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 Vast expanses of space and silence, drought and blazing summer sunshine… Across the arid landscape, the Orange River flows, at places in a sluggish tide, at others in a powerful explosion of sound and fury. Were it not for the river, much of the region may well have remained bleak and populated only by nomadic bands of Bushmen. Instead, prosperous towns and villages have risen from its banks, and large stretches of once-barren land have been transformed into fields of cotton, Lucerne, dates and grapes.
In addition to the fabulous diamond discoveries, which catapulted Kimberley to fame and fortune, and changed the course of history, a rich bounty of alluvial diamonds is mined off the west coast. The wild and lonely western coastline is also one of the world’s most prolific fishing grounds, providing yet another source of revenue. Wealth there is too, in copper, but to some, the greatest gift of all lies in the extravagant beauty of Namaqualand’s wild flowers.
The area is also notable for fine examples of Bushman art, abundant deposits of semi-precious stones, and friendly hospitality. Four major wildlife sanctuaries and a number of smaller reserves provide endless opportunities for getting back to nature.
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