Danielskuil

Afrikaans name: Danielskuil

Danielskuil

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Northern Cape

The village of Danielskuil is about one and a half hours drive north-west from Kimberley. It is situated in an area known for its asbestos deposits but diamonds and marble are also mined.

The name of the town has both biblical and geographic links. It refers to a limestone depression that is around 6 metres deep. This was used by Adam Kok, leader of the Griquas, who used it to keep prisoners. He is also reported to have kept snakes in it, which reminds one of the Biblical story of "Daniel in the Lion's Den".

On a hill overlooking the town there is a British fort from the Anglo-Boer war. Another point of interest is Boesmansgat which is located on a farm 31 km north of the town. This is an extremely deep sinkhole. It is estimated to be 282 metres deep.

The area is well-watered from underground sources and has fertile soil so plenty of agriculture takes place around Danielskuil. The main farming activity in the region is cattle ranching.

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References and further reading

Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 290

Things ewe never knewe about South African place names - Author: Ann Gadd - Published: 2015 - Page: 45

Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Published: 1986 - Page: 172

On Route - Explore South Africa region by region - 3rd edition - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 2014 - Page: 134

Conollys Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 345

On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 1995 - Page: 321

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