Kamieskroon

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Geography and History

Situated just South of Springbok, Kamieskroon is set among the granite rock formations of the Kamiesberg range in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. Kamieskroon's origins lie in the 1860s, 7km north of its present position. It took the name Bowesville (later Bowesdorp), after the district surgeon, Dr Henry Bowe.As there was little room to expand in the narrow kloof the town occupied, the church council decided, in 1924, to rebuild it at Kamieskroon. Kamies might derive from the Nama word ‘kam’, meaning two - referring to the twin peaks of the mountain. The ‘kroon’, a 330m peak crowned with a huge, cleft rock, is a kilometre from the village.

Activities

Hiking - A guide steeped in Namakwa knowledge offers hikes on uncharted trails. Tel 027 672 1762.

Kharkams - A settlement south of Kamieskroon where flowers carpet the veld in season.

Leliefontein - A nearby mission station where you can set your watch to the sundial given to its 19th-century founder, Reverend Barnabas Shaw.

Leliefontein Methodist Church and Parsonage - Both national monuments in Namakwa’s oldest village. In 1902 Boer leader Manie Maritz massacred members of the Leliefontein mission community that were suspected of being British sympathisers.

Lt DJ Darter’s Grave - The grave of a British officer killed during the Anglo-Boer War, Darter’s grave - 15km south of the town - is the smallest piece of foreign land registered in South Africa, in an area that saw many skirmishes during the war.

Mountain Biking - Popular at Leliefontein and Nourivier.

Namaqua National Park - This 103 000 ha park, 21km north-west of Kamieskroon, is open daily. A circular drive and short walking trails let the visitor experience the incredible floral diversity of the area. Ablution and picnic facilities and a new rest camp are in place. Tel 027 6721948.

Paulshoek - The settlement is situated in the heart of the Kamiesberge. The Cultural Camp offers tourists a unique experience. There are matjieshuts and traditional meals are available on request. Tel 027 541 1043.

Spring Flowers - Synonymous with spring flowers, the Kamiesberg region extends the season with brilliant shows of Bulbinella latifolia.