Copper Mining and Accommodation

THE NAMA PEOPLE originating from that geographical area of South Africa, now known as Namaqualand, discovered metals centuries long before the Dutch settlers arrived in the Cape.

Using the metals, which included copper, the Namas produced tools, weapons and ornaments for their own use and to trade with others.

In the late 1680s, the Dutch colonists got to know of the copper deposits and this heralds the start of modern mineral exploration and mining in that region of neighbouring South Africa’s Northern Cape province.

Travelling between Windhoek and Cape Town, one bypasses the towns of Okiep and Nababeep, which must have been thriving local economies in their copper-mining heyday.

From what one observes in both towns, there is impoverishment in abundance, but on the bright side reportedly there is a resurgence of copper exploration and mining in the vicinity.

Given the global demand for malleable, recyclable and versatile copper, the fortunes of Okiep, Nababeep and other towns and settlements in Namaqualand might change.

However, right now for any traveller on the tediously long and tiring drive, but spectacular Cape to Namibia tourism route, Okiep is a good choice for an overnight stop.

This we discovered in December, our first annual festive season holiday break in the Cape, after the two years of coronavirus-induced travel disruption.

To be clear, I am not a travel writer nor in the habit of providing free marketing, but I do give acknowledgement and praise where they are due.

And as April and May are months filled with public holidays when many Namibians will head to the Cape for a short holiday break, I feel duty bound to do so now.

For years, we have struggled to find a place to stay that is worthy of a return visit when travelling between Cape Town and Namibia’s capital city.

Every hotel, lodge, or guest house my wife, our special needs daughter and I tried over the past two decades can best be described as sub-optimal.
But for us, the search to find a place worthy of recommendation is over.
For us, Okiep Country Hotel ticks all the boxes.

It is comfortable, has well-appointed rooms and public areas, fine dining that includes the breakfast offering, value for money with attractive pricing, and lovely staff who know the meaning of service.

It was by chance that we discovered this fine accommodation establishment.
Refuelling at Noordoewer in December, the manager recommended it as the ‘best’ overnight stop.

He wasn’t wrong.

Originally, Okiep Country Hotel must have been a typical small mining town establishment – a place where suppliers and service providers doing business with the copper mine stayed.

And the mine’s staff, their families and friends celebrated weddings, birthday and other special occasions. For the locals, a watering hole to quench the thirst after a long day’s work.

Although not equidistantly placed between Windhoek and Cape Town, the beautifully restored and immaculately maintained Okiep Country Hotel is worthy of an overnight stop.

Time permitting, it warrants a longer stay to take in the area’s unique landscape and to visit local cultural and historical attractions.
A visit to the hotel’s captivating museum is a must.

• Danny Meyer is reachable at danny@smecompete.com