Northern Cape

South_Africa

Map of the Northern Cape Northern Cape, close to the Namibian border. A typical Northern Cape scene

The Northern Cape is situated in the north-west corner of South Africa. Although it is the largest of the nine provinces (361,000 km²), it has the smallest population (900,000).

The Northern Cape can be divided into the following regions:

  • Kimberley. - provincial capital.
  • Upington.
  • Kuruman.
  • Springbok.
  • Colesberg.
  • Orania.

Kimberley. - provincial capital.

Upington.

Kuruman.

Springbok.

Colesberg.

Orania.

Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.

Augrabies Falls National Park.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

Namaqua National Park.

Tankwa Karoo National Park.

Mokala National Park. - Newest park in South Africa, replaces the old Vaalbos National Park.

Goegap Nature Reserve.

Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve.

Spitskop Nature Reserve.

Tswalu Desert Reserve.

Thuru Lodge. (Private nature reserve)

Witsand Nature Reserve.

Originally the Northern Cape was part of what used to be known as the Cape Province. However, after the 1994 elections the old provincial boundaries were redrawn, and the Cape Province was split into the Northern Cape, the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape Provinces.

The Northern Cape is a dry and sparsely populated region, and much of it is semi-desert. Nevertheless, it has a beauty of its own and is a popular destination for South African and international tourists alike.

The historic diamond mining town of [[Kimberley (South Africa)|Kimberley]] with its world-famous Big Hole and many other attractions.

  • Rock Climbing