Keimoes is a small town about 50 km southwest of Upington in the Northern Cape. It is an oasis within an otherwise arid region. Here, sultanas, other grape varieties, lucerne, wheat and fruit are grown under irrigation from the Orange River.

Driving along the N8 towards the little town of Keimoes, one cannot help but stare in awe at the contrasting landscape. Lying in an otherwise arid region, the area surrounding Keimoes is green with sultanas, lucerne, wheat and fruit, making it look like an oasis in the semi-desert region. Like most of the places on the Orange River, Keimoes makes use of the water of this river for the irrigation of the vineyards and is therefore often described as a lost piece of the Boland. However, here they don't press the grapes into wine, but spread them out on fields to let them dry in the burning sun, to become raisins.
The origin of this little oasis's name is in dispute. Legend has it that Klaas Lukas, a Koranna river-people leader, established a village on the banks of the Orange River near the Tier Mountains. He called the village Keimoes (mouse nest) after the colonies of mice living there. A more probable origin lies in the Nama words 'gei' (great) and 'mus' (fountain or eye). Semantics aside, Keimoes is a picturesque little town.

There are a few interesting attractions in the town. A particularly beautiful subject for a photographer is the paddle wheel of the old watermill, which still does its work the traditional way, leading water from the Orange River to the vineyards. The Dutch Reformed mission church, built in 1889, is now a national monument.

The Tierberg Nature Reserve lies 4 km from town on the road to Augrabies Falls National Park. Teaming with springbok, it covers 160ha and is noted for its many aloes - mostly winter flowering. Spring sees many succulents in full flower. The most numerous species is Aloe gariepensis. It is named after the Gariep (the old Khoikhoi name for the Orange River). At the summit of the reserve, there is a lookout with a marvelous view across the Orange River Valley.

Over about a distance of about 150 km, between Sultanaoord east of Upington and the Augrabies Falls, the Orange River often divides into several streams to form a series of islands, the largest of which is Kanoneiland, 10 km northeast of Keimoes. These islands are farmed, producing good crops of fruit, lucerne and wheat.

Wine tasting and tours are also offered at the Orange River Wine Cellars Co-operative's largest distillery in the lower Orange River Valley. On the slopes of the Tier Mountain, you will enjoy wonderful views of the river's islands and irrigation scheme.

A few kilometres north of the Orange River between Kakamas and Keimoes a memorial commemorates the First World War Battle of Kakamas in 1915.

To get to Keimoes, take the N8 southwest of Upington. It reaches Keimoes after about 50 kilometres.