Northern Cape
In 1860 the small town of Nababeep was founded by the Okiep Copper Company with the intention of mining the copper deposits in the area. The mine closed down in 2004 leaving little opportunity for residents of the town.
The town is about 20 km from Springbok and gets its name from the Khoekhoe language of the Khoikhoi people and means "rhinoceros place".
Nababeep has a mining museum which details the history of the town and has some interesting old equipment, photographs and dioramas.
The surrounding countryside is rugged and harsh but does provide one lifeline to the town. The barren countryside becomes alive with wildflowers during spring and the town is a popular stop on wildflower tours.
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Overlooking the town
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Photo © Johan van Zyl
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Mining museum
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Photo © Johan van Zyl
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Mining museum
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Photo © Johan van Zyl
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Top References
Conolly's Guide to Southern Africa - Author: Denis Conolly - Year Published: 1982 - Page: 355
go! - Issue 086 - Author: - Year Published: 2013 - Page: 72
On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Year Published: 1995 - Page: 348
Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 166
Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 279
The Pictorial Motoring Atlas of South Africa - Author: Maxwell Leigh - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 13
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