Northern Cape

With only a million people inhabiting its 373,000 sq km, the Northern Cape is South Africa’s last great frontier. Its scattered towns are hundreds of kilometres apart, connected by empty roads across the sublime, surreal wilderness expanses of Namakwa, the Kalahari and Upper Karoo. Under the remorseless sun, vehicles share park roads with lions, dune boards swish down roaring sands, and Kimberley’s pubs serve cold beer as they have since the 19th-century diamond rush.

It’s a raw, elemental land, where gnarly camel thorn, quiver and Halfmens trees break the boundless horizons. Yet some of nature’s greatest tricks here are instances of rejuvenating beauty. The Gariep (Orange) River waters the dry region, creating the Green Kalahari with its vineyards and epic Augrabies Falls. Following the rains, red Kalahari sands shimmer with grasses, and Namakwa’s spring blooming carpets rocky hills and plains with wildflowers.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Northern Cape.

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Workshop Ko Kasi
Serving both as a community centre and a much-needed tourist draw, Ko Kasi is a must-stop if you're passing through Kuruman. Started by two local entrepreneurs in 2016, the award-wining start-up includes a craft shop, a traditional African spa and a cafe serving pizzas, traditional meals and homemade ginger beer. They can arrange donkey cart trips (R50) around Mothibistad and host pop-up markets and storytelling sessions. The whole place is constructed from recycled materials, including the spa built from old tyres. There's a small garden that provides fresh greens to the cafe and they also sell starter gardens to local residents.
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South African Astronomical Observatory
During the day you can take a guided tour of the huge research telescopes, including the Southern African Large Telescope, but it's the two-hour night tours that are the real draw. After a short video, you head outside to take a sky safari, thanks to two 16in telescopes. Times vary depending on the time of year and bookings are essential. Dress very warmly, even in summer.
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Moffat Mission
Established by the London Missionary Society in 1816, the mission was named after long-serving Scottish missionaries Robert and Mary Moffat. They converted the local Batlhaping people to Christianity, started a school and translated the Bible into Tswana. The mission became a famous staging point for explorers and missionaries heading further into Africa. The Moffats’ daughter married David Livingstone in the mission church, a stone-and-thatch building with 800 seats. It's a quiet and atmospheric spot shaded by large trees that provide a perfect escape from the desert heat. It is 5km north of Kuruman on Rte 31 to Hotazel, signposted from town. If there's no one around, drop your entrance fee into the donations box.
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Republic of Rustica
Stop at this ‘rustic art’ emporium to marvel at owner Dirk’s collection of found objects, vintage gear and general junk. Road signs, sheep skulls, tin cups, watering cans, bed pans, old shoes, bicycles and farm implements decorate the exterior, and there's an old-school cinema inside. There are five quirkily decorated guest rooms (double from R500 per person) and meals are available for overnight guests.
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Wonderwerk Cave
There have been important archaeological finds in this dolomite cave, including evidence of hominids using fire. It has a longer record of human occupation than any other known cave. Archaeological digs are still in progress and there's a small information centre with some details on the cave's former inhabitants, including early Stone Age people. It's a good idea visit the McGregor Museum in Kimberley first to get some background on the cave's lengthy history. The cave is 45km south of Kuruman on Rte 31.
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Port Nolloth Museum
A ramshackle and well-loved little museum covering the region's diamond industry. The hotchpotch of exhibits is interesting enough but it's a chat with curator George Moyses that really makes this place shine. A diamond diver for decades, George has plenty of local tales to tell and is a useful source for tourist information since the town lacks an office.
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Calvinia Museum
Housed in a former synagogue, this museum is surprisingly large and interesting for a small town. It concentrates on the white settlement of the region, with a section devoted to sheep farming, and has exhibits ranging from Victorian garb to the local telephone exchange switchboard, used until 1991.
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Akkerendam Nature Reserve
North of town, this 275-sq-km reserve has one- and two-day hiking trails. The best time to visit is spring, when the wildflower bloom carpets the mountainous terrain. Head to the municipal office for hiking permits.
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Interpretation Centre
It's a good idea to start your Mokala visit at this small museum, which gives information on the history and geology of the park. There's a touch station where you can feel the skins of various animals that you'll hopefully see livelier versions of later.