Springbok

Springbok is a town in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. It is the biggest city in the region and business centre of the Namaqualand.

Get in

By car

From Cape Town follow the N7 northwards for approximately 550km. The border to Namibia is another 100km along the N7 from here. The N14, which crosses the whole Northern Cape crosses the N7 just outside Springbok and offers connections to Upington and the Gauteng.

By plane

The airport of Springbok is 5km outside the town. Flights to Cape Town are available from here.

By bus

Intercape => buses stop in front of the Springbok Lodge. They offer four weekly connections to Cape Town and Pretoria.

By taxi

VIP Taxis (phone 8518780) can bring you to Port Nolloth, Upington and Kimberley.

Get around

The town of Springbok is nestled in a valley totally surrounded by hills. It is not very big and its attractions can easily be reached by foot.

See

City's museum
Blue mine - the first commercial copper mine of South Africa, which started operations in 1852. Mining for diamonds and other gems started in recent times.

Do

Start your tour through Springbok in the city centre, which is situated around a hill called Klipkoppie. Here was an English fortress, burned down during the Anglo-Boer war by a troop of general Jan Smuts. After a short walk along Monument Street, you will reach the museum in an old synagogue. A bit further on is the entrance to the Blue Mine.

Buy

In Melkboskuil is an old store selling antique furniture.

Eat

Springbok Lodge & Restaurant at the corner of Voortrekker and Keerom Road is a meeting point for travellers and locals to have a bite to eat.

Sleep

Mountain View Guest House, 2 Overberg Ave, phone 7121438. 4 star B&B furnished in African style, located at the city's edge directly at a short walking trail. Good view on the city and delicious food. Prices from R280 pp.

Get out

Goegap Nature Reserve is 10km south-west of the town along the R355. It is often called Namaqualand in miniature. Inside the reserve is the Malan Wild Flower Garden, which offers hiking trails, mountain bike tours and roads for 4x4 vehicles.