West Coast, South Africa - September 2022.
1. Sprinbok and Nababeep.
We took 2 days to drive up to Springbok, stopping at Fynbos Guest Farm campsite, south of Tulbagh, overnight.
Unusually I didn't take many photos on our trip north.
Carol and Darryl wanted to visit Springbok as they'd never been there and also wanted to drive out to Port Nolloth and Alexander Bay. They were also hoping to see some spring flowers.
We arrived at the Springbok campsite and met up with them on their return from the day trip to Port Nolloth and Alexander Bay.
Nababeep
The following day we drove out to visit the Nababeep Museum. Mining began in the 1850s and, from 1876, ore was taken to Port Nolloth by train, for export. The mine closed during the copper slump of 1919, but reopened in 1937. It is home to the Okiep Copper Company and is the regions largest copper-mining town.
We had a guided tour inside the museum, which details the history of the town and has some interesting old equipment and photographs. We then were able to wander around outside.
The old locomotive 'CLARA' is in the grounds. She was used between Port Nolloth and the Okiep mine from 1890 to 1941 for the transport of goods and subsequently for shunting until 1952 when the railroad was abandoned. Clara was the first of seven similar mountain-type locomotives and was the last one to be scrapped.
Flowers
Sadly the main flower season in this area was nearly over but on our way back from Nababeep I saw a back road which we decided to explore and did come across quite a few flowers, including a couple of larger patches.
A nice quiet gravel road so we were able to pull over and have a wander around whenever we saw a nice patch of flowers.
Kevin and Darryl having a look around some old remians that we spotted.
Last updated: February 2023