Olifantshoek lies at the foot of the Lange Mountains, on the Namakwari Route, and was officially founded in 1912. The exact origin of the name is unknown. Some believe that it is a direct adaptation of the Setswana word “ditlou” which means “elephants”; others that elephant bones were found in the vicinity and still others believe that ivory was used as collateral to buy the land on which the village was established.
Adventure and Sport
Hiking: The Neylan and the Pudu hiking trails are well worth exploring. Hunting: Contact the Northern Cape Hunters’ Association for more information.
Archaeology and Palaeontology
San Rock Art: Engravings of lion, giraffe and different types of antelope species can be viewed on Meerlust and Pan Heuwel farms.
History and Architecture
War Graves: Graves dating back to 1879 (Galeshewe’s war) can be seen on the farm Fuller.
Natural Wonders
Roaring Sands: The white granular dunes of the Witsand Nature Reserve are 100 m high and 10 km long. The dunes emit strange roaring sounds when they are disturbed by wind in hot, dry weather. The white colour of the sands is caused by perennial waters that seep to the surface, leaching out the red iron oxides.
