Things to do & places to visit in Northern Cape, South Africa

Northern Cape #9 destination in South Africa 2023. The average rating score is 4.35 based on 4.749 traveler reviews, of 135 attractions. Timezone: Africa/Johannesburg, current date and time: Sunday, May 05, 2024, 21:36.

Northern Cape Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

76°F - 48°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Mildly cool with a gentle breeze

Feels like

Chance of rain

13.0 millimeters

Amount

14.1 mph

Wind speed

38%

Humidity

10.7

Daylight length

7:07 AM

Sunrise

5:49 PM

Sunset

71%

Cloud cover

Sweater

What to wear

Top things to do (34)

Top destinations in Northern Cape 83

See more 71 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Felidae Centre (38 reviews)
- Family school holidays visit
Sunday: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Pradator park which protect animals and give people a great opportunity to be close to the animals on a natural manner and support the animals in a way which can make their lives better. Learn animals close up and see lions where they eat and protect their territory See more..
5.0 William Humphreys Art Gallery (32 reviews)
- Must See Fascinating Art Collection
Spent 2-3 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries

Our second visit to this magnificent museum. Managed by the most wonderful, caring and passionate staff, they were extremely welcoming and happy to see us and made our visit even more special. Unfortunately the fabulous tea room did not survive COVID , so no delicious tea and scones. Still an extensive and exciting art collection well laid out and a pleasure to visit. Please people visit this wonderful museum, they need our support! Unfortunately no photos inside, but some lovely art work outside. Come artists and art lovers you must visit!!! See more..
5.0 Gravity Adventures (19 reviews)
- Awesome Awesome Experience!
Multi-day Tours • River Rafting & Tubing • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing

We just returned from the most awesome 4 day Thunder Alley trip in the Oct school holidays. What a life changing experience! We were a group of 21 people, with children aged between 10 and 13. Our group was steered by the most wonderful person, guide and leader. Ian, you made such an impression on us. Thank you for your attention to detail in making us feel safe whilst making the tour awesome and fun! Seamus, Tailor and Nkosi, you guys ROCK! They are the most positive friendly guys you will ever meet. They sing and joke and spend time with the kids! Thank you! The trip was fully catered for, and you cannot imagine how great the food is. We would be tired after a day of rowing, and before you know it, you are being called to a table (with table cloth and all) to the most amazing food. On the 3rd night you are spoilt with malva pudding baked on the fire...5 star stuff!! This trip was such a memorable experience for us as a family. Thank you Team Gravity! See more..
4.5 The Big Hole (836 reviews)
- Brilliant tour by an exciting and informed tour guide.
Spent < 1 hour History Museums

During a visit to the Big Hole in Kimberley, South Africa you will not only see the largest man made hole in the world but also the largest diamond display in the world. Various displays will introduce you to the world of diamond mining and all aspects of diamonds as well as the history of diamonds in South Africa. On show is also the Old Town witch will give you an idea of what Kimberley looked like more than 100 years ago. We have various shops on the site where you could buy curios as well as diamonds and jewellery. Also available is a coffee shop and bar to quench your thirst and hunger. We are fully wheelchair friendly. Open every day of the year from 08:00 to 17:00 Guided tours on offer. See more..
4.5 Augrabies Falls National Park (536 reviews)
- Fantastic Augrabies Falls
National Parks

The Orange River is in full flow over the Augrabies falls! It is a spectacular sight. The spray from one part of the falls is like a light rainshower. R60 entry fee is well worth it per adult. See more..
4.5 Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (504 reviews)
- Another Sanparks Beauty.
Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

My first visit since 1969 and if you haven't been there please go. I'm a frequent visitor to the Kruger and although this is completely different it is most enjoyable, not prolific wildlife but more than enough to keep you focused and the wide open spaces make for beautiful sightings. Don't be put off by the sand - no problem at all for an ordinary sedan on the main roads. I would suggest that you take as much as possible foodstuffs with because of small variety available and the prices. Fuel and water no problem. See more..
4.5 Kimberley Mine Museum (255 reviews)
- If you love to go back to 1867 this is the ultimate experience.
Speciality Museums

Restored buildings at this historic site include a pub, a smoke shop and the De Beers family home. The mine itself is an astonishing crater from which over 22 million tons of earth has been removed by hand. See more..
4.5 Mokala National Park (170 reviews)
- Good visit
National Parks

We stayed for 2 nights in a luxury bungalow at Muse Lodge. The accommodation was somewhat lacking in maintenance. For the rates one pays there should be no broken drawers, lid broken off the bin, a blocked sink and a wobbly tap. The roads in the park were very good with plenty of game to view. The staff was a bit grumpy, and as one had to take ones luggage quite far to the bungalow, a strong young man to help push the unwieldy trolley would be a great help to elderly people. Covid is no excuse. All in all we loved the park. Oh,the swimming pool was filthy. See more..
4.5 Sterland Stargazing (152 reviews)
- Fantastic!
Sightseeing Tours

Jurg is a most knowlegable and informative host and him and his family/staff are very friendly. We can highly recommend a visit - it's right as you enter the town so really easy to find. We had a perfect night that was not too cold but do wear warm clothes and take a cushion to sit on whilst you wait your turn. Should you wish to visit the Observatory (SALT) allow for travel time as it's 18km outside of Sutherland. See more..
4.5 Goegap Nature Reserve (150 reviews)
- Quiet and peaceful nature reserve
Nature & Wildlife Areas

We visited this reserve two days in a row as we ran out of time the first day. It was very warm both days but we did a portion of the hike that went up and up and had incredible views. We wanted to do the self drive but ran out of time so came back the next day. The drive was very nice and we mainly saw lizards and zebras. We never saw anyone else the entire time we were there, probably because of the heat. Nice restrooms were available near the main parking lot. See more..
4.5 Things to Do in Northern Cape (103 reviews)
- Fun between the daizies
National Parks

Flowers galore, beautiful rock formations, stunning gravel road pass to Soebatsfontein with a return trip vai Grootvlei pass. Weather permitting you can see flower from as early as 10h00 until about 16h00, no cold wind or clouds, makes a beautiful display. They had some good rains and in certain places the road was not in a very good condition. This is dirt road country and you say thank you for the rain and drive a bit slower to avoid the wash ways. See more..
4.5 Tankwa Karoo National Park (100 reviews)
- Tranquil Karoo
National Parks

We spent 2 nights at the Elandsberg Wilderness Camp. Privileged to experience rain in the Karoo. The deafening silence, captivating Karoo landscapes, fresh air, amazing night sky is all worth the long gravel road which was in quite a good condition. Accommodation was clean and well equipped. Well thought through layout of the house catering for winter and summer. Beautiful large window in the shower with most beautiful view is something special. Went up the Gannaga Pass, beautiful views from the top. A time to be rejuvenated and recharged. Loved every minute. See more..
4.5 Magersfontein Battlefield (93 reviews)
- Interesting day out
Battlefields

The little museum is very informative with a nice little video reenactment of the battle. The restaurant is rustic home cooking with some Afrikaans favourites, like Jaffels. Amazing birding right from the restaurant stoep. Most of the battle field is quite a hike away though. See more..
4.5 Bezalel Wine & Brandy Estate (88 reviews)
- Best wine and brandy tasting experience!
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards • Wine Bars

Bezalel Wine & Brandy Estate offers visitors true Green Kalahari hospitality through our visitors center. Take an informative tour of our Distillery and learn about the ancient art of fine Brandy making. Sample our range of boutique wines, top quality brandies, delicious liqueurs and adventurous spirit products, accompanied by a Cheese & Preserve platter.Our small, if lofty, daily mission is to make South Africans proud of their great culture, specifically its wines and brandies, and secondly, to make those who don’t live here feel welcome. We do this by always focusing on quality, authenticity of origin, hospitality and family. See more..
4.5 Kalahari Safaris Day Tours (83 reviews)
- An Excellent 10 Days, March 2022
Safaris • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Pieter worked incredibly hard to make everything a success on this special safari. He was up early preparing breakfast so we could depart right when the gates opened, then he was driving many hours each day while putting his spotting skills to work for wildlife sightings. He made tasty lunches and suppers and then cleaned everything up, which provided me maximum time at the hides and watching wildlife around the campgrounds. I stayed in chalets at Twee Rivieren, Mata Mata, Kalahari Tented Camp, Gharagab Wilderness Camp, and Nossob. Pieter Hanekom is knowledgeable and highly enthusiastic about all aspects of the Kgalagadi and very good company. It was an excellent 10 days in the beautiful Kgalagadi, thanks to Pieter! See more..
4.5 Orange River Cellars (58 reviews)
- A MUST go!!!
Sunday: Spent < 1 hour Wineries & Vineyards

The head-office of Orange River Cellars is located in Upington, a town in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The wine grapes of Orange River Cellars originate from ±850 producers all along the Orange River, also known as the Great Gariep River. These pockets of vineyard land stretch over a distance of more than 300 kilometres between Groblershoop and Blouputs. The terroir (geophysical and micro-climatical) diversity of this unequalled thirstland, translates into the production of cultivar and blended wines of inimitable variation insofar as aromatic and taste are concerned. Orange River Cellars offers an extensive range of dry white, natural sweet and dry red, as well as dessert wines. Visit our Tasting Centre in Upington today!! See more..
4.5 Sutherland Planetarium (51 reviews)
- A must to.visit when in Sutherland!
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM Spent 1-2 hours Observatories & Planetariums

Sutherland Planetarium is located in the centre of Sutherland en route to the Southern African Large Telescope. It is the latest and only privately owned Digital Planetarium in South Africa. The planetarium is equipped with a Fulldome Pro DX4 system using a single revolutionary Fulldome Pro media server to power four Full HD projectors. The Projection dome is fitted with a Dolby Atmos 7.1 sound s See more..
4.5 Things to Do in Northern Cape (49 reviews)
- Well done Ecoventures!
Nature & Wildlife Areas

The home of the Nama people, Namaqualand draws thousands of visitors every year to watch buds turn into yellow, orange and purple blooms. See more..
4.5 Things to Do in Northern Cape (45 reviews)
- SANPARKS: Fantastic Customer service
National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

This remote nature reserve in northern Namaqualand is characterized by mountainous wilderness, rugged kloofs and dramatic landscapes bordering the Orange River. See more..
4.5 Vanrhyns Pass (43 reviews)
- Awesome ride on a motorbike
Spent < 1 hour Scenic Drives

On a 16 day Cape to Kalahari tour with RideDownSouth motorcycle tours, we detoured into Nieuwoudville for our overnight stop on Day 1. The ride up Vanryhns Pass just on sunset was spectacular, and next morning on the way down the views over the countryside below were awesome. Nieuwoudville is a worthwhile detour for motorcyclists to see the impressive collection of motorcycles at Protea Motors. See more..
4.5 Orange River (33 reviews)
- Umkulu is the way to do the Orange River - FUNSASTIC!!!!!
Bodies of Water

Did a 4 day river rafting trip with Umkulu Travel in July 2013. SAS, our sweet and handsome camel-man-look-alike tourguide, was fantastic - and we therefore summarized the trip as FUNSASTIC! The base camp was comfortable, and the experience to sleep on the sandy river shores unforgettable - we opted for a tent but some of our fellow rowers slept outdoors. Lots of rowing and some exciting rapids - dramatic scenery and indescribable landscape - we loved every moment and Sas went out of his way to entertain, cook, guide and rescue! Anneke at the Umkulu Head Office also arranged our pre and post rafting accommodation in a very efficient and friendly manner - thanks to Sas and Anneke - we will be back. Some winter-tips: take a tent, blow-up mattress, warm water bottle, camping chair and quick drying clothes. See more..
4.5 Hantam National Botanical Garden (30 reviews)
- A place of true beauty
Gardens

Spent a wonderful day here in September. Had some lovely walks and the flowers were beautiful. Neat and clean ablution block and lots of information available on various boards. The guy at the gate where we paid to get in was most helpful and pleasant when we wanted to quickly go to the village to buy water. He let us back in again without paying for a 2nd visit. See more..
4.5 Quiver Tree Forest (27 reviews)
- A Must See for Nature Lovers.
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests

This is a must see for all botanists and nature lovers. Though it is not a dense forest the areal distribution of the quiver trees is something to be hold. After an eight year drought it is incredible to see "dead" trees sprouting new growth right at the top of the trees. Some really large trees were in full bloom with spectacular flowers. Interestingly most trees grow on the North-northeastern side of the mountains. See more..
4.5 Blesfontein Farm (26 reviews)
- Blesfontein Adventure
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Farms

Lovely accommodation. Star gazing extremely informative and educational. The presenter knew his stuff and was pleasantly interactive with the audience unlike the presentation given at Stargazing hosted by the Sutherland Planetarium. Apalcas are cute and Accommodation very satisfactory. Look out for the tame meercat and the BIG cudly St Bernard's. Warmly insulated against the cold, well worth the money spent. Will definitely go there again. See more..
4.5 Calvinia Museum (25 reviews)
- History of this town
Spent 2-3 hours History Museums

Museum is a worthwhile work in progress if you are interest in history. Graciously being nurtured by Miemsie van Wyk. I commend her. See more..
4.5 Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art Centre (18 reviews)
- Fantastic historic culture
Speciality Museums

Really interesting hours visit to see the 1-2000 year old rock engravings made by the Kul indigenous people's of this area. We were taken round by a really informative guide who explained the background and struggles of the small minority bushmen group that are linked to people/culture that did the rock engravings (a sad story alas) and took us around one of the Rock fields pointing out and explaining the pictures and engravings. A really nice difference from the industrial bustle of Kimberley and the Big Hole See more..
4.5 Williston Mall (17 reviews)
- New friends made
Shopping Malls

A kaalvoet down to earth lovely Karoo experience in the town of Williston. Comfortable neat accommodation and very friendly excentric hosts to make the visit a memorable experience. Don't forget to ask about the on site artist's beautiful paintings Lovely family portraits done on order. See more..
4.5 Garies Toeristestal (17 reviews)
- Chocolate Cake and more
Speciality & Gift Shops

A pit stop in Garies with all sorts of goodies and definitely worth a stop! Everything was fresh, the staff were friendly despite the busload of people that arrived after us. Loos were clean which is always a bonus. Despite the drought, we did get info on where to find flowers during the time we were visiting. The rusks we bought were a welcome addition to our padkos! See more..
4.5 Fred Turner Windpump Museum (16 reviews)
- Fantastic open air museum
Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

Loved exploring this open windmill museum, we were the only people there, maybe too early for staff, simply open the gate and wander around. The flowers were out which was fantastic. Really enjoyed it, was worth taking the drive from Nieuwoodville. See more..
4.5 Modern Art Project (13 reviews)
- Astounding collection in heart of Karoo
Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries

MAPS takes one breath away. Located in the tiny Karoo hamlet of Richmond, MAPS is a world class collection of contemporary South African art. Well worth a visit. See more..