'''Springbok''' is a town in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. It is the biggest city in the region and business centre of the Namaqualand.
Get in
By car
From Cape Town follow the '''N7''' northwards for approximately 550 km. The border to Namibia is another 100km along the '''N7''' from here. The '''N14''', which crosses the whole Northern Cape crosses the N7 just outside Springbok and offers connections to Upington and the Gauteng.
By plane
The airport of Springbok is 5 km outside the town. Flights to Cape Town are available from here.
By bus
Intercape [http://www.intercape.co.za] buses stop in front of the Springbok Lodge. They offer four weekly connections to Cape Town and Pretoria.
By taxi
VIP Taxis, ph: ''+27'' (0)27 851 8780 can bring you to Port Nolloth, Upington and Kimberley. Taxis leave Upington at 8AM daily except Saturday and Sunday, the fare is R 140 (June 2008).
Get around
The town of Springbok is nestled in a valley totally surrounded by hills. It is not very big and its attractions can easily be reached by foot.
See
'''City's museum'''
'''Blue mine''' - the first commercial copper mine of South Africa, which started operations in 1852. Mining for diamonds and other gems started in recent times.
Do
Start your tour through Springbok in the city centre, which is situated around a hill called ''Klipkoppie''. Here was an English fortress, burned down during the Anglo-Boer war by a troop of general Jan Smuts. After a short walk along Monument Street, you will reach the '''museum''' in an old synagogue. A bit further on is the entrance to the '''Blue Mine'''.
Buy
In '''Melkboskuil''' is an old store selling antique furniture.
Eat
'''Springbok Lodge & Restaurant''', corner of Voortrekker and Keerom Road. A meeting point for travellers and locals to have a bite to eat.
Drink
Sleep
'''Mountain View Guest House''', 2 Overberg Ave, ph: ''+27'' (0)27 712 1438 [http://www.mountview.co.za/]. 4 star B&B furnished in African style, located at the city's edge directly at a short walking trail. Good view on the city and delicious food. Prices from R280 pp.
'''Masonic Hotel and Lodge''', Van Riebeeck street. phone +27 (0)27 7121505 email: masonichotel@jcbotha.co.za. fax +27 (0)27 7121730, [http://www.namaqualandflowers.co.za]. Centrally situated 3 star hotel with all the luxuries. Full English breakfast, A la Carte Restaurant and Ladies Bar.
'''Springbok Hotel''', Van Riebeeck street. phone +27 (0)27 7121161 email: springbokhotel@jcbotha.co.za. fax +27 (0)27 7121932, [http://www.namaqualandflowers.co.za]. Beautiful 2 star colonial hotel situated in the centre of town with easy access. Ladies Bar and Conference facilities seating 25 - 30 people"
'''Kokerboom Motel and Caravan Park''', on the N7 to and from Cape Town or Namibia phone +27 (0)27 7122685 email: kokerboom_motel@jcbotha.co.za. fax +27 (0)27 7122017, [http://www.namaqualandflowers.co.za]. 2 Star motel specially sited to view flowers from your bedroom. A la Carte Restaurant, Ladies Bar and Conference facilities seating 100 - 120 people. Caravan sites with power points. Coin operated laundry with washer and dryer.
Get out
'''Goegap Nature Reserve''' is 10 km south-west of the town along the R355. It is often called Namaqualand in miniature. Inside the reserve is the '''Malan Wild Flower Garden''', which offers hiking trails, mountain bike tours and roads for 4x4 vehicles.