Springbok, Northern Cape

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This capital of Namaqualand is in a narrow valley between the high granite domes of the Klein Koperberge (small copper mountains). This name gives away the reason for the early settlement which gradually turned into a major commercial and administrative centre for copper mining operations in the region. There is just one main road north from Cape Town to Namibia, and Springbok is the last major town before the border and for hundreds of kilometres afterwards. The streets lead off from a central little ‘koppie’ (hill) which now shows off Namaqualand’s strange flora, such as the almost leafless ‘Quiver Tree’ whose branches were used by bushmen to hold their arrows. This area is famed for the incredible transformation which occurs every spring, when the near-lifeless scrubland explodes into colour from thousands of flowers hidden in the dry dusty earth, brought to life by winter rains.

Famous 'uncrowned king' of Springbok, Jopie Kotze runs the white and yellow guest houses and famous Sprinbok Cafe and Restaurant. He is a person to connect when more information about the area is required.