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Towns:
Alexander Bay, Okiep, Port Nolloth, Hondeklip Bay

Other Routes:
Crayfish Route
Richtersveld Route
Kamieskroon Mountain Route
Hardeveld Route
Nama Route


Living Museum
Contact Pieter van Wyk at 027 831 1424 regarding tours and a visit to the Alexander Bay Living Museum

Alexander Bay Guesthouses
027 8311855
e-mail: guesthouse@alexkor.co.za

Camping Site Brandkaros
Catherine Cloete
027 8311856

For more information on the attractions and activities of Alexander Bay, take a look on the web site www.diamondcoast.co.za

 

ATTRACTIONS

Orange River Wetland Ramsar Site
The wetland at the mouth of the Orange River forms an important stop over for a great variety of migratory birds and has accordingly been declared a Ramsar site. The endemic Barlow's Lark, a must for any birder, is also found along the riverbanks, along with smooth pebbles and semi-precious stones for rock and gemstone enthusiasts. Unfortunately this wetland is currently under major threat from several sources including reduced flow and desertification, but efforts are underway to restore this wetland. Also of interest are fields of green and orange lichen growing on a hill near the turnoff of the town. These lichen fields are soon to be declared a national monument.

The Living Museum
The diamond mining company Alexkor Ltd has diversified into agro-industry, mariculture and tourism. Informative diamond mine tours also pass the Bay of Alexander and a seal colony. They run every Thursday and should be booked 24 hours in advance. The Living Museum gives you a profound insight into the rich natural and cultural history of the area and will soon offer biologically and culturally oriented activities. You can also experience the rich natural and cultural heritage of the region by visiting the nearby towns of Sanddrift, Kuboes, Eksteenfontein, Lekkersing and Port Nolloth, as well as the Richtersveld National Park.

Mountain Biking
Though there are no official trails yet, there are excellent mountain biking opportunities in the area, taking you past lichen fields and along the river. You can also go fishing with the fishermen and a few seagulls at the River Mouth. The Tourism Information Centre can arrange equipment and guides for you through the angling club.

GETTING THERE

Alexander Bay is a mining town located at the mouth of the Orange River, 85 km from Port Nolloth. In the past strict security made access to Alexander Bay difficult but today this frontier town invites visitors to explore its fascinating pioneering history. Although the border post to Namibia is open from 6:00 till 22:00, you need a permit to enter the Sperrgebiet and Oranjemund which you have to drive through to get further into Namibia. Movement in the Sperrgebiet area is very restricted and entrance permits need to be approved well in advance for all visitors. Security clearances are done at the Security Department offices in Oranjemund and the Springbok Police Station in South Africa. Application forms can be obtained from Monday to Friday or by contacting the following department:

Allied Services,
Tourism Section, Namibia
tel: ++ 264 0 63 235 415
fax: ++ 264 0 63 235 115

accomodation

Enjoy your stay in Alexander Bay in any one of a number of charming guesthouses within the town. The guesthouses 'Af-en- Toe', 'Frikkie Snyman', and 'Uitsig' can accommodate 30 people. The farm Brandkaros lies approximately 25 km from Alexander Bay, on the banks of the Orange River. Brandkaros is an oasis of shade in a hot desert landscape, complete with swimming pool, barbeque facilities, and communal ablutions for campers and caravans as well as en-suite rondavels. Visitors can walk through the orchards to the river and the surrounding hills provide panoramic views of the Orange River and dunes of Namibia.

 

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