Green Kalahari Adventures. Canoe Trails, Backroa

0: Vioolsdrift Dam on the Lower Orange River - Proposed

Vioolsdrift Dam on the Lower Orange River - Proposed.



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1: Pella Gorge Road

Do this!



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2: Optional Sand Road

This is not a shortcut. Be warned, the place is beautiful but unforgiving to the ill prepared.
Wild Koppies, Kokerbome, Sand. 4x4 only.


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3: N14 Update

This is the route of the N14. The Yellow google one is the ancient dirt road from the 70's.


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4: Real Northern Cape Backroads Tourism

One of my favourite routes. Well worth spending time in these areas. The old "More space than your imagination" comes to mind.


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5: Loeriesfontein to Kakamas 290km

Amazingly nowhere dirt backroad. Always different although it seems as if it should all be the same. Spend a while, refuel and be prepared. For a backroad trip through nowhere, this is it......Google map gets a bit vague here. Will update and confirm the zig zag section. Rest is pretty close.

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6: Directions to Augrabies Falls Backpackers @-28.66137,20.412598

_SnapToRoads: true

7: Kalahari Trails Nature Reserve

Prof Anne Rasa's place on the way up to Twee Rivieren and the Kgalagadi. My favourite stopover on both the up and down trips, as here one may walk in the dunes, barefoot, as in a dream.
She also does this amazing thing with ultraviolet light and the night creatures of the dunes. www.kalahari-trails.co.za.
'Prof. Anne Rasa'


Accommodation and things to do around Augrabies and the Augrabies Falls. Care of us from Augrabies Falls Backpackers Lodge, Accommodation, Backpackers and Camp, Hot Air Balloon Launch field. 10 km from the Augrabies Falls National park.
072 515 6079
augrabiesfallsbackpackers (at) gmail.com
S 28' 39.711
E 020' 24.715
Alt 2175 ft

8: Riemvasmaak Hot Springs

Always a favourite and must do! Give my regards to Norbert when you get there. Thanks.

They are somewhere onthe Northern Cape Tourism site. www.northerncape.org.za


Accommodation and things to do around Augrabies and the Augrabies Falls. Care of us from Augrabies Falls Backpackers Lodge, Accommodation, Backpackers and Camp, Hot Air Balloon Launch field. 10 km from the Augrabies Falls National park.
072 515 6079
augrabiesfallsbackpackers (at) gmail.com
S 28' 39.711
E 020' 24.715
Alt 2175 ft


www.augrabies.iblog.co.zawww.kalahari.iblog.co.za

9: Daberas Adventures

Piet le Grange's Place, well it was untill he e-mailed me today to say he is back in Pretoria...I wonder who is there now? - 4x4 Outdoor.
Self Catering Guesthouse
Campsite with 5 star Showers and dip-pool
Some of the best examples of Orange River Broken Sandveld.


daberas@teljomsa.net
www.upington.com/DaberasAdventures.

www.kalahari.iblog.co.za
www.iblog.co.za

10: A whole lot of not much

This is where the Kalahari byline "More space than your imagination" was born. On a backroad, with a puncture, and the silence roared.......

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11: Augrabies Falls Backpackers

Oasis and Hideout, 10 km from the falls
072 515 6079 augrabies@vodamail.co.za

The Augrabies Adventure Map has been created form this spot. Probably the best info you will get on the area. Broadband Rules!

S 28' 39.711
E 020' 24.715
Alt 2175 ft
Accommodation and things to do around Augrabies and the Augrabies Falls. Care of us at the Augrabies Falls Backpackers - Accommodation, Backpackers and Camp, Hot Air Launchpad. 10 km from the Augrabies Falls National park.In here somewhere, klikalink!S 28' 39.711E 020' 24.715Alt 2175 ftOr go to www.augrabies.iblog.co.za orwww.kalahari.iblog.co.za

12: Orange River Adventures

13: Verneuk Pan

14: Vredesvallei Bridge, Orange River

15: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Peace Park - Kalahari Gemsbok

16: Riemvasmaak Community Tourism Office

Contact Clarissa at the office. I will look for her cell number....

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17: Molopo 4x4 route

This has to be the most challenging 4x4 trail around. Best to do it from the top although I have done it the wrong way. Just makes things a bit more interesting. Lots of rocks.


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18: Vredesvallei

The new village at Vredesvallei.


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19: Xubunap

Wild and untamed 4x4 only.


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20: Oranjestroon

"Secret" Yellowfish Spot.



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21: Bak River Access

The Wildest Side.



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22: Kokerboom Forest

Best one around with excellent landscape into Namibia.



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23: Raap en Skraap

Guesthouse, Campsite, Farm.



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24: VW - BMW - Vehicle Test Track

Annual heatwave vehicle testing site. Evidentaley they drive around and around for ages, then pack the result up and ship it back home to see what they broke. Sounds like fun.....What's the chance I get to do the rally bit? I can be contacted somewhere in here i think>

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25: Pella Pumpstation - Pella Drift

Often not shown on maps as it is "privately" maintained by the Black Mountain. This road should be driven slowly and beware of washouts and flash floods. The deep sand at the mouth of the river where it meets the Orange has to be some of the most challenging sand around.

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26: Kalahari Minerals

Crystal collectors dream. An extensive variety of top quality crystals from the Northern Cape.



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27: Route 359 Dried fruit stall

28: Fishing

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29: Fishing Spot

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30: Nous Nagmaal Kerk

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31: Kalahari Cliffs

G



www.ottspot.iblog.co.za

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32: Neus Falls, Orange River

Use the Rockery Route from Neilersdrift to Kakamas for a great backroads experience.
Euphorbia, Quiver Trees, Aloes.


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33: Big View - Tierberg Lookout

Keimoes means "Big Eye" or "Great View"
Drive to the top of the mountain in the Tierberg Nature Reserve and see tomorrow coming.


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34: Nuclear Waste Disposal Site - 10 000 years

Soth Africa's Nuclear Waste Disposal Site is out here somwhere. Bandwidth does not allow for much closer inspection.

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www.kalahari.iblog.co.za

35: Proposed Nuclear Power Site near here

The Pebblebed Nuclear Reactor is set to be out here somewhere.


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36: Dam Orange - Probale Site

New dam will probably be about here. Some links to the Conservation Planning Initiative which will at some point be included in justifying the process.

http://www.dwaf.gov.za/Documents/Other/RMP/LOR/LORRMPBIDAug07.pdf

http://www.dwaf.gov.za/Documents/Other/RMP/LOR/LORRMPProcess4Sep07.pdfAccommodation and things to do around Augrabies and the Augrabies Falls. Care of us from Augrabies Falls Backpackers Lodge, Accommodation, Backpackers and Camp, Hot Air Balloon Launch field. 10 km from the Augrabies Falls National park.
072 515 6079
augrabiesfallsbackpackers (at) gmail.com
S 28' 39.711
E 020' 24.715
Alt 2175 ft



http://www.augrabies.iblog.co.za/ http://www.kalahari.iblog.co.za/

37: The Augrabies Falls Main Fall

Main Fall at Augrabies Falls National Park.
Various heights are quoted. Best way I can describe it is as a Cataract type fall with a final drop of about 69 metres.
On low water the falls can be quite boring so don't miss out on the most spectacular views from Arrow Point on the Dassie Trail.
Full details at Park Reception.

Meet some real people at the Augrabies Falls Backpackers Lodge, 10 km from the falls. Home of Adventurers since 1997.

Accommodation and things to do around Augrabies and the Augrabies Falls. Care of us from Augrabies Falls Backpackers Lodge, Accommodation, Backpackers and Camp, Hot Air Balloon Launch field. 10 km from the Augrabies Falls National park.
072 515 6079
augrabiesfallsbackpackers (at) gmail.com
S 28' 39.711
E 020' 24.715
Alt 2175 ft
www.augrabies.iblog.co.za
www.kalahari.iblog.co.za

38: Ararat and Oranjekom - Augrabies Gorge

Yes, some crazy people did go rafting down there......


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39: Witbank,

This village has grown from reed houses to a much improved state. Stop in at the tourist office or at least try to spen some money in the town. There are 3 fridges from which ice cold beverages can be obtained.
River take-outs also come through here after the Klein Pella Kum Kum falls Trip.


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40: Witbank Natural Weir.

Great place to camp and swim. Rapid is quite safe on lowish water. Good fishing as well.


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41: Sonpomp Takeout - 300 metres above the Bluegum.

Place take-out crews need to find. It's quite far up, hard right through the bush and beware of the hump at the canal crossing.


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42: Kraphol Eiland - Scratch-Hole Island

Plenty of waterworn potholes raising the hopes of many a fortune seeker. Never much news of any decent finds.


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43: Klein Pella Guesthouse

Excellent, highly recommended for anyone in the area. Great camping, amazing guesthouse and excellent food. The view is of the best.


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44: Kum Kum Falls

Kum Kum Falls, Depending on Bandwidth...



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45: Dabenoris Mountains

Funky mountain with interesting kloof. Deep sand in places.


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46: Kabies Takeout

Just downstream of the powerlines.


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47: Weirs and tricks

tricky bit of the river but does have some nice campsites along here, waterlevels depending.

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48: Onseepkans Borderpost - Office Hours Only

Beware, the borderpost closes earlyish.


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49: Placemark 43

50: Coboop. Access, Camp and Guesthouse

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51: Gamsberg - Zinc Mine - Proposed

Interesting place, mountain retreat of the last of the first people. Here they made their last stand. Destined to become a 600 metre deep open cast zinc mine. Railway will be extended from the Sishen Saldanha line at Loop 10 near Kenhardt.


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52: Desert Rose Granite Mine and 4x4.

Some wild 4x4 stuff here.
Great views.


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53: Klein Pella River Campsite

Datepalms and a huge grassed campsite. Basically exactly what you're here for.


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54: Koegas Westerberg Asbestos workings.

Koegas and Westerberg are the mines where the asbestos miners got ill. Asbestosis. Stunning setting where the road follows the Orange for a while. Place is deserted and word has it that no-one is really planning on doing anything about it. Perhaps an enlarged Boegoebergdam will just flood it?


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55: Boegoebeg Dam

A rough ride getting there but most cars will get there if you take it easy. Excellent showers with stunning water pressure. Secluded campsites upstream. Chalets.


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56: Eland Beware

Beware of eland on the road

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57: Nak se Plaas

Petroglyphs

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58: N7 Border - Namibia - South Africa

Some days are good, schoolholidays can be busy.

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59: Providence Camp

Carlos still has a hand in on this I believe. Still a great spot to start a river trip from.

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60: Sambok Rapid and Fluorspar Mine

Traditional resupply on the Orange River Trips.

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61: Rudi's Mine

The river terraces being mined here can be clearly seen from the river. Diamonds are found here.

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62: Witches Mountain

Favourite campsite

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63: Halfmens Hill

To all those who made it to the top, well done!

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64: Gamkab Rapid

The Big Fullstop.

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65: De Hoop Camp

Murray Thomas drove a Hi-ace down here during the huge flood season of 1998 when the Felix Unite operation was still young. It was all about a coolerbox full of sosaties. A long story, essentially though a pointless journewy except for the great fun that Murray would have had doing it. This was before the days of the upgraded Richtersveld roads.

www.kalahari.iblog.co.za

66: Fish and Orange Confluence

Some of these markers may have to move.

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67: Most Northerly point on the Orange River

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68: Sendelingsdrift Ferry / Pont

Now open during normal office hours. This really opens up a few interesting loops rather than the old in and out of the Richtersveld via Steinkopf.

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69: Campsite on the River

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70: Orange River Mouth and Estuary

There's heaps of info on this. Suffice to say that there is not much to see in terms of landscape. Whats underfoot holds ones attention far more.

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71: Rooipad / Orange Falls Airstrip

72: Skiutdrift landing Strip

Check condition!

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73: Raap en Skraap Strip

Check condition with Raap en Skraap farm.
A bit neglected....

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74: Fishing Spot - Perde Eiland

Some great spots along here, sometimes need to speak to the local farmers.

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75: Fishing Spot - Tricky

Tricky to get to but there are fish here.

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www.kalahari.iblog.co.za

76: Gudaus - Goodhouse.

Hottest place in South Africa - Official


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77: Henkries Pumpstation

Henkries pumps water all the way to Springbok and serves the mines in Namaqualand. Believe their may even be a link to Kleinsee but cannot confirm that. Okiep and Nababeep definately depend on Orange River water.

www.kalahari.iblog.co.za

78: Riverside Location

We did the Hunters Dry desert and island shoot out here. It snowed in Springbok that week. Eina.

www.kalahari.co.za

79: //Khomeni San and the Kruiper Clan

Witdraai, Andriesvale and Erin Farm are the current homes for the last of the first people. Their livelihood is mainly from crafts so please do purchas direct from the manufacturers. Every cent spent here is well received with no commision, tax or agents levy.

www.kalahari.iblog.co.za

80: Solar Powered Turbine - Eskoms Gloss

Lip service will be paid by this small 180MW solar power station just outside Upington. Designed, I believe to avert attention away from the Nuclear Plant at Kleinsee and the Nuclear Waste Dumpsite in Namaqualand.......10 000 years, 10 000 years.......

www.kalahari.iblog.co.za

81: Missile Test Range - Alkantpan

Quite a site to see when they do night firings. Evidently a few of the small oriental countries do quite a bit of testing out here....Nuff sed.

82: Van Wyk'svlei Dam

"First Public Works Dam in South Africa" ? I believe it said on the plaque. Hand built with lots of donkeys and sleds way back then. Problem was the planning was done in a particularly wet spell and it never really filled once it was built. A canal leads to the anticipated babylon of van Wyk'svlei.

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83: Nuclear Bomb - SA's First

Somewhere out here down a deep hole was the first nuclear explosion supported by the Nationalist regime.
Do the sheep glow in the dark is perhaps a question we should ask......

84: Nuclear Waste Disposal Site - 10 000 years

Soth Africa's Nuclear Waste Disposal Site is out here somwhere. Bandwidth does not allow for much closer inspection.

www.augrabies.iblog.co.za
www.kalahari.iblog.co.za

85: Nuclear Waste Disposal Site - 10 000 years

Soth Africa's Nuclear Waste Disposal Site is out here somwhere. Bandwidth does not allow for much closer inspection.

www.augrabies.iblog.co.za
www.kalahari.iblog.co.za

86: From: upington

87: To: Augrabies Falls Backpackers @-28.66137,20.412598

88: Kalahari Ballooning - Molopo Lodge

89: Kalahari Ballooning - Hot Air Ballooning SA at Augrabies

90: Kalahari Ballooning - Hot Air Ballooning SA at Augrabies

91: Augrabies Falls Backpackers and Adventure Centre

92: Augrabies Falls Backpackers and Adventure Centre

93: Kamieskroon Aardbewing - 15h37 25 Junie 2011

94: Augrabies Falls Backpackers and Adventure Centre

95: Nxamaseri Island Lodge