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
Kamieskroon Cosy Cottage
Kamieskroon Cosy Cottage is located in Kamieskroon, the soul of Namaqualand. Experience a semi-desert region transforming into a rainbow-colored ...
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 ...
Snoek Self Catering
Snoek in McDougalls Bay holiday home offers accommodation for four guests, near Port Nolloth, just 2 kilometers outside the main town. This laid ...
Kliprand Guest House
Kliprand Guest House, your home in Springbok, is nestled in the picturesque town renowned as the Namaqualand Flower Capital. The accommodation se...
Thys'e Kombuis & Guest Farm
Come and experience a relaxing getaway at Thys'e Kombuis & Guest Farm, perfect for couples wanting to get away or family needing a break. The far...
Orange River Rafting Lodge
Orange River Rafting Lodge is situated on the banks of the Orange River and has a peaceful atmosphere, with perceptible silent, starry nights. Th...
Yield House
Situated on the beachfront, Yield House offers guests lovely self-catering accommodation in Port Nolloth in three sections which can be booked se...
Galjoen Self Catering
Galjoen Holiday Home in McDougalls Bay offering accommodation near Port Nolloth, just 2 kilometers outside the main town. This laid back town is ...
Apollis Cottage
Apollis Cottage is situated in Concordia, Namaqualand, a beautiful area 17kms from Springbok in the Northern Cape. The guest house boasts three l...
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 ...
Find accommodation in Okiep
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Northern Cape Accommodation / Namaqualand Accommodation / Okiep Accommodation