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
The Growcery
The Growcery Camp is a rustic camp situated on the banks of the mighty Orange River, 22km from Vioolsdrift and offers a tranquil friendly environ...
Frontier River Resort
The Frontier River Resort offers self-catering safari-style tent accommodation in Vioolsdrift, 6km from the border post, on the banks of the Oran...
Rob Self Catering
Rob in McDougalls Bay is a holiday home offering accommodation near Port Nolloth, just 2 kilometers outside the main town. This laid back town is...
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...
Springbok Inn
Springbok Inn is a newly built hotel that has a swimming pool, restaurant and bar available to guests. We offer bed and breakfast accommodation i...
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...
Honnehokke Resort
The Honnehokke Resort has regularly featured in various magazines as the most friendly getaway on the Northern Cape's West Coast. This is a tranq...
Elkoweru Guest House
With our quiet and relaxed countryside atmosphere we offer you one of Springbok's first guest houses established since the 1990's. Enjoy a glass ...
Kwelanga River Lodge
Kwelanga River Lodge is a family run resort with a restaurant on site. The lodge offers chalets with beautiful river views and en-suite bathrooms...
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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