Good day everyone,

Today we are going back to 10 September 2013. Today we start our second day of our Tour de Sanparks.
Before we leave for Goegap Nature Reserve just outside Springbok, we are walking the streets of Springbok.

Springbok is the largest town in the Namaqualand area in the Northern Cape province of South Africa.

The town was founded on the farm Melkboschkuil when Kowie Cloete sold it in 1852 to establish a copper mine. In 1862 the town of Springbokfontein was laid out. The -fontein (fountain) was dropped in later years.

Springbok experiences low levels of air humidity, limited soil moisture, and severe sunshine throughout the year. This often arid area is home to seasonal vegetation and drought-resistant succulents like the kokerboom which have adapted to the harsh conditions to survive.

The streets lead off from a central little koppie (hill) which now shows off Namaqualand’s strange flora, such as the almost leafless Quiver tree whose branches were used by San people to hold their arrows. This area is famed for the incredible transformation which occurs every spring, when the near-lifeless scrubland explodes into color from thousands of flowers hidden in the dry dusty earth, brought to life by winter rains.

Monument Koppie, a small hill situated in the center of town, remains a historical site and landmark. While most of this area was destroyed by dynamite, planted by a commando, led by General Jan Smuts, some of the remains still stand today.

“It’s the little memories that will last a lifetime.”  ~Unknown

That’s it for now, friends. Thank you very much for traveling back in time with me.

Have a fabulous day. 

Keep safe and healthy.

Coreen