Discover South Africa
take your head out of the sand

In the Northern Cape of South Africa, where the Kalahari and the Nama-Karoo deserts meet, the Great Gariep River (Orange River) flows, bringing life to the typically arid worlds on both sides, and turning the area into an oasis. It is here that travellers can experience the Kokerboom Route.

Warmer than the sun on a quiver tree

Here the welcome is warmer than the sun on a quiver tree.

The Kokerboom Food and Wine Route is a land of contrasts. This arid zone, with its rugged mountains and desert-adapted species, is stifling hot in summer (up to 45ºC) and chilly in winter nights. The Great Gariep, known more commonly as the Orange River, winds through the landscape and brings it life. This river was once called 'God's gift to the Southern African thirstland'. The greenbelt along the river's banks contrasts sharply with the rising rocky cliffs. Irrigation schemes have stretched the greenbelt into the desert, making acres of vineyards and other agriculture possible. Ten percent of South Africa's vineyards are found in the Orange River valley and southern Kalahari.

The route takes the traveller into one of the most interesting and beautiful areas of South Africa's Northern Cape Province and embraces the towns and settlements of Keimoes, Kanoneiland, Kenhardt, Augrabies, Upington and Marchand.The Kokerboom Food and Wine Route route has something for everyone. In addition to visiting the popular Augrabies Falls visitors can relax in hot springs, river raft, go on 4x4 trips, hike, bird watch, sample local delicacies and wines, touch the unique Kokerboom (quiver tree) and even take a leisurely donkey cart ride through town - all while enjoying the friendly hospitality of South Africa's Northern Cape province.

The Kokerboom (Quiver tree) is a botanical symbol of that part of the world, and so the route found its name. Along the route one can experience dry, rugged mountains, desert adapted animal and plant life, red Kalahari dunes, stifling summer temperatures at day, and freezing desert temperatures at night. Contrasting with this typically dry, desert scene, are the water features found in the area. A key natural wonder of the area is the Augrabies Falls. This waterfall, the 6th largest waterfall in the world, is a definite must-see.

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