ATTRACTIONS
Situated in the heart of the Richtersveld,
the area of Kuboes is as hot and dry as it is vast. A rugged
and remote terrain, neighbouring the Sandveld and coastal
plains, it contributes to one of the most attractive and diverse
arid wonders in Southern Africa. Fascinating succulents such
as the ancient Kokerboom tree share the rocky soils with birds,
insects and reptiles. If you are lucky, you might spot an
elusive klipspringer, a ground squirrel, a Smith's red rock
rabbit, or even a majestic Gompou on the sandy plains.
The locals of Kuboes will show you their
traditional Nama dances and Namastap music and take you on
a magic ride with their famous story telling. Even if you
don't understand
Afrikaans or Nama, the stories will carry you away on a journey
through ages and wonders, written in the storytellers' faces.
They will tell you about the wondergat, a deep and mysterious
sinkhole at Cornellskop, where people disappear or return
to the surface suddenly aged, with wide open terrified eyes
and grey hair. The lovely trail which takes you past the wondergat
to the top of Cornellskop, winds its way past a variety of
succulents and affords beautiful views of the Richtersveld,
the Orange River and dunes of Namibia. Students from Kuboes
helped lay out the trail. An old white-washed church, standing
out in spectacular contrast to the blue sky, dates back to
1893. Soon to be declared a national monument, it is well
worth a visit.
You
can explore the wonders of the area step by step, hiking on
one of the trails set up around Kuboes. If you prefer to discover
nature with a 4x4, demarcated trails have been laid out to
offer you a unique experience. If you want to know more about
specialised endemic vegetation, the life of a goatherd and
the Nama culture, you can arrange for a local guide to take
you on an informative tour around Kuboes or into the Richtersveld
National Park.
GETTING THERE
Kuboes, lying on the periphery of the Richtersveld
National Park, can be accessed from two roads. It is approximately
70 km from either Alexander Bay or Eksteenfontein to this
village. |
The
Kuboes Guest House, in the heart of the village, offers en
suite rooms, a comfortable lounge and self-catering facilities.
Mountain Valley Guesthouse, previously called The 'Plantasie',
is a community-run reed-hut campsite that provides an interesting
alternative to regular camping. If you give prior notice,
the 'matjies'- huts will be assembled and ready for you on
arrival. Roomy and cool, these traditional huts will shelter
you from the heat of the day and the cold of the night. Barbeque
facilities are available at the campsite, but remember to
bring water and your own supplies. Traditional delicious home
made meals can be prepared for you if pre-arranged.
|