Springbok, the capital of Namaqualand, sits in a narrow valley between the high granite domes of the Klein Koperberge (‘small copper mountains’). It is one of the most suitable places to observe the wonderful Namaqualand flower spectacle, when the lifeless scrubland explodes into colour from thousands of flowers, hidden in the dry dusty earth and brought to life by winter rains..
Springbok is situated amongst rocky mountains in an otherwise arid region. It is the largest town in Namaqualand and serves as the commercial hub of the area. It owes its existence to copper mining that began operating in 1856. It gained the reputation of a rough town from the mining industry. When the first magistrate took up his post, the first item he ordered was a pair of stocks for the detention of prisoners. The town has now outgrown its untamed youth. Many historical items are displayed in the museum of the town, a former synagogue built in 1930. |
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| Springflowers after the rains |
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