Kleinzee, Northern Cape

Kleinzee is situated along the Diamond Coast 60 km south of Port Nolloth and 100 km from Springbok, perfectly suited for travellers visiting the Namaqualand region.

Kleinzee was once referred to as a “ghost town” by the media after the diamond mines closed and more than half the population left moved on - normally mining towns are called “mining disturbances”, bulldozed and planted over – but De Beers had Kleinzee declared a public town and exciting developments were put in place to make the small town attractive to tourists. A number of tours are offered by approved operators and visitors no longer come just for the diamonds!

The town is now part of the Shipwreck and the Daisies Route which allows for 4X4 trails and hiking trails which explore routes through pristine strandveld, a small nature reserve which has in excess of 100 species and 25 families of plants, showing all the splendour of Namaqualand, shipwrecks and the Buffels River which "flows" through Kleinzee, but most of the time is just a dry river bed.  This river actually only flows approximately every ten years. There are also mine tours showing the workings of a modern alluvial diamond mine.

The town itself is a cosy, little town with small local shops and restaurants, similar to a small seaside resort and even has its own 9-hole golf course. If you have not visited this area before, bear in mind that you will be travelling on a lot of dirt roads with recommended speeds of no more than 80 kmh. Fishing permits must be obtained at the post office and sunblock and hats are crucial as Kleinzee is a warm and sunny place!

There are caravan parks, guest houses, self-catering units and a backpackers lodge in the town and surrounding area.

Things to do and see

• Kleinzee Museum
• Kleintzee Shipwreck Route
• Mine Tour
• Strandveld 4 X 4 Tour
• Kleinzee Beach
• Diamond Coast Hiking Trail
• Buffels River Estuary
• Boulder Heritage Route
• Molyneux Nature Reserve
• Flower Routes
• Kleintzee Dam
• Shipwreck & Daisy Route / Diamond Route

Climate

Kleinzee receives approximately 93 mm of rain per annum and its’ climate is known as a desert climate with most of its annual rainfall occurring during winter.

Summer months, November to March will have average temperatures of between 13˚C and 25˚C.

Winter months, May to August will have average temperatures of between 7˚C and 18˚C.

Transport

There are daily flights into Cape Town International Airport, approximately 616 km away along the N7. Car hire facilities are available at the Airport. This is a popular route with tourists exploring the Cape West Coast.

History

The once flourishing diamond mine town of Kleinzee was founded in 1927. The name is Dutch and means “small sea” which refers to the lagoon at the mouth of the Buffels River.