Kenhardt

Afrikaans name: Kenhardt

Photo coming soon...

Northern Cape

Kenhardt is a small and remote town in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. The surrounding landscape is very arid and consists of rocks and low shrubs. The Hartbees River winds its way through the region.

The origin of the name "Kenhardt" is not known. The first people to settle in the area were a group of rustlers. In 1868 a squad of policemen were sent to round up the rustlers. Subsequently the town took shape in this vicinity.

Despite the barren landscape there is a lot to interest the visitor. These include Quiver Trees, vast salt pans which attract countless birds at times, San artwork and fossilized footprints.

Birders in the region tend to be looking for Larks and other species of drier regions. Look for Karoo Korhaan, Double-banded Courser, Black-eared Finchlark, Lark-like Bunting, Namaqua Sandgrouse and Spike-heeled Lark.

The farms in the region raise Karakul sheep for their wool, as well as sheep for mutton. Water for irrigation comes from the Rooiberg Dam.

Would you recommend a visit to Kenhardt?

References and further reading

The Pictorial Motoring Atlas of South Africa - Author: Maxwell Leigh - Published: 1987 - Page: 53

Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 159

Southern African Birdfinder - Author: Cohen, Spottiswoode and Rossouw - Published: 2006 - Page: 79

Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Published: 1986 - Page: 184

On Route - Explore South Africa region by region - 3rd edition - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 2014 - Page: 119

go! - Issue 084 - Author: - Published: 2013 - Page: 108

Journey Through the Living Deserts of South Africa - Author: CM Dean - Published: 2005 - Page: 139

On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 1995 - Page: 339

Farm Stall to Farm Stall - Author: Jennifer Stern - Published: 2014 - Page: 165

Essential Birding: Western South Africa - Author: Callan Cohen and Claire Spottiswoode - Published: 2000 - Page: 92

Conollys Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 350

Kenhardt Accommodation

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