What to do and see in Northern Cape, South Africa: The Best Things to do Good for Couples

July 6, 2021 Darwin Bolte

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

Tucker Street, Kimberley South Africa +27 53 833 1557 https://www.kimberley.co.za/places/kimberley/free/the-big-hole-kimberley-mine-museum/
Excellent
50%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 250 reviews

Kimberley Mine Museum

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. Richtersveld National Park

South Africa [email protected] https://www.sanparks.org/parks/richtersveld/
Excellent
70%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 44 reviews

Richtersveld National Park

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

3. Sterland Stargazing

Excellent
61%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
6%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 144 reviews

Sterland Stargazing

One km outside Sutherland along the N 1 next to the tarred road we offer stargazing with up to six G P S telescopes. A short lecture indoors on a 3 metre big screen is given to explain the current constellations and planets before going outside to do the proper viewing through a telescope. We make use of a powerful laser to point out the objects and teach you how to find South with the aid of the Southern Cross and Megallin Clouds. The two hour max tour is very educational and worth while.

4. Augrabies Falls National Park

Augrabies Falls National Park South Africa +27 54 452 9200 http://www.sanparks.org/parks/augrabies/
Excellent
48%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 497 reviews

Augrabies Falls National Park

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. Tankwa Karoo National Park

Calvinia South Africa +27 27 341 1927 http://www.sanparks.org/parks/tankwa/
Excellent
52%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 97 reviews

Tankwa Karoo National Park

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.

6. Bezalel Wine & Brandy Estate

N14, Upington 8805 South Africa +27 54 491 1325 [email protected] http://www.bezalel.co.za/
Excellent
55%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 83 reviews

Bezalel Wine & Brandy Estate

Bezalel Wine & Brandy Estate offers visitors true Green Kalahari hospitality through our visitors center. Take an informative tour of our Distillery and learn about the ancient art of fine Brandy making. Sample our range of boutique wines, top quality brandies, delicious liqueurs and adventurous spirit products, accompanied by a Cheese & Preserve platter.Our small, if lofty, daily mission is to make South Africans proud of their great culture, specifically its wines and brandies, and secondly, to make those who don’t live here feel welcome. We do this by always focusing on quality, authenticity of origin, hospitality and family.

Reviewed By EstelledS - Johannesburg, South Africa

In the middle of December you need to stop at places that have excellent aircons. And Bezalel surely has. The wine tasting was great - we learnt a lot about the wines of the Northern Cape. And lunch was to die for. Try their special house burgers, you won't regret it!

7. The Big Hole

Tucker Street, Kimberley South Africa +27 53 839 4600 [email protected] http://thebighole.co.za
Excellent
44%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 786 reviews

The Big Hole

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.

8. Kalahari Safaris Day Tours

Excellent
83%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 70 reviews

Kalahari Safaris Day Tours

Kalahari Safaris is a Kgalagadi specialist as we are doing Kalahari tours for more than 10 years. At Kalahari Safaris we believe to concentrate on one area - the northern cape which include Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Augrabies Falls National Park and Witsand Nature Reserve. This gives us the edge over our competitors. Our tours are fully catered for - meaning we let our guests relax while we do all the work! Day tours to Augrabies Falls National Park include river rafting, wine tasting, hiking and game drives. Day tours can also be arranged to visit Witsand Nature reserve, as well as Spitskop or Day tours to visit wine farms.

9. Hantam National Botanical Garden

Oorlogskloof Rd, Nieuwoudtville South Africa +27 27 218 1200 [email protected] http://www.sanbi.org/gardens/hantam
Excellent
54%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 28 reviews

Hantam National Botanical Garden

Reviewed By just-us-together

Overwhelmingly good for the soul. Rich abundance of flora at every step. Special moment when Eugene got out of his bakkie to show us his special endemic plants and tips on where to find more. His passion and enthusiasm were tangible.

10. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

R360, Upington 8800 South Africa +27 54 561 2000 [email protected] http://www.sanparks.org/parks/kgalagadi/
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 490 reviews

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

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.

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