Kakamas |
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To
some, the town’s name originates from the Khoi word, ‘gagamas’
(brown), referring to the red clay of the area with which women daub
their faces. To most, though, Kakamas is a Koranna word meaning ‘poor
pasture’ and ‘vicious, charging ox’.
Legend has it that grazing in the vicinity was poor and, when cattle were driven through the river’s drifts, some turned on their drivers. Today, the name reflects poorly on a fertile valley in the Lower Orange River, graced with vineyards, cotton and lucerne fields. The drought of 1895-97 was followed by an outbreak of rinderpest, leaving many farmers destitute. Knysna’s Dutch Reformed Church minister, BPJ Marchand, sometimes called the father of Kakamas, played a leading role in saving people from ruin. The river islands of Marchand, Zoetap and Neus became a labour colony for the poor. So successful were their farming ventures that full title to the land was granted them. In 1930, the church divided an area in central Kakamas into 40 residential plots.This was the beginning of Kakamas township. Cultivating grapes for raisins began in 1960 and table grapes in 1980. Today, they are exported worldwide. Attractions and Things to do in Kakamas Augrabies Falls National Park Covering an area of 820km2 and stretching along the Orange River, the scenic Augrabies Falls National Park is home to various animals, indigenous trees and the worlds 6th largest waterfall. The falls plummet 56 meters into the ravine and appropriately get their name from a khoi word which means ‘place of noise’. Egyptian-styled Hydroelectric Power Station German War Graves The graves of German soldiers killed in a 1915 clash with South African troops lie at the foot of a low hill. Irrigation Tunnels Built by Cornish miners, they can be seen outside Kakamas. Kalahari Adventure Centre Rafting, canoeing, hiking, desert adventures and Kalahari backroads safari’s. Tel 054 451 0218 Fax 054 451 0177Email info@kalahari.co.za Website www.kalahari.co.za Khamkirri Private Game Reserve ‘Place of the Leopard’, the name given by the Nama for this part of the world. This Private Game Reserve, consisting of 7 500ha, is situated where the mighty Orange River and the Kalahari meet. Game drives, river rafting, 4x4 routes, 4x2 bakkie routes, horseriding, angling, absailing, watersking and hiking trails. Tel 054 451 0325 Operating Waterwheels Eleven waterwheels are still used on the canals. They can be seen in Voortrekker Street or on the many canals running through the vineyards, lucerne and cottonfields. Riemvasmaak Hot Springs To the north of the mighty Augrabies Falls, between the Orange and dry Molopo Rivers, lies 75 000 hectares of sheer mountain desert wilderness born from violent volcanic activity millions of years ago. You will be dwarfed by eighty metre high granite cliff walls and awesome lunar landscape-like scenery. It is inhabited by friendly Riemvasmaak people. Indulge in a great 4x4 trail experience. Tel 054 431 0945. Rockery Route, The Following the gravel road from Neilersdrift to Kakamas via the Neus Wier, you will be stunned by differing landscapes. At times, the world is transformed into a series of rocky outcrops with twisted kokerbome and camelthorn trees - at others, the lush vineyards on the river’s many islands cover the landscape ingrass-green splendour. Wine Tasting and Tours Offered at the Orange River Wine Cellars Co-operative. Tel 054 431 0830.
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