Kamieskroon is one of the most scenic towns in Namaqualand and it’s name is derived from the Kamies Mountain range. Tk’immie is the Nama word for ‘huddle’ or ‘bunch together’, Kamieskroon is located beneath the crown, a 330 m mountain peak ‘crowned’ with a huge cleft rock. Three mountain peaks lend character to the town, namely Kardou (southwest of town), Boesmanskop (west of town) and Sneeukop (northeast of town), which at a height of 1591 m is the highest point in Namaqualand. The Kamies Mountain environs are some of the most important ecological areas in Namaqualand and indeed in South Africa. According to naturalists the wealth of flowers is unequalled anywhere in the world. Thousands of visitors flock to the quiet and charming little village of Kamieskroon during spring, when the wild flowers are in full bloom.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Garies 50 km, Springbok 68 km

Mountains – Kamiesberg

HISTORICAL VIEW

The town has it’s origins as a Dutch Reformed Church parish, called Bowesdorp, in 1864, 6 km to the north of it’s present day location. Due to a number of geographical restrictions, it was impossible for the village to expand, and it was impossible for the village to expand, and it was decided to move the town across the mountains to it’s present day location. The church was relocated first, then the school, the police station and in due time the post office and the small stores.

Lt DJ Darter’s Grave

The grave of a British officer who died during the Anglo Boer War

Leliefontein and Nourivier

In some areas the local Nama families are still living in traditional Matjieshuisie (reed huts). Many of these settlements are still based around the mission

Leliefontein Methodist Church and Parsonage – National Monument

NATURE

Scenic Drives

Dirt road to Hondeklip Bay (west) and Witwater (east) are magnificent especially in spring

ATTRACTIONS

Kharkams

Beautiful flowers in season can be seen south of Kamieskroon

Paulshoek

Situated in the heart of the Kamiesberg, and offering a unique cultural experience. Traditional Nama matjieshuts can be seen and traditional meals are available on request.

Photographic Workshops

Learn more about your camera, your eye, and the landscape and flora of the Namaqualand from local and international photographers.

Spring Flowers

The area is well known for it’s spring flowers such as Bulbinella Latifolia and many other species

ACTIVITIES

Hiking - Various guided trails are offered

Mountain Biking / Cycling

Leliefontein

1. A 9 km circular route. Easy. Suitable for families. Own bikes. Permits required. Accommodation in the area.

2. A 49 km route. Difficult. Permits required. Own bikes.

Nourivier

A 29 km circular route. Easy to difficult. Permits required.

Vissersplaat

A 7,5 km circular route. Easy. Permits required. Own bikes. The best time to bike August to October

Vissersplaat – Lieliefontein

A 20 km routes. Easy. Permits required. Own bikes.

WHERE TO STAY

Olienpoort Guest Farm

Located in the exquisitely beautiful Namaqualand, Olienpoort offers five double rooms, as well as a renovated barn equipped to sleep four people. Campsites available. Classical farmstyle dinners and served by candle light in the cozy dining room, and includes mouthwatering bean or butternut soup, goat’s cheese in phyllo pastry, west coast fish, tender leg of lamb, stuffed lamb’s rib, waterblommetjies, veldkool bredie, and diet defying tipsy tart and pears in red wine. Carpets of wild flowers adorn Olienpoort during spring, which is located on the Namaqualand Flower Route. Close to the Skilpad Nature Reserve, Kamiesberg, Garies, Hondeklipbaai and Springbok. Short hiking trails and trailer rides at sunset

Accommodation in and around Kamieskroon