City: Northern Cape
Top Things to do in Northern Cape
10 Things to do in Northern Cape That You Shouldn't Miss
The Northern Cape (Afrikaans: Noord-Kaap; Tswana: Kapa Bokone) is the largest and most sparsely populated province of South Africa. It was created in 1994 when the Cape Province was split up. Its capital is Kimberley. It includes the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park, part of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, an international park shared with Botswana. It also includes the Augrabies Falls and the diamond mining regions in Kimberley and Alexander Bay. The Namaqualand region in the west is famous for its Namaqualand daisies. The southern towns of De Aar and Colesberg, in the Great Karoo, are major transport nodes between Johannesburg, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. In the northeast, Kuruman is known as a mission station and also for its artesian spring, the Eye of Kuruman. The Orange River flows through the province, forming the borders with the Free State in the southeast and with Namibia to the northwest. The river is also used to irrigate the many vineyards in the arid region near Upington.
Restaurants in Northern Cape
1. Kimberley Mine Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 250 reviews
Restored buildings at this historic site include a pub, a smoke shop and the De Beers family home. The mine itself is an astonishing crater from which over 22 million tons of earth has been removed by hand.
Reviewed By Jdewitt7108 - Milnerton, South Africa
We love this museum and come back year after year. It really gives a real feeling of how Kimberley was in the warly years. Most buildings are original. The tram ride is also a definate must and it enhances the whole experience. Visit it different part of the day morning/Afternoon and early evening to get a different experience.
2. Namaqualand
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
The home of the Nama people, Namaqualand draws thousands of visitors every year to watch buds turn into yellow, orange and purple blooms.
Reviewed By jmaison - Santa Fe, United States
We saw Namaqualand with Toere Namakwa/Namakwa Tours and they were fantastic! We would NEVER have seen what we saw on our own -- and perhaps not with other tour companies. Mike and Marne, the tour owners, are very knowledgeable about the flowers -- and where to find them -- as well as all the other flora and the fauna, tool. Visiting a quiver tree forest was a highlight -- I really want a quiver tree! We learned about all sorts of things on the tour, from how to produce roobos tea to prehistoric pictographs, from pollinators to poets -- it was ALL FABULOUS! Our hotel accommodations were wonderful and the food! Oh, the food, so, so delicious. Sumptuous picnics everyday were a great delight. I cannot say enough good things about Namaqualand, toruing with Namakwa Tours and everyone who made our trip special and spectacular.
3. Richtersveld National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
This remote nature reserve in northern Namaqualand is characterized by mountainous wilderness, rugged kloofs and dramatic landscapes bordering the Orange River.
Reviewed By mrtoerien - Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Having just returned from a guided 4x4 tour of Namaqualand/Richtersveld, I have nothing but praise and admiration for the leaders/organisers of this unforgettable experience. From the minute we assembled with the members in the group at Pofadder, on 9 September, we were welcomed, put at ease and nurtured through an unknown and challenging adventure. Three mature ladies, with no experience of this type of travel or terrain, set out bravely, but blindly, in a small, fully-laden Jeep, to join 17 other vehicles, with very experienced 4x4 enthusiasts, on an unforgettable 1400km journey to observe the beauty of the wildflowers and conquer the challenges of the stark, ever-changing landscape. Each of our guides, leaders, chefs and assistants was amazingly knowledgeable, capable, patient and helpful. We stopped in the most unlikely places and were shown the most well-concealed specimens, all the while hearing interesting anecdotes and stories. Damaged tyres were replaced, vehicles were refuelled and punctures were fixed with quiet efficiency and speed. We dined in style each day, and were even blessed with hot showers, en route! Our dinner and stay in Pofadder and accommodation and meals in van Rhynsdorp were exceptionally good and we all headed home a little rounder than we were before.(This despite the physical effort of pitching and dismantling the tent, each day.) The camaraderie between the tour members was delightful and, despite the fact that we three (dubbed "The Britte" ) often required some TLC from our Afrikaans companions, we felt quite at home and are proud to have completed the adventure, with their help and support. This tour certainly catered for both the flower fundis and the more feisty 4x4 fellas! Thank you, one and all. Merle Toerien, Dianne Horwitz and Odette Vosloo
4. Augrabies Falls National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 497 reviews
Reviewed By KLNature - Le Havre, France
So much more than just a waterfall! Strolling amongst the rocks provides excellent photo opportunities of flat lizards and the drive to the quiver tree area have some superb views.
5. Mokala National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 165 reviews
Reviewed By brentr382 - Stellenbosch, South Africa
Very pleasantly surprised by this park. Great sightings of rare game (Sable and Roan antelope, Rhinos). Stayed at the Motswedi campsite which was amazing. Only 6 sites surrounding a watering hole providing a constant stream of game. For a short stay, I suggest the southern section of the park (Motswedi Campsite or Most Lodge), nicer scenery and all of our game sightings were in the Southern section. Well worth 2 or 3 nights!
6. Namaqua National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By kobusvolschenk55 - George, South Africa
Flowers galore, beautiful rock formations, stunning gravel road pass to Soebatsfontein with a return trip vai Grootvlei pass. Weather permitting you can see flower from as early as 10h00 until about 16h00, no cold wind or clouds, makes a beautiful display. They had some good rains and in certain places the road was not in a very good condition. This is dirt road country and you say thank you for the rain and drive a bit slower to avoid the wash ways.
7. Tankwa Karoo National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By JoeV131 - Cape Town, South Africa
Fantastically rustic experience riding though on Dual Purpose motorcycles. Would be difficult with a sedan car due to rutted road and high road clearance required on sections, especially the Gannaga Pass. Overall a fantastic experience with a great lodge at the pass summit for an overnight.
8. The Big Hole
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 786 reviews
During a visit to the Big Hole in Kimberley, South Africa you will not only see the largest man made hole in the world but also the largest diamond display in the world. Various displays will introduce you to the world of diamond mining and all aspects of diamonds as well as the history of diamonds in South Africa. On show is also the Old Town witch will give you an idea of what Kimberley looked like more than 100 years ago. We have various shops on the site where you could buy curios as well as diamonds and jewellery. Also available is a coffee shop and bar to quench your thirst and hunger. We are fully wheelchair friendly. Open every day of the year from 08:00 to 17:00 Guided tours on offer.
Reviewed By Dellanise
We really enjoyed our trip to the Big Hole in Kimberley, our guide David was very informative and also made a few jokes while we were touring, thanks David, would definitely recommend.
9. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 490 reviews
Reviewed By juergc2016 - Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland
We spent 4 nights in the park. We especially liked the perfectly equipped and clean camp at Nossob. Where, during the first night, we had the lions just walking and roaring in front of our cottage. Also the Kalahari tented camp offers a unique experience... sitting on the deck, watching the sunset and the animals coming to the waterhole.
10. Southern Africa Large Telescope
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 345 reviews
Reviewed By StephenW3955
A must do for everyone! A wonderful evening spent amongst the stars. The views were spectacular and the tour guides very knowledgeable. The museum could use a bit of love and some attention on the displays. The visit to SALT was truly spectacular and we were treated to a great display of the inner workings of the telescope. Don’t ever miss out on an opportunity to visit.
