District Six, Cape Town

District Six was a multi working-class Area just off the center of Cape Town, to the South of the Castle. Today it is an almost vacant lot, shown on maps as the Suburb of Zonnebloem. Before being torn apart by the Apartheid Regime, during the sixties and seventies, District Six, was an impoverished but lively community of 55 000, predominantly Coloured People. It was once known as the soul of Cape Town, this inner-city area harboured a rich Cultural life in its narrow alleys and crowded tenements. After its demise, the district became mythologised, as a rich place of the South African imagination, inspiring novels, poems, jazz and the blockbuster musical, by David Kramer and Taliep Petersen, District Six. (The latter being an ex resident!)

It was named the sixth District of Cape Town in 1867. Originally established as a Community of freed Slaves, Merchants, Artisans, Labourers and Immigrants. District Six was a centre with close links to the City and the Port. However, by the beginning of the 20th Century, the History of removals and marginalization had begun!

The first to be “resettled” were the blacks were, forcibly displaced in 1901. The more prosperous began to move to the Suburbs and the Area became the neglected ward of Cape Town. In the 1940's plans were formed by the Cape Town Municipality to demolish houses under slum clearance, but it was only after the declaration of District Six, as a White Area under the Group Areas Act in 1966, that extensive demolition began. Resistance by Inhabitants was intense and the last Residents only left in the mid-1970s.

The area, together with Sophiatown, in Gauteng became a local and international symbol of the suffering caused by apartheid. A ‘Hands Off District Six’ campaign prevented Private Development and for many years. The Land remained vacant, until in the 1980s Housing for Police and Army Personnel and a Cape Technical College were erected. After the 1994 Democratic Election, claims for restitution were made by families, which had been forced out of District Six. A large number of them have been given the option to resettle in District Six, or accept financial compensation!

Geolocation
-33° 55' 55.2", 18° 25' 37.2"
References

http://capetownhistory.com/?page_id=238
S. Jeppie and C. Soudien (eds.), 1990. The struggle for District Six Past and Present

Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock- Cape Town

The Old Biscuit Mill is a vibrant hub of art, design, and food, right in the heart of Woodstock. It’s the capital of cool here in Cape Town, and it’s one of the most exciting up-and-coming hubs. The 'Neighbour Goods Market' is one of Cape Town’s biggest markets.

It’s well known for the incredible spread of food offerings, with everything from breakfast fare to dumplings and gyros, with craft beers to wash it all down. There are also great Clothing Stalls, Crafts, Artisan Products, Cosmetics, and just about everything else you could want!

The Biscuit Mill is an unlikely Culinary Hub, in the Middle of downtown Woodstock. But enter the premises and you’ll be greeted by the wonderful aromas of all kinds of cuisine. The Pot Luck Club serves tapas style treats overlooking the whole neighbourhood, and The Test Kitchen serves fine dining downstairs (it books out months in advance—make sure you reserve your spot). 'Saucisse Boutique Deli' is all about fresh produce, with amazing vegan and vegetarian options. Cocoa Fair allows you to watch the artisan chocolatiers at work, while browsing the selection of handmade truffles and gourmet chocolate bars. Redemption Burgers claims to serve the best gourmet burgers in Town. Of course, the market really steals the show with a smorgasbord of mouth-watering treats for all tastes. The Biscuit Mill is really hip and happening. On weekdays, this is where you’ll find Entrepreneurs, Artists, Hipsters, Fashionistas, and People from all over the World. Every Saturday, you’ll find everyone who is anyone here. The Clothing Boutiques reflect the style of the Patrons, and everything from Art to Food to Décor is on-trend.

The name tells you just about all you need to know about this Historical Building. Surprisingly little is known about it, but we do know it started out as a Mill. It wasn’t a particularly attractive piece of architecture, which made the development quite a bold endeavour. It is still undergoing renovations, continuously. The Mill structure itself was built, in the late 19th Century, and the base still exists somewhere on the grounds but it hasn’t been found yet.

Despite the mystery, it is fascinating to visit for the way it embraces its Industrial past. Little clues are everywhere like; the the repurposed Silo Elevator that takes you up to the Pot Luck Club. There are many fantastic designers with stores at the Biscuit Mill. You’ll find trendy ladies clothing with a classic twist at Harpers Rose Boutique, while Karoo Moon sells locally handmade leather handbags, accessories and designer Jewellery, as well as Clothing, Confectionery, and Gifts. Imiso Ceramics, sells beautiful high-end interior Design Pieces, and Livision is the go-to place for stunning Wood and Metal Furnishings. You can also get high quality fine Art Prints done at Artlab, or visit the Cape Town Creative Academy. Check it out for yourself—there are too many great little Art and Design Stores, to mention!

Geolocation
-33° 55' 37.2", 18° 27' 18"

Kamiesberg Municipality, Northern Cape

In 2007, an estimated 12,117 people lived in Kamiesberg Municipality. The Kamiesberg Local Municipality is a Category B Municipality situated within the Namakwa District in the Northern Cape Province. It is one of the smaller Municipalities of the six that make up the district in the Kamiesberg Local Municipality provides services to 16 small Towns of: ' Kamassies: Rooifontein; Nourivier; Leliefontein; Paulshoek; Kamieskroon; Kharkams; Tweerivier; Koingnaas; Kheis; Soebatsfontein; Spoegrivier; Klipfontein; Garies; Hondeklipbaai and Lepelfontein.' The nearest Business Centre is Springbok 120 km away. The Municipality spans three topographic zones: from the Sandy Coastal Lowlands (Sandveld) to the Mountainous Central Kamiesberg Escarpment (Hardveld), and to the Eastern Plateau of Bushmanland. The Namaqua National Park has spectacular wildflower displays in Spring and vistas, throughout the year. Making Namaqua National Park one of the key attractions of the region. Various tourist facilities such as hiking and 4x4 trails and accommodation is available in the Park. The proposed coastal park between the Groen and the Spoeg Rivers, will certainly add value to Tourism by linking the Plateau to the Coast. The Area has 1200 different plant species, hundreds of which are found only in Namaqualand and also 150 bird species. The 'Letterklip' at Garies is a National Monument and together with Betelsklip and the Spoegrivier Caves are both natural wonders and of great historical value to this region. From spectacular Mountain views in the Uplands and brilliant carpets of flowers to the rugged, remote Namaqua Coastline the landscapes of the Kamiesberg certainly are definitely a unique experience. The Coastal Town, of the Kamiesberg Municipality is 'Hondeklipbaai', in Afrikaans. Hondeklip Bay lies about 95 km south west of Springbok. This village was originally used as a harbor to export copper ore from the mines around Springbok but was later surpassed by Port Nolloth, which had a safer harbor as well as a Railway Line. Today Hondeklip Bay is a popular Regional holiday destination and serves the fishing and diamond-mining Community. Holiday accommodation ranges from camping at the Municipal caravan park to self-catering chalets. Attractions include Shipwrecks like the Jahleel and the Aristea, (as seen in the Illustration) which ran aground in 2003 and 1945 respectively. In July 2016, the Jahleel started breaking up and split in two.
Geolocation
17° 41' 42", -30° 31' 4.8"

Soebatsfontein, Northern Cape

The name of this small Village ('fountain of pleading') comes from a Spring in the middle of the Village. Legend has it that a man named Hendrik Stievert pleaded for his life here, but was subsequently murdered by a group of San (Bushmen) in 1798. Soebatsfontein was also the place where local Church was held since the 1870's. There is a campsite available here (without ablution facilities) under some trees. Nearby are the spring and some old gardens. Also close to the camping site is the Quartz Veld - an Area where Quartz is found in abundance!

Geolocation
17° 35' 16.8", -30° 7' 8.4"

Gariep River Mouth, Namibia

The Orange River, Southern Africa’s longest waterway, rises high in the Drakensberg Mountains of Lesotho, only 195 km from the Indian Ocean. Flowing 2 300 km, West to the South Atlantic, carrying precious fresh water into an otherwise parched land! The large, catchment area of the river ensures a strong flow year-round, so the river remains fresh almost to its mouth. This prevents the development of many of the salt-loving plants and salt-resistant animals found typically in the marshes of a River Delta.
The Orange has been called ‘The River of Diamonds’, stones from the heart of Africa have been carried its length, passing through the delta and into the ocean, where strong currents carry them Northwards and cast them up onto the beaches. Access to that Area is restricted by diamond-mining companies, even though much of the search for precious stones has now moved offshore. As a result, huge stretches of land that have been off-limits to the public for many years, remain pristine. When existing mining concessions run out, it is likely that much of this land will become a Public Park!
The Orange River spills out on the border of South Africa and Namibia. Although it passes through no major cities it plays a major role in the South African economy by providing irrigation to the vital farmlands. Many tours are offered, that include the Orange River, an overnight on the banks with a fire and good friends will create memories that will last you a lifetime. The Orange River tours are famous for canoeing that occurs on the world famous rapids of the region. The tours don’t include full white water rafting adventures however on some of the Nomad Tours Orange River adventures you will have opportunity to enjoy canoeing on the river during the time that you overnight on the river banks. The Orange River forms part of the North West border of South Africa and therefore all of our tours that go to Namibia will cross the Orange River, and on most of them we will overnight at a camp on the banks of the Orange River.The magnificent beauty that is found on the banks of the river is, awesome! There are over 142 different species of birds that can be seen. This Orange River travel, gives you the amazing experience of a gentle paddle down the river in canoes that are provided by the camp site. Or you can spend the afternoon soaking up the sun on the river bank. However you choose to spend your Orange River stay during the Nomad tour you will be guaranteed to enjoy it!

Geolocation
16° 27' 18", -28° 35' 49.2"

Port Shepstone, South Coast of KZN

Port Shepstone is one of the largest Towns of the KwaZulu Natal South Coast in South Africa. Port Shepstone is a popular tourist destination and offers a diversity of attractions and activities. Port Shepstone boasts unspoiled sandy beaches with warm waters rich in marine life. These waters are ideal for fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming. The 18 km of Coastline and stretches of rolling surf are ideal for surfing, ski-boating and jet-skiing. Also, take the fantastic opportunity to go on a boat trip and watch whales and swim with dolphins. The uMzimkhulu river means 'Home of all rivers'. It is the largest of the South Coast Rivers and meets the sea at Port Shepstone. Enjoy leisure boat trips on these glistening waters and admire the rich wildlife and bird life along the banks. If you would prefer a little activity, there’s river rafting, boating, canoeing, windsurfing and water skiing to excite you for hours on end.
The uMzimkhulu River cuts inland and joins the Mzinkulwana River to form the 24 km long Oribi Gorge. This gorge boasts spectacular rocky outcrops such as the Overhanging Rock and the shimmering 170m Lehr's Falls. Here, if you are brave enough, you can enjoy the thrill of the world's highest commercial abseil at 110m. There are also hiking trails through beautiful scenery resonant with over 250 species of bird calls and the forest sounds of buck, baboons and monkeys.
To discover more of this town’s fascinating history, visit the Port Shepstone Museum. This charming museum details the town's history with a series of exhibits carrying a maritime theme. The 27 000 candela Lighthouse still stands at the mouth of the Umzimkulu River. Murky waters conceal the sunken vessels of the Sao Joao and Grosvenor whose fatal hull punctures on sharp rocks dropped them to the ocean bed heavy with gold, jewels and silver. The town; named after Sir Theophilus Shepstone an honoured statesman of native affairs, once functioned as an operating harbour! The original light beacon of yesteryear that warned look-outs clutched to passing ships' masts of the approaching peril was an ordinary ships masthead lantern that swayed atop a laddered structure since 1895. The present cast iron Lighthouse was erected during 1906 and today you can still explore this unique Lighthouse. Murky waters conceal the sunken vessels of the Sao Joao and Grosvenor whose fatal hull punctures on sharp rocks dropped them to the ocean bed heavy with gold, jewels and silver. The Port Shepstone Lighthouse was retired of its duty in 1905 and replaced with an 8 meter high circular cast iron tower (now equipped with a radio beacon) erected at the Umzimkulu River mouth. Visible from 26 nautical miles this fully automated Port Shepstone Lighthouse runs off a mains supply with a back-up double diesel alternator set. A revolving electric light with a power of 1 130 000 CD flashes once every six seconds over the Pondoland waters that treasure hunters believe, keeps the Peacock Throne of the Moguls (estimated value in excess of £ 6 000 000) submerged.

Geolocation
-30° 26' 60", 30° 16' 12"