Pofadder

Pofadder is named after Klaas Pofadder (which means Puff Adder), a !Korana chief who lived on Kanoneiland, roamed the vast area, and was killed here.

In South Africa the town name Pofadder is used in the same sense of a very remote place as in the British English usage of the place name Timbuktu, or American English Kalamazoo.

Attractions

Also see the neighbouring towns

Pofadder lies about 165Km N14 east from Springbok, about 50Km south of Velloorsdrif Border Post with Namibia, Onseepkans and the Gariep River, and 125Km west of Kakamas. For more than 200Km southward there are no towns in the barren Greater Karoo, only a few very small settlements.

Pella and Klein Pella are very small settlements to the northwest of Pofadder.

Onseepkans is a very small settlement on the Gariep River and border with Namibia, about 100Km from Karasburg (which is in Namibia). Onseepkans was established by missionary settlers around 1916. About 2000 people live in Onseepkans and surrounding areas. The three "suburbs' of Onseepkans, stretched out over a distance of 8Km, are Melkbosrand, Viljoensdraai and Sending. The name Onseepkans is of Nama origin, but its meaning is unclear.

Other small settlements in the area have names such as Aggeneys, Dabenoris, Gadiep, Goodhouse, Namies, Nabies, Bladgrond, Nous.

Klaas Pofadder's grave is in the area.

Spring flowers

Pofadder is situated in the Namaqualand Spring Flower region. After good rains around September, the area is covered in yellow and gold flowers.

Ritchie Falls

The Ritchie Falls is in the Gariep River near Onseepkans.

Things to do

4X4 trails, hiking, river rafting.

The Pofadder Hiking Trail winds through a moonlike landscape, and passes the Ritchie Falls.

There is a Quiver Tree forest on the farm Coboob north of Pofadder on the way to Onseepkans.

Photos: courtesy of Arrie Schreiber

History

In the late 1800s the !Korana people had a settlement at a spring where the town is located today. In 1875 a mission was established by the Reverend Christiaan Schroder at springs at this spot, and named after Klaas Pofadder the !Korana chief.

In 1918 a town was laid out at the springs and called Theronsville. But the name Pofadder stuck and it was later officially changed back to the name of the old mission.

Climate

Todays' Weather Report for Pofadder

Rainfall is usually lower than 50mm per year. There are more periods of drought than periods with the miserable rainfall.

Summer temperatures can exceed 50°C, and winter highs more than 30°C.

Ecosystem

This is succulent world.

Economy

Farming: Karakul, sheep, date plantations, sub-tropical fruit. Semi-precious stones and minerals that can be found here include Unakite, Ironstone, Jaspers and Garnets.

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