Boegoeberg Eco Route

Historical Tours along the Orange River

GROBLERSHOOP

In a land of contrasts, through arid hills and plains, twists a green ribbon, bringing life and prosperity. At the gateway to this Green Kalahari you will find the village of Groblershoop.

The story of Groblershoop, 109 km east of Upington, started in the 1870s when pioneering white farmers settled in the area. In the 1890s, a hydroelectric generator and pump was build by A. J. Litchfield, who submitted a propsal for a dam and canal in 1895. In building his historic water turbine in the Orange River on his farm Winstead in 1913, Charles Newberry certainly showed his determination. The cement used in the construction of the weir and turbine was shipped in barrels from France. Entering the country through Algoa Bay, it was transported to the site by donkey cart.

The famous boer visionary, Siener van Rensburg, played an important role in the battle in which the seven soldiers buried on the farm Winstead, were buried. The farm is situated on the road to Griekwastad, 25km from Groblershoop. Rebels who were not prepared to fight on the side of the Union (SA) against the Germans, were on their way to Namibia to join the forces of gen Manie Maritz. Due to a vision of Van Rensburg they expected an ambush by the Union Forces and moved faster, to forestall their enemy. Wounded and dead soldiers were taken to the farm, where they were housed in the stables. Seven soldiers were buried with full military honors and an obelis was erected in their honor.

In the 1920s a pump station was built in the area by Stern to pump water here from the Orange River.

Situated 35 km from Groblershoop on a gravel road, the Boegoeberg Dam was formed when a 10m high weir was constructed in 1929. The construction formed part of an extensive economic development plan to uplift the poor white Afrikaners at the time. The name of the dam derives from the Boegoe plant that grows wild in the surrounding hills. The plant was widely used in traditional medicine. The holiday resort at the dam is like a green oasis in the desert and provides for camping, angling, and provides accommodation in six chalets. The water mass provides excellent opportunities for skiing, canoeing and sailing. The Boegoeberg Dam was completed in 1933 and is the third largest dam in the Orange River.Read more...

One of the construction camps was situated on the farm Sternham – renamed during the Great Trek Centenary in 1939 to Groblershoop, as a tribute to the Minister of Land Affairs, Mr Piet Grobler. Read more....

LAW Abattoir at Groblershoop is die single biggest employer in the area and has the capacity to slaughter up to 1500 sheep per day. It is one of the most modern abattoirs in South Africa and the only rural abattoir with an A rating. In 1999 LAW becomes the first sheep abattoir in South Africa to measure up to ISO9002 standards, applying high standards with regards to hygiene and tracibility. The abattoir offers its producers niche markets supplies products and carcasses countrywide. The abattoir has its own deboning plant and butchery. Members of the public are welcome to pop in for world standard products and the meat experience of a lifetime.

In the Esel Mountains, about 30km south west of Groblershoop, a natural ravine was formed. The water hole in the ravine fills up during the rainy season. This cycle must have been completed year in and year out for centuries, as is witnessed by the mysterious footprint in the rock below the water hole. Presumably some kind of primitive donkey left its footprint in the mud. The mud then became fossilized which rendered the donkey’s slippery path visible until today. At the bottom of the ravine some remains of lava is also evident. One theory explaining the footprints is that the tremendous heat generated by a volcanic outburst fossilized the mud – footprints and all! The footprints are situated on private land, but can be visited by appointment. Read more......

Several game farms are situated in the area and offer a wide variety of packages which include spa treatments and game drives.

Tour Options

Site tours:

Turbine tour: Contact Stephan van Zyl on +27(0)54 833 0410

Ezelklaauw Tour: Contact George Vos on +27(0)54 833 0261

Combined sites: This tour can be done in your own vehicle with a step on Guide or by arrangement our local registered guide can collect you from your guest house or lodge and will include a visit to Boegoeberg Dam the old turbine and the donkey footprints.

Contact All Africa Travel on +27(0)83 255 5588

Game drives: Meet at the gate of the game ranch or by arrngement the ranch will collect you at your guest house or lodge.

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