Keimoes

Municipality

Municipality: Kai Garib Local Municipality
District Municipality: Siyanda District Municipality

Keimoes Tourism Bureau

Main Rd
Keimoes

Phone number: 054-461-6400
Fax number: 054-461-6401
Email: Email inquiry

The name Keimoes either means Mouse Nest in !Korana, or Big Eye in Nama.

Attractions

Keimoes is a village (population less than 10'000) on an island in the Gariep (Orange) River, roughly 45Km southwest from Upington, and 40Km east from Kakamas. Some small places near Keimoes are: Neilersdrif, Loxtonvale, Curries Camp and Friesdale. The environment is arid, but due to irrigation from the Gariep River the town is very green. Kanoneiland is about 15Km towards Upington.

Tierberg (also known as Loerkop), the highest point in the region, overlooks the village and offers a lookout over the valley.

Architecture

The Dutch Reformed mission church was built in 1889 and is a national monument.

Bakkiespomp

Bakkiespomp is an old restored waterwheel, "pumping" water from the Gariep River to the farms in the area. It is located next to the main street.

Tierberg Nature Reserve

The Tierberg Nature Reserve (160Ha) lies 4 km west from Keimoes. It is host to Springbok and aloes, which flower in winter. The most abundant species is of aloe is Aloe gariepensis (named after the Gariep River). Loerkop (meaning Peeping Hill) is in the reserve, and offers a view over the valley.

Wine tasting

The region has vineyards, and offers wine tasting and tours.

First World War Memorial

A battle was fought near Keimoes during the First World War. This Battle of Kakamas took place in 1915,and consisted of three skirmishes between the German and Allied Forces (mainly consisting of South Africans). A memorial marks the location of the battle.

Suspension bridges

There are several suspension bridges across the Gariep River, some used by school childrfen on their way to school.

Things to do

The Gariep River offers many kinds of water sport, ranging from kayaking, canoeing and tubing, to fishing.

There are also hiking trails and mountain bike routes.

History

The village was established by Klaas Lucas, leader of the !Korana river people who lived here. The origin of the name of the town is uncertain. If the name is derived from !Korana, it means Mouse Nest, referring to river mice who nest on the river banks. If the name is derived from the Nama language, it means Great Fountain (gei mus).

During the 1870s the !Korana chiefs Klaas Lukas and Piet Rooi raided farms and kept up to 10'000 stolen livestock. In 1879 a police force of 80 men attacked the !Korana's in order to get back the cattle. The final "battle" was fought about 15Km from Keimoes, at Kanoneiland.

In 1883 an irrigation channel was constructed, and 4 years later, in 1887, the first school was established. The Dutch Reformed mission church was built in 1889.

In 1907 a pont was installed across the Gariep River at Milldrift and later in 1910 another at Rooikop Island.

Keimoes became a municipality in 1949.

There have been several floods causing damage to the town. Major floods occurred in: 1925, 1934, 1974 and 1988.

Economy

Farming: peaches, grapes, lucerne, pecan nuts, watermelons, sultanas, wheat and fruit are grown under irrigation.

In the early 1900s Keimoes had a strong moonshine-type grape alcoholic drink, called Keimoes-blits (Keimoes Lightning).

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