Alexander Bay

Alexander Bay is named after Sir James Alexander, who began large scale copper mining in 1836.

Attractions

Also see the neighbouring towns

Alexander Bay is the northern most settlement on the west coast of South Africa, on the border with Namibia. It is a seaside settlement on the Atlantic Ocean, and its main purpose used to be to serve the diamond mining industry, although tourism now increases. The Gariep or Orange River enters the Indian Ocean just north of Alexander Bay. On the northern bank lies Oranjemund.

Port Nolloth lies 85Km to the south on the Atlantic Ocean, and the R382 routes leads through Port Nolloth to Steinkopf. Very small isettlements with interesting names are: Khubu, Lekkersing, Eksteenfontein, and the Holgat Creek.

There are walking and cycling trails around the town.

Mine tours are available. Tours have to be arranged at least 24 hours in advance, and require security clearance.

Near the mouth of the river is a wetland, declared a Ramsar Site in 1991. Water birds such as flamingos and pelicans are abundant, and Barlow's Lark, a bird endemic to the area can be found along the river banks.

Southeast of Alexander Bay is a lichen field containing 30 species of green and orange lichen. There are plans to declare this field a National Monument.

Alexander Bay is presently changing into a living museum. This concept extends the traditional exhibit type of museum to include other activities focusing on biodiversity and cultural experiences.

Photo: courtesyGraeme Sacks

Sport

There is a golf course in Alexander Bay.

There are tennis and Squash courts, and rackets can be hired from the Tourism Information Centre.

Fishing is allowed.

The area is suited for mountain biking, although there are no specific trails.

There is a swimming pool.

Canoeing can be done on the Orange River - from the Richtersveld National Park to Alexander Bay, about 75Km.

History

During the 1800s copper ore was floated in barges down the Orange River from the copper mines further inland. It was loaded onto ships in Alexander Bay and shipped to Swansea in Wales, where it was milled, smelted and refined.

In 1927 the geologist Hans Merensky discovered diamonds at Alexander Bay. It is said that he collected 487 diamonds under a single stone. In order to avoid overstocking the diamond market, the government laid claim to the alluvial diamonds, and formed a company, Alexkor Limited, that still does the mining in the area. More recently Alexkor has diversified into tourism.

Climate

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