Norvalspont

Afrikaans name: Norvalspont

Norvalspont

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Northern Cape

In 1835 Petrus Brits started farming in the area now known as Norvalspont. He later sold the farm to John Norval who, along with his two brothers, made combs using the shells of the many tortoises in the area. They also raised sheep on the farm. The next business idea was to run a ferry across the Orange River.

Norvalspont was the site of a large concentration camp during the Second Boer War and there is a memorial in the town town to honour those who died in the camp. The town itself proved to be very strategic during this war with a bridge over the Orange River having been constructed in 1889.

The town is located just a few kilometres downstream from Gariep Dam. The Gariep Dam Nature Reserve is a good place to spend a few hours.

Hotel in Norvalspont

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Remains of the station

Photo © Johan van Zyl

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References and further reading

On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Year Published: 1995 - Page: 274

Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 227

The Pictorial Motoring Atlas of South Africa - Author: Maxwell Leigh - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 58