Discover Kgalagadi: Spring, Cave and Landscape

Kgalagadi brings together a local history shaped by water, traces of ancient culture and distinctive landscapes. The Eye of Kuruman tells the story of the importance of a spring to Kuruman; Wonderwerk Cave is associated with San rock paintings. There is also a centre for the care of injured birds and a route connecting several places. So, before choosing a holiday apartment, it is worth deciding what you want to focus on during your trip: are you mainly interested in natural features, cultural history or a route through different places?

The Eye of Kuruman: Spring and History

The Eye of Kuruman is a natural spring that supplies around 20 to 30 million litres of crystal-clear water every day. The water feeds Kuruman’s domestic water supply, the Kuruman River and two irrigation canals, each 7 kilometres long. The spring is therefore both a natural feature and part of the region’s water supply and irrigation system. According to available information, the Eye of Kuruman is considered the largest natural spring in the Southern Hemisphere.

The history of the place is also closely linked to water: in the early 19th century, the spring led to the establishment of a mission station. That is why it was called the “Fountain of Christianity”. Those interested in cultural history will find a concrete connection here between a natural spring and the development of a mission station.

Cave, Rock Paintings and Camelthorn Forest

Wonderwerk Cave is a national heritage site and one of the longest-inhabited caves in the world. San rock paintings are located near its entrance. The cave thus connects a striking natural feature with cultural traces found right by the entrance.

The Camelthorn forest of Acacia erioloba offers a different perspective on the landscape. It is described as one of only two forests of its kind in the world. The spring, cave and forest represent different themes: water shapes Kuruman’s history of water supply, the cave connects nature and cultural heritage, and the Camelthorn forest is notable for its described rarity.

Bird Care and Routes Through Several Places

At the Kalahari Raptor Centre, injured birds are cared for and can be observed at close range. The focus here is on animal care and direct observation. Check current operating conditions before visiting.

Khai Apple Recreation Resort in the Gamagara municipality offers camping and caravan facilities, fishing and horse riding. If you would like to include this facility in your travel plans, check in advance whether it is operating and whether you can take part in the activities.

The Kalahari Raptor Trail connects Kuruman, Kathu, Olifantshoek, Upington, Keimoes, Kakamas and Augrabies Falls National Park. Kuruman also lies on the Namaquari Route, which forms part of the main connection between Gauteng and Namibia, as well as between Cape Town and Namibia via Upington. The trail links named places; the Namaquari Route places Kuruman within a regional connection. These different route links can help you plan your trip around your intended stops.

The Wider Destination of the Northern Cape

The wider destination of the Northern Cape includes Augrabies Falls National Park on the banks of the Orange River. Augrabies Falls plunge 56 metres into an 18-kilometre-long gorge. These details add to the picture of the Northern Cape as a larger destination; they do not describe Kgalagadi itself.

When searching for a holiday apartment or holiday home, your planned interests can help guide your choice: the spring and mission history, the cave and rock paintings, the landscape or a route covering several named places. This way, your search is guided by your travel plans rather than just the name of the region.

Discover more destinations: Namakwa, Kalahari District Council, Bo-Karoo, Frances Baard, Siyanda, Pixley Ka Seme, John Taolo Gaetsewe, Diamandveld.

For the wider travel overview: Northern Cape.