The spring was discovered in 1801, when an expedition group from the Cape explored the hinterland to check out the possibilities of cattle trading with the natives. Later on, a mission was opened here, which then became the centre of the small town of Kuruman.

Today, Kuruman is mainly a shopping centre at the northern limit of the Republic. For tourists, the place is interesting for its contrast to the desert-like surrounding.

Left: Crystal-clear springwater in Kuruman.
Top: The "Eye" of Kuruman.

Kuruman
Northern Cape

In the middle of the dry expanse of the Kalahari basin lies the green oasis of Kuruman. In its centre is the famous "Eye of Kuruman", an inexhaustible sweetwater fountain, which has never dried out, even in the longest drought periods, and produces daily 20 million litres of water.



Visitor Information and accommodation in Kuruman