Northern Cape, Province in western South Africa
The province covers a large part of western South Africa, reaching from the Kalahari to the Atlantic coast. This area includes mountain ranges, dry plains, and river valleys shaped by infrequent rainfall.
After apartheid ended, the region was formed as a separate province, combining parts of earlier administrative areas. The boundary brought together traditional homelands of different communities under a new political structure.
The San, who are among the oldest inhabitants of southern Africa, left behind rock art that can still be seen in caves and rock shelters across the region. These paintings show hunting scenes, animals, and ritual depictions, offering visitors a direct look into a way of life that stretches back thousands of years.
The wide landscape requires good preparation for longer drives, as towns are often many kilometers apart. Water and supplies should be carried, especially in drier areas away from main roads.
At night, the sky over uninhabited areas becomes one of the clearest in the southern hemisphere, offering exceptional conditions for stargazing. Astronomers from around the world come here to study the heavens far from light pollution.
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