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The Kalahari: The
Kalahari desert in the Northern Cape is part of the huge sand basin that reaches from
the Orange River up to Angola in the west to Namibia and in the east to Zimbabwe. The sand
masses were created by the erosion of soft stone formations. The wind shaped the sand
ridges, which are so typical of the landscape in the Kalahari. Only in recent geological
history (10 to 20,000 years ago) were the dunes stabilised through vegetation. Unlike the
dunes of the Namib Desert, those of the Kalahari are stable and not wandering.
Kuruman:
In 1826, Robert Moffatt of the London Missionary Society established his famous mission
station near the spring known as the "Eye" of Kuruman. One of the most
remarkable springs in South Africa, the water rises in a dolomite cave and gushes from the
rock into a crystal-clear pool teeming with fish. The continual flow (20 to 30 million
litres of water a day) irrigates the region, keeping it fresh and green. The park
surrounding "Eye", with its flowers, shrubs and shady willow trees, is ideal for
picnics.
Missionaries throughout the Northern Cape built churches, houses and schools, and taught
the tribal people to read and write. Robert Moffatt's mission station near Kuruman became
the most famous in Africa. The original mission station buildings, including the church
and Robert Moffatt's house, have been meticulously restored. The church was the venue for
the marriage of Moffatt's daughter. Mary, to the explorer, David Livingstone. Kuruman lies
at the heart of a large cattle and dairy farming and game ranching district and provides a
pleasant stopover. Asbestos, managanese, lime and iron are mined in the district.
Postmasburg:
This attractive town has a central dam surrounded by lush green parklands and sparkling
fountains. It serves a mining district producing managanese, asbestos and diamonds. At
Gatkoppies, five kilometres north-east of town, archaeological findings have revealed
evidence of mining activity dating from 700 AD.
Witsand Nature Reserve:
The Witsand (White Sands) Nature Reserve is a 2 500 hectares island of brilliant
white sands surrounded by a sea of regular Red Kalahari sand. Also known as Brulsand,
or Roaring Sands. Geologists who have studied the region claim that the white sand
owes its existence to an isolated range of hillocks that lie buried beneath the dunes.
Ordinary Kalahari sand was caught by the koppies (hillocks) and the action of water
springing from the rock below (the white sand overlies a natural reservoir) gradually
removed the red coating of iron oxide from the grains. The dunes are up to 100m high and
10km long, and emit eerie roaring sounds when disturbed by man or wind, especially in hot
dry weather. The dunes generally only roar in the months from September to April because
of the hot and dry conditions at that time of the year. Rain mutes the dunes for several
days but increased moisture is not thought to be the only reason.
Tswalu Kalahari Reserve: Surrounding the rugged
Koranneberg Mountains in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, Tswalu Kalahari
Reserve covers 1000km2 (100 000 ha) of land on the edge of the mysterious desert
wilderness that is the Kalahari. In the Kalahari, the thornveld and sweeping sand dunes
are home to some of the world's most fascinating wildlife. It is here that you will find Tswalu
Kalahari Reserve, the most extensive private game reserve in South Africa owned by the
well-known Oppenheimer family. Their purchase of Tswalu in October 1998 was an addition to
their other major conservation initiatives in Gauteng and in the UK. The word 'Tswalu' is
a Tswana word meaning 'new beginning'. Tswana is spoken widely in Southern Africa -
throughout the Northern Cape, the central and western Free State as well as in the
North-West Province. At Tswalu, you can experience the excitement of game viewing while
savouring the solitude and endless space of a timeless land.
Free from malaria and other tropical diseases, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
boasts 70 species of mammal including lion, cheetah, black rhino, sable and roan antelope. More than 200 species of birds
can also be found. Tswalu is the historical home of the San, whose storytelling and dream
imagery can be seen at the many archaeological sites found in this unique private game
reserve. Tswalu also offers game drives in open-sided, canopied safari vehicles. All game
drives are led by experienced rangers who provide a fascinating insight into indigenous
wildlife of the region. Optional bush walks allow guests of this private South African
game reserve to get even closer to nature, and are led by experienced field guides who are
highly knowledgeable into the local vegetation, bush medicines and history of the San
people. |
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| Source: SA-Venues.com |
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