"Explore the 'eye' of the Northern Cape thirstland" Kuruman by CatherineReichardt

Kuruman Travel Guide: 18 reviews and 29 photos

One of the things that I most like about writing on Virtual Tourist is that it encourages you to become a tourist in your own backyard.

Working in the mining industry, I get to visit lots of out-of-the-way places, many of which are so obscure that the majority of South Africans wouldn't have heard of them, let alone be able to locate them on a map! I have always had a taste for offbeat attractions, and in researching the 'dorpies' (a not entirely affectionate Afrikaans term for 'little towns') that I frequent on business, I have discovered a whole new dimension to places that on the face of it might seem to be uninteresting!

Such is the case with Kuruman (population 12,000), probably best known today for being the centre of the global manganese industry - not a claim to fame that is likely to guarantee its inclusion on any list of 'Must Do' travel destinations! And yet Kuruman has a fascinating social history which has influenced the cultural development of not just the Northern Cape, but also Botswana, and which gives a fascinating perspective on the little-publicised human aspects of David Livingstone's involvement with Africa.

Let's be blunt: Kuruman is a long way from anywhere, and not really on the road to many places unless you're intrepid enough to be heading west from Johannesburg to Upington and the incredible Augrabies Falls. I am not suggesting that you make a special trip just to visit, but if you do find yourself in this neck of the woods, you are clearly someone who has a taste for exploring the 'road less travelled', and Kuruman will probably appeal to those instincts.

All that and a riviting insight into the significance of dolomitic springs - what more could you ask for???

Last visit to Kuruman: Jun 2008
Intro Updated Oct 11, 2010
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Reviews (8)

Pomegranates by Africa's oldest... Things to Do (7)

The garden opposite the main mission house at the Moffat Mission is lined with ancient, arthritic pomegranate trees... more travel advice

David Livingstone's quarters Things to Do (7)

(work in progress) David Livingstone only served as the minister at the Moffat Mission for only a few years before his... more travel advice

"Mrs Livingstone, (may) I presume?" Things to Do (7)

Actually David Livingstone was presuming a good deal when he stepped outside into the garden with Miss Mary Moffat ...... more travel advice

The wonderfully evocative Moffat Mission... Things to Do (7)

(work in progress) The focal point of the Moffat Mission is the church, which was first built in 1838, using stones... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (1)
Have you been to Hotazel?

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Comments (2)

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lmkluque Aug 25, 2012 at 11:32 AM

No I haven't been to Hotazel, but have felt hot as hell! Thanks for the tour Cathy. Thanks for the tour of Kuruman! I love these little spots that inspire imagination.
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aussirose Jan 29, 2012 at 3:19 AM

What a great write up Catherine! I like your style :o) What interesting history....I really enjoyed the read. And Hotazel....now that's a classic!! lol :o) Good stuff mate! xx