Kenhardt, Green Kalahari
Interestingly, the area in which Kenhardt is situated was home to outlaws in the frontier days. In 1868, the Cape Government established a post here under magistrate Maximillian Jackson as well as 50 policemen in order to get to the place the policemen had to fight. These men erected their camp under a beautiful Camelthorn tree and this was the beginning of what would later become the town of Kenhardt. That giant Camelthorn tree can still be viewed today.
Kenhardt became a municipality in 1909. The Kenhardt landscape is arid but also characterised by a luscious green belt fed by the gorgeous Hartbees River and by irrigation water from the Rooiberg Dam. This arid land boasts a fascination of its own, the tedium of brown sand being broken only by black dolerite boulders.
Because of the lack of trees in the area, a large number of weaver birds make use of the telegraph poles along the road to build their community nests. Their large nests or “bird apartments” can easily house over 150 birds and can be lived in for more than a century. One can easily spot them along the way.
The fantastic wide-open spaces of Verneukpan are an ideal hotspot for parasailing enthusiasts. Verneukpan was made famous in 1929 when Sir Malcolm Campbell unsuccessfully attempted to break the world land-speed record in his Bluebird 1. For those who prefer an archaeological adventure, there are San trails which will lead you over several hills, in the footsteps of the San, to spots which the San chose as canvases for their art. One can see what they saw and experience what they did.
There is also an Old Library Building one can explore. This building dates from 1897 and was used as a library until 1977. It was declared a national monument in 1978.
The Quiver Tree Forest is an ideal hiking destination. Hike through this forest boasting over 4 000 - 5 000 trees and marvel at their beauty. Kenhardt may be small but certainly not insignificant. The beauty and splendour of this area make it a favourable holiday destination for many.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
A-la-Fugue
"ŕ La Fugue" guesthouse - with its exceptionally green, beautiful garden, refreshing blue pool, thatched lapa and tropical island atmosphere - is...
Allianto Boutique Hotel
Allianto Boutique Hotel is located in an original pioneer home, one of the first permanent structures built in Upington. Whether you are looking ...
Khamkirri Camping
Khamkirri Camping is located along the banks of the Orange River in Kakamas, Northern Cape. The camp is a family orientated destination where chi...
De Nachtuilen Guest House
Situated in the tourist corridor of Upington, the river city of the Green Kalahari. De Nachtuilen Guesthouse's rooms are designed to make you fee...
Stay on Top
Stay on Top is a guest house in Postmasburg that offers half-board, bed and breakfast, or room-only accommodation. Stay on Top has individually d...
The Overlook
The Overlook is situated in Keimoes in the Northern Cape and offers AA Highly Recommended accommodation. All rooms have a spectacular view of the...
Sun River Kalahari Lodge
Sun River Kalahari Lodge is a home away from home, situated in the heart of the Green Kalahari, stretched over five properties, on the banks of t...
Plato Lodge
Plato Lodge is situated 50km west from Augrabies Waterfalls Natural Park. It is ideal for the visitor who wants to explore the waterfalls at Augr...
Ikaia River Lodge
Situated near Keimoes, the jewel of the Northern Cape, Ikaia River Lodge offers a variety of accommodation. The establishment is 40 kms from Upin...
Things to do in the area
Ouma Miemie’s Farm Stall
Ouma Miemie’s Farm Stall is a treasure of a find in the Northern Cape town of Kenhardt. A wide selection of marmalades, jams, jellies and chutne...
Noteworthy attractions
Augrabies Falls National Park
The Khoi people called it 'Aukoerebis', the place of the Great Noise, referring to the Orange River thundering its way downwards for 60 metres in...
Spitskop Nature Reserve
The Spitskop Nature Reserve was named after Spitskop, an impressive granite koppie just outside the small town of Upington. Consisting mainly of ...
Witsand Nature Reserve
The Witsand (White Sands) Nature Reserve is a 2 500 hectares island of brilliant white sands surrounded by a sea of regular Red Kalahari sand. Al...
Upington Golf Club
Situated just outside of Upington on the N14 road to Johannesburg and Olifantshoek, next to Desert Palace Casino, is the Upington Golf Course. Th...
Orange River Wine Route
In a part of South Africa that is, for all intents and purposes, practically desert, one does not expect to find a wine route. But the Orange Riv...
Northern Cape Wine Estates
With a completely different climate to the Cape Winelands, the Northern Cape produces a number of ranges of wines that boast unique flavours. The...
Riemvasmaak Community Conservancy
North west of the town of Kakamas and bordering the Augrabies National Park is the Riemvasmaak Community Conservancy - 75 00 hectares of land bet...
Hakskeen Pan
Hakskeen Pan is a dry lake bed, and the world's largest unworked saltpan. It lies way up in the far north west of the Northern Cape, 300 km from ...
Kokerboom Food and Wine Route
The Kokerboom, or quiver tree, is one of the most idiosyncratic trees of the Kalahari (South Africa and Namibia). Also known, in scientific circl...
Find accommodation in Kenhardt
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Northern Cape Accommodation / Green Kalahari Accommodation / Kenhardt Accommodation