Northern Cape attractions
Grootvlei Pass
Afrikaans name: Grootvlei Pas
Grootvlei Pass
Grootvlei Pass connects towns such as Kamieskroon on the inland plateau with those along the coastal belt such as Hondeklipbaai.
The pass is very steep in parts but, even though it is a gravel road, it is normally passable by all vehicles.
The pass is around 4 km in length and during that time drops 277 metres. In parts the gradient is 1:5.
Beautiful view from the pass
References and further reading
TopVanderkloof Dam
Afrikaans name: Vanderkloofdam
Vanderkloof Dam
The Vanderkloof Dam is the second largest in South Afica and boasts the highest dam wall which is 108 metres in height. It is stated that it is 100 km in length, with a surface area of 133 square kilometres, when full!
Construction of the dam finished in 1977 and it was initially called the P.K. le Roux dam. A village was built on the southern bank to house workers during the construction period and this has become the village of Vanderkloof which is a popular tourist destination today.
The principle river feeding the dam is the Orange River. It is also fed by the Berg River, Knapsak River, Paaiskloofspruit and others.
The dam offers visitors numerous activities including fishing, boating and other water sports. The Rolfontein Nature Reserve is located along its southern bank.
Vanderkloof Dam
References and further reading
Conolly's Guide to Southern Africa - Author: Denis Conolly - Year Published: 1982 - Page: 347Top
Wildeperdehoek Pass
Afrikaans name: Wildeperdehoekpas
On top of Wildeperdehoek Pass
Wildeperdehoek Pass is a short mountain pass in the Northern Cape. The pass was built between 1867 and 1869 by convicts. The road engineer was Patrick Fletcher.
The pass is less than 5 km long and rises 306 metres when travelling from the west.
The pass provides views over Namaqualand which are particularly beautiful when the spring flowers are in bloom.
Care should be exercised when travelling over this pass as sections of it have been washed away in recent years and these may, or may not, have been repaired.
References and further reading
Wild Issue 36 - Author: - Year Published: 2016 - Page: 52Wild Issue 43 - Author: - Year Published: 2018 - Page: 14
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