Daisy Country Lodge in Springbok, Namaqualand has compiled a list of interesting places to visit for their guests. History buffs, geologists and nature lovers in particular will find plenty of interest to keep them busy.
Top 10 Namaqualand Places to Visit
1. Visit a church. Experience some interesting historical architecture. Choose between the Methodist Church in Leliefontein - the second oldest church in Namaqualand, or The First Dutch Reformed Church which was first used for periodic meetings as Springbok was not the seat of the congregation.
2. While still on matters religious, the Pella mission station is worth a visit. The building material for this place was carted out of the Oriverrange by donkeys and it took 7 years to complete. On site, you''ll find the second largest date plantation in the Southern Hemisphere.
3. Meet a ghost - you just may while visiting the Old Cemetry where mining pioneers bones where laid to rest. Gravestones date back to the 1860s.
4. Learn about mining history: The Blue Mine was the first commercial mine in South Africa. It was founded in 1852 for copper mining. The Van der Stel Mine was one of several shafts sunk by Simon Van der Stel in 1685. This was also the site where the first ore was mined by Europeans in South Africa. You may want to stop by the Smelter Smoke-stack which was used to smelt low-grade ore from the Springfontein mine.
5. Still on the topic of mining, spejnd an hour or two at the Mining Museum at Nababeep and learn about the history of copper mining in the area. "Clara", the last steam locomotive used on the track from Nababeep to Port Nolloth, is now in permanent retired splendour at the museum.
6. The Smoke Stack adjacent to the Cornish Beam pump was used from 1929 - 1952 and was declared a national monument in memory of the pioneer miners of Namaqualand.
7. The Orbicule Koppie exhibits the best example of orbicular diorite in South Africa. This raren rock formation can only be seen in Namaqualand and Scandinavia.
8. Moving away from mining to nature. The Hester Malan Nature Reserve covers 7000 ha and is home to the South West zebra, oryx and springbok. Visit the nursery of succulents or take a hike through the reserve.
9. Still in the Hester Malan Reserve the more adventurous can bundubash along the 4x4 trails. Those with regular family cars can still drive on some of the roads to enjoy the wonderful sight of Namaqualand daisies in high flower season.
10. The Richtersveldt Ais-Ais Transfrontier National Park is Southern Africa''s largest mountain desert park. It is also the driest area in Namakwa. The rugged Richtersveldt gets less than 50mm of rain a year and is home to leopards, lizards, and 30% of all South Africa''s succulent plant species. River rafting down the Orange River is a must-do for all adrenalin enthusiasts.
Accommodation in Namaqualand
On the outskirts of Springbok, the 4 star Daisy Country Lodge is on the farm Biesjesfontein, a tranquil place in the heart of Namaqualand, where a million stars fill the sky at night.
Tasteful air-conditioned bedrooms have private entrances offering quality linen, bar fridge, satellite TV and tea tray.
Relax after a day of activities and cool off at the pool.
Walking trail on the farm with horse riding, biking, 4x4 trails nearby, or river rafting down the Orange River at Vioolsdrift.
For bookings contact Portfolio Collection