Kakamas is a town graced with 11 working water wheels, lush green vineyards, Lucerne and cotton fields. The town is the perfect stopover on the way to the Augrabiese Falls National Park. Some uncertainty exists over the exact origin of the name Kakamas. Some believe that it was derived from the Khoi word ‘gagamas’ (brown), after the reddish brown clay of the area used by the women to paint their faces. Others believe that it originates from the Koranna word meaning ‘poor pasture’ and ‘ vicious, charging ox’, as it is told that because of the poor grazing in the area the cattle became very headstrong when driven through the various drifts along the river. During 1893 the Cape Parliament granted land along the Orange River to the Dutch Reformed Church to establish a labour colony for poor whites, destitute after the great drought and rinderpest. The Church decided to establish an irrigation settlement on the farms Kakamas, Neus and Zoetap. The Rev Christian Schroeder, founder of Upington, was placed in charge of the project and under his guidance most of the early irrigation canals were built in the area. The two main irrigation canals were constructed by Japie Lutz. The first settlers arrived here in 1897 and were granted 12 pounds ‘working capital’ by the church, who retained ownership of all the land. Title was only granted to tenants in 1964. Today Kakamas is the major centre for a prosperous farming community, producing not only export quality grapes, but also what is believed to be the best yellow clingstone peaches in the country.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Upington 82 km, Keimoes 40 km, Augrabies 36 km, Pofadder 133 km, Springbok 296 km

Average Rainfall: 40 mm per annum

Average Temperatures: 21°c – 36°c

Rivers: Orange

HISTORICAL VIEW

Conical Graves

Specimens of the conical graves used by early Khoikhoi settlers west of Kakamas

German War Graves and Memorial

Approximately 4 km outside Kakamas on the road to Keimoes the memorial marks the site of the Battle of Kakamas (1915) which took place during the First World War. When South Africa sided with Britain against Germany in the war, plans were immediately made for the invasion of German South West Africa (Namibia). While 6000 South African troops gathered at Kakamas the German commander sent an advance force to destroy two ponts on the Orange River, guarded by the South African forces. On 4 February 1915 the Germans attacked the South African positions with four field guns while troops fired across the river at the men guarding the ponts. The battle lasted for six hours before the German forces withdrew. Seven German soldiers lost their lives. The memorial was erected in 1960 by the German War Graves commission. Six of the seven soldiers whose graves were found were reburied at the foot of the hill. The site has been declared a national monument.

Irrigation Tunnels

These tunnels were built in 1898 – 1901 under the instruction of Apie Lutz, a self trained engineer. There are two tunnels, 3 m to 4 m wide, 2,5 m high and 97 m and 271 m long respectively. These diameters are astounding considering that they were dug by hand.

Hydro Electric Power Station

Based on an Egyptian design, this power station supplied Kakamas with electricity from 1912 to 1914. This was the first hydro electric power station built in South Africa. It has been declared a national monument.

Waterwheels

Eleven waterwheels are still used on the canals in and around town. They can be seen in Voortrekker Street and on the many canals running through the vineyards, lucerne and cottonfields.

NATURE

Riemvasmaak Hot Springs

56 km northwest of Kakamas, situated in a deep ravine surrounded by hills dotted with wild fig and quiver trees. Accommodation is available, hiking and 4 x 4 trails have been laid out.

ATTRACTIONS

Neus Weir

The weir lies on the Orange River approximately an hour’s drive from Kakamas along the scenic Rockery Route. It is the first cylindrical weir with a smooth overflow to be used in the country. This R188 million project is 936 m long and approximately 6 m high.

Orange River Wine Cellars Co-op

Established here in 1974, this is one of the branches of the 2^nd largest Wine Co-operative in the world. Award winning wines are available for wine tasting and purchasing.

Persian Water Wheels

This is a unique, interesting and economical method of distributing water to higher lands. There are presently 11 water wheels in use and attribute largely to the identity of Kakamas. Based on Egyptian design and built by a local, Piet Burger.

Rockery Route

The route follows the gravel road from Augrabies Falls to Onseepkans, through an area of breathtaking rock formations and quiver trees. At places lush green vineyards dpt the banks and islands of the Orange River, forming a stark contrast to the otherwise dry, inhospitable landscape.

South African Dried Fruit Co-op

Established in 1970 this is the receiving depot in the countrywide South African Dried Fruit Co-op. A large variety of the dried fruit of sunny South Africa is on sale.

ACTIVITIES

Outdoors

Game Viewing, Hiking Trails, Augrabiese Falls National Park

Accommodation in and around Ilovo Beach