Northern Cape Tourism Authority spokesperson Diaane Martin is seen here with Lebogang Smiles and his wife, Matlalepole Smiles, and their three children, Kgalalelo, Junior and Waldo, during their visit to the Kimberley Big Hole. Picture: Soraya Crowie
AS TEMPERATURES in the Northern Cape are rising, the Northern Cape Tourism Authority has encouraged South Africans from across the country to take a trip to the Province. It has also encouraged local residents to explore their own backyard.
The local authority earlier this week launched its Summer Campaign by promoting various tourist attractions in the Province.
Tourism Authority spokesperson Dianne Martin said the Province has an array of tourism offerings for those who seek adventure in the sand and sea, or even those who just want to enjoy lazy days at one of the luxury nature reserves.
“The options for exceptional family adventures in the Northern Cape are limitless. Visitors and residents can embark on a 4x4 adventure exploration of the Richtersveld, explore the famed Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park or the ‘place of great noise’ at Augrabies Falls National Park.
“Walk with wind spiders on a night hike, sand-board down an ochre dune or go whitewater rafting. Whitewater rafting on the Orange River is a bucket-list must-do. Visitors can drift along golden waters while taking in the scenery.
“Those who are not so adventurous can camp in style along the coastline or by the Vaal and Orange rivers. They can also experience tree-house living at Mokala National Park, which is just a few kilometres outside of Kimberley.”
Martin encouraged local residents to explore their own Province.
“We have such a rich tourism culture and offering in this Province. We have got the sea, sand dunes and even mountains. People do not have to travel thousands of kilometres to experience such offerings of nature and tourism. Our coastal towns and resorts also come alive during the summer months.
“Residents can explore beaches such as Port Nolloth and Alexander Bay that offer great swimming, fishing and water sports. The summer climate draws more local and international tourists to popular destinations such as Upington, Springbok and Kimberley.
“To accommodate the influx of visitors, many hotels, lodges and restaurants, as well as tour operators in the Province, will offer special summer deals and packages during this time. We encourage everyone to explore the natural beauty and adventure on offer from the Province.”.
A Kimberley family who visited the Big Hole to celebrate a birthday said their curiosity about the Diamond City’s greatest tourist attraction inspired them to spend the day at the Big Hole.
Lebogang Smiles said his family mostly visits other provinces for holiday, but they will visit more tourist attractions in the Northern Cape this year.
“We usually go to Cape Town or Gauteng for the holiday. However, now that we know that we actually do not have to travel so far to experience the same tourism attractions in other provinces, we will now explore our own Province more.
“It is also a good way to educate the children about natural wonders in the Province. My children have always asked about how the Big Hole was created and we now have an opportunity to learn more about the Big Hole with them, even though we are celebrating my wife’s birthday,” Smiles said.