The Northern Cape lies to the south of the Orange River and borders Namibia in the north. An arid region, it’s by far the largest South African province taking up nearly a third of South Africa's land area. The province lies to the south of the great Orange River, which feeds the agricultural and diamond industries. On the province's eastern border is the ‘diamond town’ Kimberley, its provincial capital.
Other important towns include:
• Upington - a wine-making region and home to the sheep and dried fruit industry
• Springbok - in the heart of the Namaqualand spring flower region
• De Aar - hub of the South African railway network
• The Kuruman region
Amidst the arid Northern areas are great landscapes boasting fantastic national parks and conservation areas including the prominent Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Africa's first cross-border game park and the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park. Attracting thousands of tourists annually, Namaqualand is known for the amazing explosion of colourful spring flowers. Fantastic properties in the nearby surrounding areas offer great investment opportunities as guest houses and backpackers.
Nowhere is the Orange River more impressive than at the Augrabies Falls, which ranks among the world's greatest waterfalls. The Ai-Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Conservation Park spans the border with Namibia, with some of the most spectacular scenery of the arid and desert environments in southern Africa. For the 4x4 fanatics and true nature lovers, this is the place to be.
The Northern Cape is rich in minerals and also enjoys a tremendous growth in activities, including game-farming. Commercial properties and farmlands in the surrounding areas are great investments with large, productive lands especially in the Kakamas, Springbok and Kimberley areas. Food production and processing for the local and export market also continues to grow.
Large family homes and cosy apartments are selling fast as people settle in to be a part of the fast-growing industry.