Rainbow Town of Namaqualand
Sanddrift is a small town in the Northern Cape of South Africa, situated on the banks of the Orange River. The town is a collection of traditional houses and rich mining history.
The first settlers arrived at Sanddrift in the early 1900s, when the Nama people along the coast were moved out and relocated to these sandy dunefields. Then, in the 1970s, the Trans Hex Corporation opened up a new diamond mine at nearby Baken, and many Xhosa and Sotho workers were brought into the area to work on these deposits.
Sanddrift therefore contains a strong Nguni influence which mixes with the Nama cultural tradition. As a result, Sanddrift is sometimes called the Rainbow Town of Namaqualand, referring to its multi-cultural heritage. For example, groups doing the Nama-stap dance and the Sanddrift Youth Forum Basotho Stars are both regular features at local functions.
Sanddrift is a very welcoming place and a must-stop for travellers exploring the Namaqualand or Richtersveld.
Things to Do in Sanddrift
The Sanddrift area offers a diamond for everyone - challenging hill walks in the sun-dried semi-desert for passionate hikers, unique succulent plants, lichens and diverse bird-life for nature-lovers, relaxing walks along the Orange River for philosophers, and unforgettable sets for photographers.
Bring your own canoe or kayak to cruise the Orange River, which arises 2500 km further East in Lesotho and opens into the cold Atlantic to the West, or ask the local guides to arrange a river cruise for you.
Baken mine, close to Sanddrift, is the only place in the area where you can get petrol. There is also a very well-stocked convenience store. The mine complex includes an extensive residential settlement with neat little houses, a school and a sunburnt miniature golf course. The mine is a restricted area, but they’ll let you through the gate if you tell them that you want petrol. Tours of the mine can be arranged.