Northern Cape Business 2017-18 edition

SPECIAL FEATURE
Explore the Routes of the Northern Cape
Each of the province’s five regions features a route
experience that will capture the imagination. The
incredible year-round experiences coupled with
the warm hospitality, the peace and tranquility offered
by off-the-beaten-track towns and villages
and space as far as the eye can see will allow you
to rediscover life-changing experiences and ensure
unforgettable holiday memories but more importantly,
time to recharge and reconnect with each
other. Visit: www.experiencenortherncape.com
Kokerboom Food and Wine Route
The quiver tree is one of this region’s most arresting
botanical symbols. Stretching along the Gariep, the
Quiver Tree Food and Wine Route includes towns
such as Upington, Kakamas, Augrabies, Kanoneiland,
Kenhardt and Riemvasmaak. Highlights of the route
include the impressive Augrabies Falls, the relaxing
hot springs at Riemvasmaak, river rafting, fly fishing,
kayaking and river cruises on the mighty Orange
River, numerous 4x4, hiking and mountain biking
trails and excellent bird watching. Food fundis will
be delighted with the restaurants and road stalls
along the route. Orange River Wine Cellars is the
biggest wine co-operative in the southern hemisphere.
Stop in at Bezalel and Die Mas cellars as well.
Information and bookings +27 84 244 4408
Kalahari Red Dune Route
Golden dunes, wide-open skies and flat-topped
acacia trees symbolise the Kalahari Red Dune Route.
Stretching from Upington right to the Namibian
border it passes the unique towns of Ashkam, Groot
and Klein Mier, and Rietfontein. Chances are you’ll
spot magnificent oryx with their rapier horns if you
cross into the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. You
might also encounter martial eagles, wildebeest
and a black-maned lion proclaiming its territory
from a high dune. Home to the massive Hakskeen
Pan where the Bloodhound supersonic land speed
record is to be attempted, it also offers dune hikes at
dawn, eagle-owl encounters, sand duning and surfing
in the red sand, and guided walks with the San
Khomani. Comfortable lodges, rustic bush camps,
traditional San villages and hospitable guest farms
dot the arid wilderness. Contact +27 82 492 3469
Richtersveld Route
The Richtersveld is South Africa’s only mountain
desert and the route will take you on rugged gravel
roads to quaint villages and towns, or take the more
challenging 4x4 routes in the /Ai/Ais-Richtersveld
Transfrontier Park or in the Richtersveld World
Heritage Area. This route is definitely for the adventurous
and best explored in a well-equipped SUV
or bakkie. Throw in some comfortable hiking boots,
extra water and guidebooks on plants, birds, reptiles
and geology and set out along the 600 km Namaqua
Eco 4x4 Route. The Orange River offers river rafting
and superb wilderness fly-fishing. The Richtersveld
is a mountain biker’s dream. In the villages the locals
will entertain guests with storytelling and traditional
Nama step dancing upon request. Great restaurants
and a fine hotel await you in Port Nolloth, but unpretentious
community-owned guesthouses are found
in almost every village. Contact +27 78 874 1515
Namaqua Coastal Route
In spring, hordes of tourists flock to Namaqualand
to see the spectacular fields of wild flowers. The dry
and dusty plains are transformed from dull browns
to a kaleidoscope of colour. Springbok is the main
centre and the route includes not-to-be-missed
gems, places like Garies, Kamieskroon, Hondeklip
Bay, Koiingnaas and Kleinzee. There are dozens of
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