Discover Springbok (South-africa)
The town of Springbok, named after the iconic antelope, which prides itself in its role as the national fauna of South Africa, lies high up in the Northern Cape Province. As part of Namaqualand, which stretches through Namibia and the Cape along the western coastal plain of Southern Africa, it is a doorway to this stark, but majestic semi-desert region. Springbok offers its own beautiful attractions, or is a connection point to places of interest a little farther afield. Access to a vehicle is recommended, and you will have no problem finding a car rental in Springbok.
Let's take a look at just a few of the do-not-miss attractions in and around Springbok. But first, brush up on your Afrikaans! The largest percentage of the approximately 15,000-strong population of Springbok is Afrikaans-speaking.
Namaqualand Flower Route
Springbok is one of the central hubs of the Namaqualand Flower Route, and is known as the Flower Capital of Namaqualand. The town has flourished because of its proximity to the famous orange daisies. For a particularly spectacular display, drive 85 km from Springbok to the Skilpad Wildflower Reserve. Although the flowers are predominantly orange, if you look carefully, you'll notice many other flowers in all colours of the rainbow, mixed in with the daisies. There's just one drawback! The window of opportunity for viewing the colourful flora is very small! Make sure you visit during the last weeks of August till the first weeks of September. This short month sometimes continues into October, depending on rainfall.
Goegap Nature Reserve
A short 15-km drive from your car rental in Springbok brings you to the Goegap Nature Reserve, which is particularly known for the Namaqualand Sandgrouse and the bird's incredible water-storage abilities while flying long distances to feed its young! Of course, you'll find beautiful flowers at the Reserve, as well as many other examples of flora and fauna indigenous to South Africa.
Mines and Museums
Closer to home in Springbok, are the Blue Mine and the Namaqualand Museum. The Blue Mine started shipping copper to Cape Town in 1852. This inspired a copper "rush", bringing many eager potential miners to Springbok. You can visit the mine, which is no longer in use, at the bottom of a hill that overlooks Springbok, and enjoy the blueish tint of the oxidised copper. The Namaqualand Museum was originally a synagogue, built in 1929. It now reflects the history of the mining industry in Springbok. The museum is next door to the first Dutch Reform Church in Springbok. Both of these religious institutions, sitting side-by-side, are now monuments, no longer serving their original purposes.