Northern Cape Tourist AttractionsQuiver Tree Forest
Where? About 30 km from Nieuwoudtville, Northern Cape
Overnight? Accommodation in Nieuwoudtville, in Northern Cape
Quiver trees are a kind of aloe that are as beautiful as they are full of character. They are reminiscent of a wilder Africa, where only the toughest survive. Also known as kokerboom trees, these are part of the aloe family (Aloe dichotoma) and are characterised by branches that split into smaller sections, and by the hardy succulent leaves that are designed to weather the heat.
In times gone by, though, these trees were used by the ancient hunter-gatherer folk, who hollowed out the branches and used them as quivers for their arrows. They were strong and durable; ideal for this purpose.
Today, the quiver tree forest is perched between Nieuwoudtville and Loeriesfontein in the Northern Cape Province. It is on the border of the Gannabos Protected Area, which is a wild flower reserve. Visiting this area gives you a sense of solitude and tranquillity, which is complemented by the warmth and hospitality of the locals. It is this unique air of celebrating beauty that is sometimes stark, and sometimes bold, that makes the quiver tree forest so very memorable.
Nieuwoudtville is about four hours from Cape Town and five hours from Upington. It has been dubbed “the bulb capital of the world” and is part of the exquisite Namaqua region of South Africa.
