17 |
| April | 25 | 12 |
| July | 19 | 6 |
| October | 26 | 13 |
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