Kamieskroon
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kamieskroon is a small town in the Kamiesberg Municipality, lying more or less in the centre of Namaqualand, about 70 km to the south of Springbok, Northern Cape, South Africa. It is known mainly for its abundance of wild flowers during spring.
Kamieskroon was founded in 1924, when the Dutch Reformed Church bought the land to relocate from Bowesdorp, 8 km to the north of the current location of the town. The move was forced by a shortage of water. Kamieskroon is located at the foot of the "Kroon" (Afrikaans, meaning Crown), a small koppie that resembles the crown of a king and is near Sneeukop, the second highest peak in Namaqualand. Also located close to Kamieskroon is Boesmankop, a mountain that resembles a Boesman (Bushman or San) lying on his back.
Namaqua National Park is located 20 km west of Kamieskroon. It is 1,000 km² in area and its principal purpose is to preserve the natural local flora. Since 2002 native wild animals have been re-introduced to the Park. (They had been shot out at least a century before). Springbok, Hartebees and Oryx (Gemsbok) now roam there again.
The climate is arid and to some extent continental. Temperatures commonly reach forty degrees Celsius in summer but bitter frosts are experienced during clear winter nights.
Municipalities and Communities of Namakwa District Municipality, Northern Cape District Seat: Springbok |
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Local municipalities |
Nama Khoi • Hantam • Khâi-Ma • Kamiesberg • Karoo Hoogland • Richtersveld • Namaqualand |
Cities and towns |
Springbok • Aggenys • Alexander Bay • Brandvlei • Calvinia • Concordia • Fraserburg • Garies • Hondeklip Bay • Kamieskroon • Kleinzee/Koingnaas • Leliefontein Area • Loeriesfontein • Nababeep • Nieuwoudtville • Okiep • Pella • Pofadder • Port Nolloth • Richtersveld Area • Steinkopf • Sutherland • Vioolsdrift • Williston |