Kenhardt

The origin of the name is not known.

Attractions

Also see the neighbouring towns

Kenhardt is in the arid Great Karoo, the Bushmanland, on the R27 between Brandvlei and Calvinia in the south, and Keimoes (75Km) and Upington (120Km) in the north; on the R361 to Vanwyksvlei and Carnarvon in the south; and on the R383 to Putsonderwater, Marydale and the N10 route between Upington and Kimberley. Kenhardt i on the banks of the dry river, Hartbeest River.

The Rooiberg Dam is south of Kenhardt. Many of the large pans in the great Karoo (such as Grootpan and Verneukpan) are south of Kenhardt. When the pans contain water after rainfall, large flock of birds migrate there. The road south to Brandvlei is a desolate road of about 200Km. Vegetation is basically low shrub with rocky landscapes.

Small places in the greater are around Kenhardt are Bossiekom, Kleinbegin, Diemansput, Jaght Drift, Kareeboskolk, Halfweg, Zwartkop.

Architecture

A library was built in 1897 and was in use until 1977. It is a national monument.

Quiver Tree forest

There is a Quiver Tree forest (Afrikaans: Kokerboom Woud) with up to 5000 trees, less than 10Km south of the town. Weaver bird nests can be seen in some.

Camelthorn Tree

A Camelthorn tree of about 500-600 years old is in town, and is the tree under which Magistrate Jackson set up his camp in 1868.

Grootvloer

Grootvloer is south of Kenhardt and a very large salt pan, depending on how it is measured, as long as 60Km and as wide as 30Km.

Verneukpan

Verneukpan lies south of Kenhardt.

The pan became famous in 1929 when Captain (later Sir) Malcolm Campbell (1885 - 1948) attempted to break world land-speed record. He tried to reach 300 miles per hour (482.8 Km/h).

Malcolm Campbell (1885 - 1948)

The car used was a Napier-Arrol-Astor Bluebird. His mean speed for the measured mile was 218.45 mph (351.56 Km/h)

Campbell did eventually exceed 300 miles per hour reaching 301.337 mph, but not in South Africa.

Today Verneukpan is used by kite-surfers, an extreme sport using wind buggies. These bicycle-like vehicles with a sail attached to them. Speeds of up to 70Km per hour are reached.

History

The earliest known humans were the San/Bushman people who roamed the area. Their art work can still be seen here.

The Griquas, specifically the Koranna and Khoe people, ruled the area during the times of early European colonisation. They raided cattle from the European settlers, and in 1868 the Cape Government established a more permanent post here under magistrate Maximillian Jackson and 50 policemen to protect the cattle farmers from theft. Prior to that, in 1863, Louis Anthing, magistrate of the district, visited the area and put up a temporary shelter, which Jackson used.

The outpost was never a success due to the harsh conditions. The horses of the first police force dies because of thirst. After the Koranna were subdued, Kenhardt remained a small police station.

Kenhardt became a municipality in 1909.

Climate

Temperature; in summer often above 40°C

Economy

Farming: Sheep, karakul, dorper.

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