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TravelTips24 : Africa : Southern Africa : South Africa : Northern Cape : Namakwa : Springbok

Springbok

Springbok is a town in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. It is the biggest city in the region and business centre of the Namaqualand.

Travel to Springbok & Visa Requirements

By car

From Cape Town follow the N7 northwards for approximately 550 km. The border to Namibia is another 100km along the N7 from here. The N14, which crosses the whole Northern Cape crosses the N7 just outside Springbok and offers connections to Upington and the Gauteng.

Flights and airtickets to Springbok

The airport of Springbok is 5 km outside the town. Flights to Cape Town are available from here.

Buses to Springbok

Intercape [1] buses stop in front of the Springbok Lodge. They offer four weekly connections to Cape Town and Pretoria.

By taxi

VIP Taxis, ph: +27 (0)27 851 8780 can bring you to Port Nolloth, Upington and Kimberley. Taxis leave Upington at 8AM daily except Saturday and Sunday, the fare is R 140 (June 2008).

Tours & Getting around Springbok

The town of Springbok is nestled in a valley totally surrounded by hills. It is not very big and its attractions can easily be reached by foot.

Springbok attractions and sightseeing

  • City's museum
  • Blue mine - the first commercial copper mine of South Africa, which started operations in 1852. Mining for diamonds and other gems started in recent times.

Springbok city tours

Start your tour through Springbok in the city centre, which is situated around a hill called Klipkoppie. Here was an English fortress, burned down during the Anglo-Boer war by a troop of general Jan Smuts. After a short walk along Monument Street, you will reach the museum in an old synagogue. A bit further on is the entrance to the Blue Mine.

Springbok souvenirs & shopping

In Melkboskuil is an old store selling antique furniture.

Springbok Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

  • Springbok Lodge & Restaurant, corner of Voortrekker and Keerom Road. A meeting point for travellers and locals to have a bite to eat.

Springbok nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs

Springbok cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels & lodging

  • Mountain View Guest House, 2 Overberg Ave, ph: +27 (0)27 712 1438 [2]. 4 star B&B furnished in African style, located at the city's edge directly at a short walking trail. Good view on the city and delicious food. Prices from R280 pp.

  • Masonic Hotel and Lodge, Van Riebeeck street. phone +27 (0)27 7121505 email: masonichotel@jcbotha.co.za. fax +27 (0)27 7121730, [3]. Centrally situated 3 star hotel with all the luxuries. Full English breakfast, A la Carte Restaurant and Ladies Bar.

  • Springbok Hotel, Van Riebeeck street. phone +27 (0)27 7121161 email: springbokhotel@jcbotha.co.za. fax +27 (0)27 7121932, [4]. Beautiful 2 star colonial hotel situated in the centre of town with easy access. Ladies Bar and Conference facilities seating 25 - 30 people"
  • Kokerboom Motel and Caravan Park, on the N7 to and from Cape Town or Namibia phone +27 (0)27 7122685 email: kokerboom_motel@jcbotha.co.za. fax +27 (0)27 7122017, [5]. 2 Star motel specially sited to view flowers from your bedroom. A la Carte Restaurant, Ladies Bar and Conference facilities seating 100 - 120 people. Caravan sites with power points. Coin operated laundry with washer and dryer.

Get out

  • Goegap Nature Reserve is 10 km south-west of the town along the R355. It is often called Namaqualand in miniature. Inside the reserve is the Malan Wild Flower Garden, which offers hiking trails, mountain bike tours and roads for 4x4 vehicles.

This page was last edited at 16:53, on 22 July 2008 by Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. Based on work by Nick Roux, Michele Ann Jenkins and Felix Gottwald, Wikitravel user(s) CandyTravels, Jonboy and Nzpcmad and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel.

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