Barkley West , Cape - Accommodation, Safaris, Adventure

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Province: Northern Cape
Region: Diamond Fields
Town: Barkley West

Barkly West 
(including Delportshoop) 
The discovery of diamonds at Klipdrift on the Vaal River in 1869 drew thousands of prospectors. The area was renamed Barkly West in 1873 after becoming part of the Crown Colony of Griqualand West. Renowned writer Sarah Gertrude Millin grew up in the district. Her father opened and operated the first shop in Barkly West. One of the first towns to be affected by the diamond rush, the district's economy is driven by stock and irrigation farming. 
Tourist information: The town clerk, Barkly West 8375 Tel: 053 - 5310673. 

Activities and Attractions 
Museums: Barkly West Museum, Tel: 053 - 8420099 
Alluvial Diamond Diggings Licensed prospectors still sift the sand and gravel of the Vaal River for ever elusive diamonds. 
Barkly Bridge The first to cross the Vaal River, the bridge was built with steel girders in 1885. It is still in use. 
Canteen Koppie Alluvial diamond diggings from 1869 onwards revealed many archaeological sites along the Vaal River. This is one of the most exceptional. 
Course of the Vaal River Characterised by breakwaters where diggers still labour, the river has many pools, rapids, waterfalls and features with odd names, eg Gong Gong, Beaumont’s Folly and Bosman’s Fortune. 
Nooitgedacht Glacial Pavings Rock scoured and straightened by slow moving ice that covered the land 250 million years ago contains many Khoisan petroglyphs. 
Old Toll House On the Orange River’s north bank. 
Places of Interest: Hanging Tree, R31 between Kimberley and Barkly West
Rekaofella Pleasure Resort, Tel: 053 - 5310626 
St Mary’s Anglican Church Built in 1871, it was the first church on the diamond fields. 

TOWNS & REGIONS
GAME AND NATURE RESERVES
BOOKS AND MAPS
HERITAGE SITES  
ROUTES AND MEANDERS
ADVENTURE AND SAFARIS
ITINERARIES

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