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NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE
This province is the largest province in South
Africa, but also the least populated. The mighty Orange River is the
lifeline running through an area that becomes desert-like on the fringes
of the Karoo and the Kalahari. The Kalahari Gemsbok National Park is
one of South Africa's major attractions and shares an unfenced border
with Botswana, letting the game roam freely between the two countries.
To the North of the Orange River, where South Africa borders Botswana,
there are sparsely wooded Acacia savannah and grasslands. To the South,
the Karoo offers its woody shrubs and succulents. On the West coast of
this province is the Namaqualand area, famous for its profusion of
spring flowers (end of August to end of October). Central to this
province is Kimberley, a name that was synonymous with diamonds in the
19th Century, when they were discovered on a farm owned by
the De Beers family. Although Kimberley's “Big Hole” has long been
abandoned, there are still important mines functioning in the area.
The name of the
falls derives from the Namaqua word for ’place of great noise’. The
ravine is 18 km long and has several impressive cataracts. The main
falls drop 56 metres, the Bridal Veil Falls on the north side, 75
metres. One of the most impressing facets of the park is the fascinating
desert/riverine environment on either side of the river. The park has a
harsh climate and it covers an area of 82,000 hectares and the flora
includes kokerbooms, the Namaqua fig, several varieties of thorn trees
and succulents. The park also has an excellent complex including a
restaurant, open-air café, numerous cottages and a caravan park.
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