Northern Cape Business 2019/20 edition

SPECIAL FEATURE
the two major towns in this huge district, which is
also the only Northern Cape region with a coastline
and soon to be the home of a new small harbour.
The decision by UNESCO to inscribe the
Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape
as a World Heritage Site has great significance
for the tourism industry in the Northern Cape, and
for the prospects for ecotourism in general. This
160 000-hectare landscape lies on the border
between South Africa and Namibia. The park
achieved another a major international accolade
when it was included in the Rough Guide’s Top
10 for 2016.
Investment opportunities
monument and Boer trenches. The town of
Kimberley is itself an extremely popular attraction
and offers fine examples of Victorian
architecture and the world-class McGregor
Museum, Sol Plaatje Museum and the famed
William Humphrey Art Gallery.
The Karoo region encompasses the southeastern
portion of the province. While most of
the region is dry, the Vanderkloof Dam is a major
tourism asset. Many of the region’s small towns
are geared to cater to tourists drawn to the magic
of the Karoo’s open spaces and features famous
Karoo towns such as De Aar, Britstown,
Hanover, Victoria West and Carnarvon. The latter
is especially of importance as home to the
SKA. Other tourist attractions are the unique
Karoo architecture, South African War sites, rock
art, ancient Paleo surfaces, farm stays and the
famous Karoo lamb.
The Namakwa region is famous for its flowers,
but it also hosts the South African Astronomical
Observatory, several historic mission settlements,
the Namaqua National Park (on the
West Coast) and the awe-inspiring Richtersveld
Transfrontier Park. Springbok and Calvinia are
General opportunities for investors in the tourism
sector include:
• nature and game reserves
• adventure tourism
• ​upgrading of accommodation facilities
• ​new attractions and entertainment features
(theme parks)
• ​improve air transport networks.
Adventure sports at Kimberley: the possible
establishment of an adventure sports resort in the
Big Hole Precinct, Kimberley.
Steam train: reviving steam train tourism (“Gems
on Track” is the working title) could be done along
a variety of routes including routes out of Kimberley
to Belmont and from De Aar to Victoria West.
Eco-resort at Boesmansput: development of
a diver training facility would form part of the plan
at this popular fresh-water cave diving site. An
eco-lodge is envisaged and a conference facility.
Wildebeest Rock Art Centre: more than 400
pieces of rock art would form the cornerstone
(together with the nearby Nooitgedacht Glacial
Paving) of a world-class heritage and archaeological
site. Developments would include the creation
of a performance arena (for the depiction of San
Bushman culture) and facilities for game viewing
and photographic safaris.
29 NORTHERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019/20