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Onseepkans is a small settlement on the banks of the Orange River and is also at the
border post with Namibia for traffic between Pofadder in South Africa and Keetmanshoop in
Namibia.
Onseepkans was established in approximately 1916 by missionary settlers and relies
today on the irrigated lands which are supplied with water from the Orange River.
There are small communities on both sides of the Orange River in one of the most remote
and beautiful parts of the country. The Quiver Tree (Kokerboom in Afrikaans) forest
between Pofadder and Onseepkans is stunning and is the largest forest of its type in the
Southern hemisphere. It is undoubtedly one of the natural highlights in the area which is
dominated by the stark desert landscape and unusual granite outcrops.
Click on image for full size photo
A few kilometres downstream from Onseepkaans on the Orange River are the Orange
River Falls which although lower than the Augrabies Falls are equally impressive from
other considerations. Access to the falls can only be made on foot from the South African
bank of the river or by four-wheeled drive vehicle from the Namibian bank. A good compass
or GPS is necessary as the Aroads@ to the falls tend to be dry river beds and the road
signs are sadly lacking. The moonscape scenery at the falls, however, is well worth the
half-day walk or two hour drive in that it is one of the most desolate and interesting
sites along the Orange River. The surrounding rocks will be of great interest to any
geologist or rock collector with an abundance of semi-precious stones and minerals
including Jaspers, Unakite, Ironstones, Garnets,and many more.
Click on image for full size photo
The area is hot - very hot and anyone deciding to risk the journey should be well
prepared with plenty of water (the falls are 10 to 20 km from the nearest road) and
adequate protection against the sun. Summer temperatures can exceed 50 C while in the
middle of winter temperatures in the high 30's can still be experienced.
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