Okiep, Namaqualand
The mining settlement of Okiep is situated in the Northern Cape part of the Namaqualand and, while small and secluded, was once the pivotal point of the richest copper mining region on earth. It was established in 1862 and is part of the Nama Khoi Municipality in Namakwa.
Okiep, originally called O'okiep (meaning large brackish area), has a total area of 38.6 square kilometres and a local population of about 6 500 people. The vast majority of its residents are Afrikaans speaking.
Because of its rich supply of copper, Okiep was the site of a number of political upheavals, and saw many folk being killed in wars over its wealth. From the days of Simon van der Stel in the 17th century, right through to the Anglo-Boer War of the early 20th century, this region has been subjected to, and many times succumbed, human greed and material pursuits.
Today, it is such a tiny village that it does not often feature on the maps of tourist hotspots. However, thanks to the rich historical value of this settlement, it is well worth stopping over and enjoying a peek into the South Africa of generations past.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Namaqua Flower Beach Camp
Experience the luxury and convenience of an elegant private mobile tented camp, right on the beach, under skies that seem to stretch as far as th...
Walvis Self Catering
Walvis in McDougalls Bay is a holiday home offering accommodation near Port Nolloth, just 2 kilometers outside the main town. This laid back town...
Springbok Hotel
The Springbok Hotel as its name dictates is centrally located in the heart of Springbok directly opposite its sister hotel the Masonic Hotel divi...
Sperrgebiet Lodge
Sperrgebiet Lodge is located on a farm just 9km outside the town of Springbok. Here you can enjoy a peaceful getaway in the midst of rugged terra...
Kleinplasie Guesthouse
With 22 luxurious and beautifully furnished chalets / rooms, and luscious gardens, swarming with suikerbekkies, jan frederike, finches, doves and...
Richtersveld Experience Lodge
Richtersveld Experience Lodge is situated in the town of Port Nolloth, in the heart of Namaqualand. There's something for everyone at Richtersvel...
Daisy Country Lodge
Daisy Country Lodge offers quality accommodation just 4km outside of the town of Springbok. From this location you can enjoy gorgeous views over ...
Kamieskroon Cosy Cottage
Kamieskroon Cosy Cottage is located in Kamieskroon, the soul of Namaqualand. Experience a semi-desert region transforming into a rainbow-colored ...
Dolfyn Self Catering
Dolfyn in McDougalls Bay is a holiday home offering accommodation near Port Nolloth, just 2 kilometres outside the main town. McDougalls Bay is h...
Things to do in the area
Port Nolloth Beach
If you've booked accommodation in Port Nolloth, chances are that you are looking for the ultimate seaside escape. Here, the changing of the tide ...
Noteworthy attractions
Richtersveld National Park
The Richtersveld is a unique mountain desert wilderness of great beauty, tucked in the far north-western corner of the Northern Cape in South Afr...
Goegap Nature Reserve
The Goegap Nature Reserve with its granite peaks and sandy plains are dominated by Carolusberg, the highest point in the area. Goegap's wild flow...
Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape
Inscribed in 2007 as the eighth World Heritage Site in South Africa, the Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape is a remarkable mountainou...
Namaqua National Park
Say Namaqua National Park and people immediately think carpets of spring wild flowers. And they would not be wrong - Namaqualand not only has som...
Namaqualand Flower Route
The spring wild flowers are a phenomenon that never ceases to amaze and delight, even for those who live in what is considered South Africa's "ou...
Skilpad Wildflower Reserve
The Skilpad Wildflower Reserve was established by the WWF in 1988 to raise awareness of the floral kingdom of the Namaqualand. Mainly shrubland a...
Akkedis Pass
The Richtersveld is usually described by the adjectives 'rugged', 'desolate' and 'forbidding'. It's a dry, unforgiving landscape that is at once ...
Messelpad Pass
Messelpad Pass lies on the 104 km gravel road between Springbok and Hondeklip Bay in the Northern Cape, one of two passes through the Tigerkloof....
Wildeperdehoek Pass
Almost inextricably linked to Messelpad Pass (the two are part of the 'Copper Route' between Springbok and Hondeklip Bay) Wildeperdehoek Pass is ...
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