Regarded by the local people as the heartland of the Nama culture, the little town of Kuboes lies nestled between the lofty mountains of Kuboesberg, Vandersterrberg and the granite pluton of Ploegberg. The origin of the town can be traced back to the establishment of the Rhenish mission station. The delightful village of Kuboes (also spelled Khubus or |obes) takes its name from a Khoikhoi term meaning ‘round fountain or spring’.
Kuboes is considered a stronghold of the Nama people and their culture. Local choirs still sing songs in the soft, clicking Nama tongue, and dance groups perform the traditional Nama-stap or Nama-step dance at ceremonial events. If you are in the town, a cultural programme can be arranged for guests. You may even get to hear an ancient folktale narrated by one of the local storytellers.
A life-giving mist from the far off sea sometimes happily interrupts the harsh and dry climate of Kuboes where temperatures soar to over 40°C in summer. A great attraction close to Kuboes is Cornells Kop, a 30 ha hill that houses the largest population of the most threatened species of Succulent Karoo vegetation in Namaqualand, the Giant Quiver Tree (or Bastard Quiver Tree).
You can explore the wonders of the Richtersveld area step by step, hiking on one of the trails set up around Kuboes. If you prefer to discov...