Okiep (original) (raw)
Okiep, Namaqualand
The mining settlement of Okiep is situated in the Northern Cape part of the Namaqualand and, while small and secluded, was once the pivotal point of the richest copper mining region on earth. It was established in 1862 and is part of the Nama Khoi Municipality in Namakwa.
Okiep, originally called O�okiep (meaning large brackish area), has a total area of 38.6 square kilometres and a local population of about 6 500 people. The vast majority of its residents are Afrikaans speaking.
Because of its rich supply of copper, Okiep was the site of a number of political upheavals, and saw many folk being killed in wars over its wealth. From the days of Simon van der Stel in the 17th century, right through to the Anglo-Boer War of the early 20th century, this region has been subjected to, and many times succumbed, human greed and material pursuits.
Today, it is such a tiny village that it does not often feature on the maps of tourist hotspots. However, thanks to the rich historical value of this settlement, it is well worth stopping over and enjoying a peek into the South Africa of generations past.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Self Catering
Dolfyn Self Catering
Dolfyn in McDougalls Bay is a holiday home offering accommodation near Port Nolloth, just 2 kilometres outside the main town. McDougalls Bay is h...
Guest House / Self Catering
Vioolsdrift Lodge
Located about 400 metres for the South African border post in Vioolsdrift, it is the ideal stop over on your way to Namibia or the Richtersveld. ...
Self Catering
Peaceful Place
Peaceful Place has three separate self-catering units. If required, all three units can be rented simultaneously. Every self-catering unit is wel...
Guest House / Self Catering
Kwelanga River Lodge
Kwelanga River Lodge is a family run resort with a restaurant on site. The lodge offers chalets with beautiful river views and en-suite bathrooms...
Self Catering
Voetbaai Hardertjie
Voetbaai Hardertjie offers accommodation in Port Nolloth just a few steps away from the beach. Voetbaai Hardertjie is a comfortably furnished cha...
Self Catering
Kleinzee Beach Cottage
Situated in the town of Kleinzee in the Northern Cape, the unit sleeps two adults or a family of four. It has a main bedroom furnished with a do...
Hotel
Blue Diamond Lodge
Blue Diamond Lodge offers comfortable accommodation just 1km away from local shopping centres and restaurants in a peaceful area of Springbok. Th...
Bed & Breakfast / Self Catering
Naries Namakwa Retreat
Naries Guest Farm is situated 27km outside Springbok. We offer high quality accommodation and are renowned for our hospitality, personal attentio...
Self Catering
Yield House
Situated on the beachfront, Yield House offers guests lovely self-catering accommodation in Port Nolloth in three sections which can be booked se...
Things to do in the area
Beaches & Pools
Port Nolloth Beach
If you�ve booked accommodation in Port Nolloth, chances are that you are looking for the ultimate seaside escape. Here, the changing of the tide ...
Noteworthy attractions
Game Reserves
Richtersveld National Park
The Richtersveld is a unique mountain desert wilderness of great beauty, tucked in the far north-western corner of the Northern Cape in South Afr...
Nature Reserves
Goegap Nature Reserve
The Goegap Nature Reserve with its granite peaks and sandy plains are dominated by Carolusberg, the highest point in the area. Goegap's wild flow...
Botanical Gardens
National Parks
Namaqua National Park
Say Namaqua National Park and people immediately think carpets of spring wild flowers. And they would not be wrong - Namaqualand not only has som...
Natural Wonders
Namaqualand Flower Route
The spring wild flowers are a phenomenon that never ceases to amaze and delight, even for those who live in what is considered South Africa's "ou...
Nature Reserves
Skilpad Wildflower Reserve
The Skilpad Wildflower Reserve was established by the WWF in 1988 to raise awareness of the floral kingdom of the Namaqualand. Mainly shrubland a...
Mountain Passes
Akkedis Pass
The Richtersveld is usually described by the adjectives 'rugged', 'desolate' and 'forbidding'. It's a dry, unforgiving landscape that is at once ...
Mountain Passes
Messelpad Pass
Messelpad Pass lies on the 104 km gravel road between Springbok and Hondeklip Bay in the Northern Cape, one of two passes through the Tigerkloof....
Mountain Passes
Wildeperdehoek Pass
Almost inextricably linked to Messelpad Pass (the two are part of the 'Copper Route' between Springbok and Hondeklip Bay) Wildeperdehoek Pass is ...
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