Douglas, situated on the Vaal River, only 13 km east of the confluence with the Orange River, was founded in 1848 as a mission station and was established by the Rev Isaac Hughes on the farm Backhouse. In 1867 a group of Europeans from Griquastown signed as agreement with the Griqua chief Nicholas Waterboer, giving them the right to establish a town close to a ford in the area, much used by travellers at the time. The town was named in honour of Sir Percy Douglas, Lieutenant Governor of the Cape Colony. Douglas is well known as a fine farming area, with vast tracts of land under irrigation with water diverted from the Vaal River

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Bloemfontein 295 km, De Aar 302 km, Kimberley 101 km, Prieska 121 km, Upington 390 km

Average Rainfall: 325 mm per annum

Rivers: Orange, Vaal

Average Temperatures

Summer 34,6°c; Winter 1,9°c

HISTORICAL VIEW

Driekopseiland (Driekoppeneiland)

Rock engravings form part of the rich stone age heritage for which the Northern Cape is well known. These engravings were made with stone tools by ancestors of the historical Khoisan. Hundreds of rock engravings are found over a large area of glacial pavements on Driekopseiland. Among these are many animals representations, but the majority are simply schematic or non representative designs. The McGregor Museum in Kimberley has a complete record of these engravings. Visits must be arranged by appointment through the museum.

Glacier Pavements

Can be found at several sites in the Douglas area dating from the Dwyka Ice Age, 290 million years ago. As the glaciers moved rocks and rubble, embedded in their undersurfaces, smoothed and scoured out scratch marks, known as striations, on the underlying Andesite rock pavements.

NATURE

Orange River

The abundant birdlife in the area is due to the mighty Orange River, often described as a ‘linear oasis’ through the Northern Cape Province. This river provides a habitat for a wide variety of bird species and also serves as an important migration route through the arid western parts of our country. Some of the ‘specials’ to be viewed include Layard’s Titbabbler (Parisoma layardi; Afr. Grystjeriktik), Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus; Afr. Dwergarend) and African Black Duck (Anas sparsa; Afr. Swarteend).

ATTRACTIONS

Alleyway River Adventures

Those between the ages of eight and 60 who wish to conquer the mighty Orange River can do so at Alleyway River Adventures located between Hopetown and Douglas. Here rafters can brace themselves for some exciting rapids, as well as enjoying leisurely stretches on the river. A bush camp is set within an old citrus orchard on the banks of the river, backdropped by dolorite hillocks. For guests who wish to savour the glow and warmth of Africa, this is the place to be. All river equipment, accommodation and meals are provided.

Backhouse

Probably the largest Barhman cattle stud farm in the Republic, may be visited by prior arrangement.

Die Neus

A scenic spot 14 km from town. Die Neus is located at the confluence of the Orange and Vaal River.

Douglas Wine Cellar

The Douglas Wine Cellar was established in 1968 and today produces a wide variety of table and dessert wines. The cellar was the first from the Orange River district to produce a national champion wine – a Red Jerepigo. The co-operative winery received grapes from the Prieska, Barkly West and Modder River areas. The co-operative, which has wine tasting facilities, is open to the public on weekdays.

Farm Visits

Apiary - Douglad Bee Farm

Geese Farm - Uncle Boet’s Farm

Livestock Stud Farms - Bosman Landgoed, DSU Cilliers & Sons, JG Stander

Ostrich Farms - J Fletcher, J Megaw,

Horse Breeding – Wimco Stables

Vegetable Farms – Bosman Landgoed, DSU Cilliers & Sons

Salt Lake

30 km southeast of Douglas one finds a large pan, the largest single source of salt in South Africa.

ACTIVITIES

Bird Watching

Fishing

Douglas is one of the world’s prime freshwater fishing areas. The seven most important freshwater fish species, including the large mouth yellow fish are found here. The quiet waters of the Vaal River make artificial fishing a pleasurable experience.

Hunting

Whether you are trophy hunting or in search of biltong, Douglas offers a variety of animal species and a unique hunting environment

River Rafting – Alleyway River Adventures

Walking Trails

Pleasant walking trails can be arranged in the area. The open veld is a parkland of indigenous thorn trees, and the riverbanks an inspiration of lush greens.

Accommodation in and around Douglas