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Kuruman
Kuruman, Northern Cape,
South Africa
Water, mountains and dense vegetation, the "oasis of the Kalahari". Set on the Ghaap Plateau, it is blessed with a permanent and abundant source of water in the form of a mineral spring (The Eye), delivering some 20 million litres a day
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Water, mountains and dense vegetation - this is how this beautiful green town, situated in the Kuruman Valley is described. A pleasure for the tourist and a proud for its residents.
Kuruman is the main town in the Kalahari region and is known as the "Oasis of the Kalahari". The town is blessed with a permanent source of water. Gasegonyane (little water calabash), commonly known as `Die Oog', delivers 20 million litres of crystal clear water daily to its approximately 10 000 inhabitants.
Robert Moffat, a Scottish missionary, lived here for fifty years (1820-1870) and built the world-famous Moffat church (completed in 1838). This church still exists and regular services are still conducted. Moffat was also the first person to translate the Bible into Setswana.
The mining and agricultural (cattle and game) activities support Kuruman's thriving economy. Various minerals are mined in the area, eg manganese ore, iron ore, tiger's eye and crocidolite (blue asbestos). The richest deposits of crocidolite in the world are found in the Kuruman district.
Kuruman is also establishing itself as one of the major hunting areas in South Africa.
Kuruman is situated on a main route between Gauteng and Namibia/Cape Town via Upington. This route is growing in popularity because of the unspoilt nature and wide variety of tourist attractions found on the route. Visitors are continually fascinated by this beautiful and progressive town.
Due to its location on the brim of the Kalahari, the Kuruman area is renowned for extreme temperatures during the summer and winter. Frost generally occurs during the winter months. Humid north and north-east bearing winds result in thunderstorms during December to April. The average area rainfal is 420mm per annum.
Attractions:
Billy Duvenhage Nature Reserve
"Die Oog" - this natural fountain delivers 20-30 million litres of crystal clear water every day. Endangered species of fish (no fishing). National monument.
Kalahari Raptor Rehabilitation Centre - treats and rehabilitates injured raptors.
Moffat Mission Station
Truce Tree dates back to the rebellion of 1914.
Bird Sanctuary - it is a wetland area with lots of grass, reeds and trees. Approximately 115 different species of birds.
Kuruman Hiking Trail
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, mine excursions and world-famous Wonderwerk Cave are all in the nearby vicinity.
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Location: Kuruman,
Northern Cape |
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