Brandvlei

Afrikaans name: Brandvlei

Dutch Reformed Church, Brandvlei

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Northern Cape

Brandvlei gets its name from the original Boer inhabitant, known as "Ou Brand", who settled in the area sometime during the 19th century. It only formally became a municipality as recently as 1962. The name "Brandvlei" is Afrikaans for "burning marsh."

The nearby salt pans offer great bird-watching opportunities after some rain. It worth visiting a small hill, 5 km from the town, known as Hardekop. This offers good views of the otherwise flat landscape. A Dutch Reformed Church, built in 1905, is a national monument.

Been to the Brandvlei area? What's it like?

Above - Wagon on display in Brandvlei (see below)

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Above - Information for the wagon shown above

Photo © Johan van Zyl

References and further reading

Southern African Birdfinder - Author: Cohen, Spottiswoode and Rossouw - Published: 2006 - Page: 78

Southern African Birdfinder - Author: Cohen, Spottiswoode and Rossouw - Published: 2006 - Page: 77

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

On Route - Explore South Africa region by region - 3rd edition - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 2014 - Page: 118

Places to Visit in Southern Africa - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1995 - Page: 301

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

Journey Through the Living Deserts of South Africa - Author: CM Dean - Published: 2005 - Page: 143

Essential Birding: Western South Africa - Author: Callan Cohen and Claire Spottiswoode - Published: 2000 - Page: 89

Country Life - Issue 212 - Author: - Published: 2014 - Page: 44

Northern Cape - Namakwa

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