John Taolo Gaetsewe: Camel Thorn, History and the Kalahari

John Taolo Gaetsewe offers several very specific starting points for a trip: camel thorn trees, the geological formation known as The Eye, the archaeological history of Wonderwerk Cave, and named routes. Nature, history and leisure activities offer different perspectives on the destination. The places and activities below can help you shape your itinerary around the topics that interest you most.

Camel Thorn Landscape near Kathu

The Kathu Forest is a woodland area north of Kathu where exceptionally large camel thorn trees grow. It was designated a Protected Woodland on 10 July 2009. The Kathu Bush also consists mainly of impressive camel thorn trees. Together, these two landscape features give the camel thorn theme a clear sense of place: one is the forest north of Kathu, and the other is the bush, which is predominantly characterised by this tree species.

Geology and Rock Engravings

The Eye is a geological formation in the Kalahari that brings water from deep underground to the surface. It is the largest natural spring in the Southern Hemisphere. The Tswalu Kalahari Reserve offers another natural highlight: at 1,200 square kilometres, it is South Africa’s largest private game reserve. Guests of the reserve can visit protected, ancient San rock engraving sites. This destination thus combines a remarkable geological formation with an experience centred on rock engravings.

Archaeology and Local History

Wonderwerk is a National Heritage Site. Wonderwerk Cave contains the earliest evidence anywhere in the world of fire being used inside a dwelling. The area around Kathu is also of considerable interest to archaeologists and palaeontologists. The Sishen Mine is considered one of Kathu’s most important visitor attractions. The Kalahari Raptor Rehabilitation Centre serves a different regional purpose: injured birds of prey are treated and rehabilitated there. Alongside the landscape and geology, these topics give the trip a historical and scientific focus.

Leisure Activities and Routes

Kathu’s leisure facilities include a golf course and an Olympic-standard swimming pool. Before your visit, check whether both facilities will be open during your trip. The Khai Apple Recreation Resort in the Gamagara Municipality offers fishing. The three leisure options are clearly distinct: golf and swimming in Kathu, and fishing at the resort.

The named routes also provide a sense of direction. The Kalahari Raptor Trail includes Kuruman, Kathu, Olifantshoek, Upington, Keimoes, Kakamas and Augrabies Falls National Park. The Forgotten Highway Route connects Tulbagh in the south with Kuruman in the north. The Raptor Trail includes several towns and a national park, while the two endpoints of the Forgotten Highway Route provide its geographical orientation.

Getting There and Choosing a Holiday Rental

Roads connect Kathu with Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Windhoek and Cape Town. Kathu is connected to the rail network via Dingleton Station and Kimberley. The town also has an airport with a paved runway. Check current train and flight services before planning your trip. The location is a separate consideration when choosing a holiday rental: choose one based on the places and activities you want to include in your itinerary.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Kathu, Kuruman, Siyanda, Kalahari District Council, Bo-Karoo, Kgalagadi, Frances Baard, Pixley Ka Seme.

For the wider travel overview: Northern Cape.