- Noord-Kaap
- Van Zylsrus
Van Zylsrus, Noord-Kaap
- Inligting
- Winkels & Dienste (3)
Biltong Lovers Paradise
Van Zylsrus is a tiny settlement nestled in the southern part of the Kalahari Desert more or less an hours’ drive from Hotazel and few hours from Upington.
Situated on the banks of the dry Kuruman River, surrounding by the rust-red dunes of the Kalahari, Van Zylsrus has become a popular stopover for tourists travelling to and from Johannesburg and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Despite comprising of little more than a few stores, a hotel and a post office, this little town is still worth the roundabout trip to the Park or to Botswana.
Van Zylsrus is a staunch Kalahari farmers town and has an interesting back story. Your stayover will without a doubt mean a some time spent in the Van Zylsrus Hotel bar – the exterior of the Hotel is funky enough to draw you in and the place is full of art, from Guinea Fowls and giant Lizards to intricate art detailed floors! This is a great spot to pass the time with a cold one after an afternoon in the Kalahari heat and to absorb the stories told by the local farmers and fellow travellers.
Van Zylsrus is the nearest settlement to the Kalahari Meerkat Project, the popular nature TV show “Meerkat Manor” was filmed here and visitors are welcome. The area also offers plenty of game viewing and off-road driving opportunities on the surrounding farms and hiking trails and bird watching are favourite outdoor activities in the vicinity. The area boasts some of the most prosperous game ranches for trophy hunting making this spot a biltong lovers paradise!
Van Zylsrus accommodation includes the towns Hotel as well as Game Lodges, Guesthouses, Self-catering and camping and true Kalahari hospitality!
Things to do and see
- Meerkat Project
- Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
- 4 x 4 Trails
- Hiking & Bird Watching
- Hunting & Game Viewing
- Ancient Molopo Visits – Picnics or braais
- Van Zylsrus Hotel
Climate
Van Zylsrus receives approximately 165 mm of rain annually, mostly during the summer months. It is known as a desert climate with virtually no rainfall during the year.
Summer months, November to March will have average temperatures of between 18˚C and 35˚C.
Winter months, May to August will have average temperatures of between 2˚C and 21˚C.
Transport
There are daily flights into Upington Airport, just 37 km via the N14. Car hire facilities are available at the Airport.
History
There was once a General JA van Zyl who fought with the great De la Rey in battles at Kimberley and Schweizer-Reneke where he freed a group of women from English troups. He was one of De la Rey’s commanding officers in Griqualand during the 1914 rebellion.
During the 1914-1915 Rebellion, general JA van Zyl fought in and around Kuruman and the Kalahari. For four days they rested at a windmill on the place where Van Zylsrus is currently situated before they co ntinued on their Kalahari journey. It is believed that as the General rode away he called out “For four days I rested here, the name of this place is Vanzylsrust.”
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