Diamond conglomerate, De Beers, promoted a new tourism route across South Africa which links nine sites between the Namaqualand Diamond Coast and the banks of the Limpopo River.
The Diamond Route, a joint iniative between De Beers and the Oppenheimer family, aims to boost South Africa’s ecotourism offerings by opening up some of the company’s sites – mostly nature reserves – to a wider potential audience.
The Diamond Route caters mainly for independent travelers or small groups of 4x4 enthusiasts. It offers a broad array of activities with trained guides, and also allows self guided tourism at some destinations.
Situated in the north-western corner of South Africa's rugged Northern Cape Province is a stretch of pristine coastline aptly named The Diamond Coast. These shores have remained relatively less travelled, virtually unspoilt and crime-free as it lies within the previously restricted or forbidden diamond mining areas.
The valuable mineral treasures hidden within its soils have necessitated these restrictions for decades. Diamonds however, are not the only treasures found here. The Sandveld, which forms part of the Succulent Karoo Biome, is home to many indigenous plants, animals and insects.
This coastline, with its ever-changing dune systems and mysterious shipwrecks, has been available to tourists in the form of two guided, 4x4 tours: The Shipwreck and Strandveld 4x4 Trails as well as the Diamond Coast Hiking Trail. Visitors to the West Coast or Richtersveld will find the inclusion of the Diamond Coast a perfect way to complete the experience of this unique combination of coastal plain and arid mountain desert.
Diamond Coast-Forever Namaqualand, with its central reservations centre situated in Kleinzee, will handle all enquiries, reservations as well as security permit applications.
