Alexander Bay

Afrikaans name: Alexanderbaai

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Northern Cape

Alexander Bay was established after diamonds were discovered in the area in 1925. For many years the town was closed to the general public because of the lucrative mining activities. Today Alexander Bay has a population of less than 2,000.

It was diamonds that drew Sir James Alexander to this site in the mid-1800's. He was after the copper which was to be found in the region. Alexander also saw the potential for a harbour to ship the copper around the world. Little did he know that the dunes contained vast quantities of diamonds while the copper supply did not last for too long.

The town is situated at the mouth of the Orange River which forms the boundary between South Africa and Namibia.

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References and further reading

Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 152

The Pictorial Motoring Atlas of South Africa - Author: Maxwell Leigh - Published: 1987 - Page: 13

Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Published: 1986 - Page: 163

Places to Visit in Southern Africa - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1995 - Page: 316

On Route - Explore South Africa region by region - 3rd edition - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 2014 - Page: 114

Journey Through the Living Deserts of South Africa - Author: CM Dean - Published: 2005 - Page: 89

On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 1995 - Page: 351

Getaway - Vol 32 No 12 - Author: - Published: 2021 - Page: 84

Country Life - Issue 246 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 44

Drive Out 4X4 Trail Guide - Author: - Published: 2011 - Page: 62

Country Life - Issue 178 - Author: - Published: 2011 - Page: 21

Conollys Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 354

Book of the Road - 4th edition - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2019 - Page: 106

Alexander Bay

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