Popular: South Africa · Cape Town · OR Tambo · Dolphin Bay · Lesotho
Northern Cape, South Africa · ZA
Copper country and the gateway to the Namaqualand wildflower bloom
History & Heritage
The arid plains around Springbok were home to the Nama people long before the town existed, giving Namaqualand its name. Copper first drew colonial attention in 1685, when Cape governor Simon van der Stel led an expedition that identified deposits here, regarded as the starting point of commercial mining in South Africa.
The town was founded in 1852 on the farm Melkboschkuil, bought specifically to open a copper mine, and was first known as Springbokfontein. Springbok was pulled into the Second Boer War when Boer forces fortified the granite hill known as Klipkoppie above the town.
Today Springbok's fame rests on colour: for a few weeks each spring, usually August to September, the surrounding Succulent Karoo erupts in wildflowers, drawing visitors to Goegap Nature Reserve and the wider Namaqua National Park.
Key Historical Places
The granite hill above town fortified as a Boer fort during the Second Boer War.
↑ Climb at sunset for views over the copper-mountain valley.
A Dutch Reformed stone church built in 1921, one of Springbok's most recognisable historic buildings.
↑ Still an active congregation.
Believed to mark the origin of commercial copper mining in South Africa, following van der Stel's 1685 expedition.
↑ Best appreciated with a local guide.
Timeline
Must-See Attractions
A 150 km² reserve protecting Succulent Karoo habitat, with 600 plant species and Hartmann's mountain zebra.
Peak bloom Aug-Sep
A SANParks reserve west of the N7, the other great wildflower-viewing base for the region.
About 6 hours from Cape Town
A Boer War-era fort on the hill overlooking Springbok.
Central, walkable
A mountain desert park shared with Namibia, known for quiver trees and 4x4 trails.
Several hours' drive from Springbok
Accommodation
The Falls Guest House, Augrabies Exceptional 4.7/5 guest house in Augrabies, Upington — 2 km from Augrabies Falls National Park. 6 rooms. From ZAR 1,125/night. Property Details Type: Guest House Stars: ★★★★ Guest Rating: 4.7/5 (Google, 220 reviews) Price Range: ZAR 1,125 per night Check-in: 12:00 Check-out: 10:00 Rooms: 6 Amenities Swimming pool, Free Wi-Fi,...
Bread & Barrel Eureka Guesthouse, Hillcrest, Kimberley Excellent 4.4/5 guest house in Kimberley (Hillcrest). 5 rooms. Property Details Type: Guest House Guest Rating: 4.4/5 (Google, 104 reviews) Check-in: 16:00–23:00 Check-out: 05:00–10:00 Rooms: 5 Amenities Air-conditioning, Private bathroom in every room, Private terrace (ground floor), Work desk and seating area, Free WiFi, Free private parking, Outdoor...
Twee Rivieren Rest Camp, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Excellent 4.4/5 self catering in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. From ZAR 509/night. Property Details Type: Self Catering Guest Rating: 4.4/5 (Google, 949 reviews) Price Range: ZAR 509 per night Check-in: 14:00-17:00 Check-out: 10:00 Rooms: 31 cottages and chalets (6 unit types) plus 24 campsites Amenities Air-conditioning, Fully equipped kitchen,...
Restaurants & Dining
A well-reviewed local steakhouse.
A local restaurant and guesthouse.
At Springbok Lodge & Restaurant on the N7 through town.
The Springbok branch of the popular South African burger chain.
Activities & Experiences
Choose from 2km to 17km loop trails through Succulent Karoo terrain.
Combine Goegap with Namaqua National Park and roadside blooms along the N7.
See the mining town that once overshadowed Springbok's own copper industry.
A short climb to the Boer War fort site for views over town.
Events & Entertainment
The signature Namaqualand event — desert daisies and vygies carpet the region.
Book mixed tickets and experiences for your trip to Springbok & Namaqualand
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