 |
Caravan and Camping in Keimoes, Northern Cape, South Africa |
 |
 | Kalahari Water Holiday Farm
AA Associate Member
Caravan and Camping in Keimoes, Northern CapeKalahari Water is a privately owned eco-tourism development that lies on a vineyard farm 4km from Keimoes, on an island paradise along the mighty Orange River. River Bush Camp with unique reed huts, an exclusive private caravilla and River Park next to the river amongst mature trees without electricity. Spacious, electrified, fully-equipped family self-catering units between the vineyards. Activities include swimming, fishing, canoeing, tubing, bird watching, 4x4 route, mountain bike and hiking trails. Our area boasts the highest amount of the magnificent Aloe Gariepensis worldwide. Experience the beauty of the aloes and the suprising contrast where the unapproachable desert meets the richness of the oasis of the Orange River. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
GeographyKeimoes is a small town situated about 50 km southwest of Upington along the N14.History There are a couple of versions of the origins of the name Keimoes. The first is that the leader of a village along the banks of the Orange River decided to call it Keimoes (mouse nest) owing to the thousands of mice found living in the area. However, it is probably more likely that the origin of the name lies in the Nama words `gei' (great) and `mus' (fountain or eye). Whichever way you look at it, this oasis town lying in an extremely arid region is well regarded for its green fields of lucerne, wheat and fruit.Arts and CulturePhotographers will delight in the paddle wheel of the old watermill, which is a fantastic subject in the surrounding contrasting landscape, as the light plays off it at sunset. The wheel still works, and leads water from the Orange River to the vineyards and orchards in the romantic, old-fashioned way. Other interesting attractions in Keimoes include the Dutch Reformed mission church, built in 1889, now a provincial heritage site, and the memorial, halfway to Kakamas, that commemorates the First World War Battle that took place here in 1915.Science Keimoes, like many other villages lying on the banks of the Orange River, relies heavily on the growing of grapes for its subsistence. But unlike other harvests, the Keimoes grapes usually land up not as wine, but being dried out and turned into raisins. Nature lovers are in for a treat at the Tierberg Nature Reserve, which lies about 4km from town along the road to Augrabies National Falls Park. Here, the 160ha area is home to springbok, aloes and fascinating bird life. At the highest point in the reserve there is a lookout that offers visitors great views across the Orange River Valley.EntertainmentThe surrounding areas of Keimoes and the banks of the Orange River lend themselves very nicely to outdoor activities of all types. Some of these exciting activities include bird-watching, canoeing, and swimming, mountain biking, hiking, angling and 4x4 trails. There are wine tastings and tours offered at the Orange River Wine Cellars Co-operative's largest distillery in the lower Orange River Valley, which has wonderful views of the river's interesting islands.Did You KnowThe word raisin comes from the old French word for grape. |
|
