| The only town lying at the
foot of the Langeberg, Olifantshoek is a farming town
close to two game ranches on the Namakwari Route. Founded
in 1895, the village is called the ‘Gateway to
the White and Roaring Sands’, 78km south of the
town. Olifantshoek is named after the tusk of an elephant
which was used as payment for the farm on which the
town was built. In addition, many elephant bones were
found in the vicinity. Olifantshoek boasts an abundance
of adventure, natural wonders and cultural artefacts
that can be explored by all enthusiasts. These activities
are complemented by Olifantshoek natural beauty and
tranquillity.
Here, there are ample exciting hunting
and hiking
opportunities. The Neylan and the Pudu hiking trails
are well worth exploring. For those who prefer archaeological
adventures, there are numerous San
Rock art paintings and engravings
which can be viewed on Meerlust and Pan Heuwel farms.
Learn how the San described animals as well as their
many fascinating hunting antics. There is also an
interesting war grave dating back to 1879 during Galeshewe's
war which can be witnessed on the farm Fuller.
One of Olifantshoek’s many natural wonders
is the roaring sands. The white granular dunes of
the Witsand Nature Reserve are over 100 m high and
10 km long. When disturbed by wind in hot, dry weather,
these dunes emit strange roaring sounds. The white
colour of the sands is caused by perennial waters
that seep to the surface, leaching out the red iron
oxides. This strange occurrence is truly extraordinary
and a must to be witnessed!
Olifantshoek is a superb and tranquil town. Its unique
beauty and awesome attractions make it a must to experience.
Activities
and Attractions
* San (Bushmen) Rock Art
Some of the finest galleries of ancient San
rock art have been preserved on the farm "Meerlust",
about 50km nortwest of the town.
* Witsand
Nature Reserve
The Witsand nature reserve with its flowing
white dunes cradled by contrasting red Kalahari dunes,
the smokey grey Langberge mountains and Acacia woodland
is the home of the famous Kalahari Roaring Sands and
over 150 bird species.
* War graves
War graves from the 1897 Galeshewe's War
when inhabitants of the old Transvaal died in skirmishes
with Tswana groups on the western perimeter of the
old Transvaal Republic.
* Hiking
Go hiking in the Langberge mountains.
* Hunting
|
