Danielskuil

Danielskuil, Green Kalahari

Danielskuil is a rather quiet little town situated in the Northern Cape in South Africa. Fantastic fertile soil and an abundance of water saw to it that man dwelled in the Daniëlskuil area since prehistoric times.

According to tradition, the name of the town is derived from a natural pit, named “kuil” in Afrikaans, in the dolomite structure. According to the legend, many perpetrators were imprisoned under awful conditions in this pit. Fascinatingly, a link was made with the biblical figure of Daniël, who ended up in a pit with lions, hence the name Daniëlskuil. Interestingly, Danielskuil boasts the first documented case of cigarette smoking in South Africa. In June 1823, the Korana and San leaders were rather shocked when traveller George Thomas had the audacity to pass on the traditional peace pipe in favour of tobacco wrapped in paper! Sadly, Daniëlskuil was also the first town in the area where asbestos related diseases were reported in 1942.

The wonderful discovery of diamonds in Kimberley led to colonization of Griqualand by the English authorities in Cape Town. Subsequently, the Griqua people became scattered. The town of Daniëlskuil obtained official status in 1892. For over 80 years after that, Danielskuil mainly provided support for the farming community.

The rather large-scale mining of lime at Daniëlskuil has led to its growth and development. Since 1974 Idwala Limes has been mining the lime deposits dating back 200 million years. Over 5 million tons of stone is mined annually!

Danielskuil boasts many different historical sites. For an informative historical day trip, make your way to Wonderwerk Cave just 40km outside Daniëlskuil where proof of human existence dating back 800 000 years can be discovered and explored. Archaeological research at this massive cave site has revealed and proved an immensely long record of human and environmental history spanning hundreds of thousands of years. This mystical cave as well as its surroundings, forms a conservation area with several distinctive features of the gorgeous Kuruman Hills. The site is open to the public and includes an interpretative centre nearby the cave. Other historical sites include Vermeulen grave, Dutch Reformed Church, Old Town Hall and many more.

Danielskuil boasts rather warm summers, beautiful landscapes and superb amenities. It's rather a tranquil town where the people have formed a united community and boasts an abundance of beauty as well as rich cultural heritage.