[9] Springbok (Namaqua)

SPRINGBOKSpringbok is the Capital of Namaqualand. The town is situated at the junction of two major highways. The N7 between Cape Town and Namibia, and the N14 to Johannesburg.

the town of Sringbok

the town of Sringbok

Before the mining operations begun in the 1850s, the area was known as Springbokfontein due to the vast herds of Springbok that used to gather at a spring in the area. A major boost to development here was the smelting furnace built in 1866.
The town almost died in the late 1860s and early 1870s, when richer deposits were discovered at Okiep, 10km north of Springbok.
In due course even better deposits were discovered in the region, especially Nababeep and Carolusberg, and mining activities gradually ceased in Springbok.

The town’s spring water was the best available in the region. This ensured that the town developed into the main commercial and administrative center for the new mining operations and their satellite villages.

the town lies amongst boulders

the town lies amongst boulders

Today Springbok is a friendly town with excellent amenities. It is a picturesque little town surrounded by high granite domes.
Just to the east of Springbok is the Goegap Nature Reserve. This 15000 hectares offers a kaleidoscope of spring flowers in season. Over 580 species of flora has been recorded. Birds that had been seen here includes, the Black Eagle, Cape Eagle Owl, Spotted Dikkop and the Pied Barbet. (94 species recorded)

church in town

church in town-unique architecture

Attractions:

  • Goegap Nature Reserve -580 species of flora & 94 species of bird
  • Namaqua National Park – 500 km north of Cape Town along the N7 – 65 km south of Springbok – wild flowers (in Spring) – nature trail
  • Dutch Reformed Church – The church was built in 1921
  • Mine shaft – Dug in 1685 on Simon van der Stel’s instructions (east of Springbok, at Carolusberg).