ALEXANDER BAY

The wetland at the mouth of the Orange River forms an important stop over for a great variety of migratory birds and has accordingly been declared a Ramsar site. The endemic Barlow's Lark, a must for any birder, is also found along the riverbanks, along with smooth pebbles and semi-precious stones for rock and gemstone enthusiasts. Unfortunately this wetland is currently under major threat from several sources including reduced flow and desertification, but efforts are underway to restore this wetland. Also of interest are fields of green and orange lichen growing on a hill near the turnoff of the town. These lichen fields are soon to be declared a national monument.

GETTING THERE:
Alexander Bay is a mining town located at the mouth of the Orange River, 85 km from Port Nolloth. In the past strict security made access to Alexander Bay difficult but today this frontier town invites visitors to explore its fascinating pioneering history. Although the border post to Namibia is open from 6:00 till 22:00, you need a permit to enter the Sperrgebiet and Oranjemund which you have to drive through to get further into Namibia. Movement in the Sperrgebiet area is very restricted and entrance permits need to be approved well in advance for all visitors. Security clearances are done at the Security Department offices in Oranjemund and the Springbok Police Station in South Africa.

ACCOMMODATION:
Alexander Bay Tourist Information:
Ralph v Reenen 027 831 1703

Eksteenfontein lies in a wide plain stretching to distant mountains and Halfmens trees. Like Kuboes, it belongs to the hot, dry semi-desert region of the Richtersveld, home to endemic succulents and desert wildlife. The Richtersveld National Park as well as the banks of the Orange River are within a two hour drive.

GETTING THERE
Eksteenfontein is the gateway to the planned Rooiberg Conservancy, a vast wilderness adjoining the Richtersveld National Park. This small town is 50 km from Lekkersing and 80 km from Kuboes, and a 4x4 trail connects Eksteenfontein with Vioolsdrift, where you can cross the border into Namibia. Eksteenfontein can be accessed easily without a 4x4 along tarred and gravel roads from Steinkopf.

ACCOMMODATION:
Tourism Information Centre:
Volenti
Tel/ fax: 027 851 7108
e-mail: henleys@lantic.net

Situated in the heart of the Richtersveld, the area of Kuboes is as hot and dry as it is vast. A rugged and remote terrain, neighbouring the Sandveld and coastal plains, it contributes to one of the most attractive and diverse arid wonders in Southern Africa. Fascinating succulents such as the ancient Kokerboom tree share the rocky soils with birds, insects and reptiles. If you are lucky, you might spot an elusive klipspringer, a ground squirrel, a Smith's red rock rabbit, or even a majestic Gompou on the sandy plains.

Lekkersing is nestled in the hills of the Richtersveld, the faulted, age-old lava landscape of rugged mountain ranges interspersed by wide plains. Temperatures up to 53 degrees Celsius have been measured in this area, but the trees at Koersdap shelter you from the harshest sunshine.

Port Nolloth, formerly known as 'Aukwatowa' (Nama: "Where the water took the old man away"), was virtually uninhabited until the discovery of diamonds in 1926. Old railway tracks bear testament to copper deposits that were mined inland at Okiep and transported by train to be exported from this harbour town in long forgotten days. Sizamile (which means: "we have tried") was built in 1993 and is home to about 1200 people. In 1921, the first black people started living in Port Nolloth in Paraffien-Street on the border of the coloured settlement. Later, they were moved to the Tent Dorp and the Bloukamp, before they settled in in Sizamile. Topographically, the town belongs to the dry and vast Sandveld, and is often shrouded in sea fog locally known as the malmokkie.