Kenhardt (founded 1868) is a small town in the Northern Cape province of South Africa and became a municipality in 1909. The Kenhardt landscape is arid but also characterised by a luscious green belt fed by the gorgeous Hartbees River and by irrigation water from the Rooiberg Dam. This arid land boasts a fascination of its own, the tedium of brown sand being broken only by black dolerite boulders.

Because of the lack of trees in the area, a large number of weaver birds make use of the telegraph poles along the road to build their community nests. Their large nests or “bird apartments” can easily house over 150 birds and can be lived in for more than a century. One can easily spot them along the way.

The fantastic wide-open spaces of Verneukpan are an ideal hotspot for parasailing enthusiasts. Verneukpan was made famous in 1929 when Sir Malcolm Campbell unsuccessfully attempted to break the world land-speed record in his Bluebird 1. For those who prefer an archaeological adventure, there are San trails which will lead you over several hills, in the footsteps of the San, to spots which the San chose as canvases for their art. One can see what they saw and experience what they did.

There is also an Old Library Building one can explore. This building dates from 1897 and was used as a library until 1977. It was declared a national monument in 1978.

The Quiver Tree Forest is an ideal hiking destination. Hike through this forest boasting over 4 000 – 5 000 trees and marvel at their beauty. Kenhardt may be small but certainly not insignificant. The beauty and splendour of this area make it a favourable holiday destination for many.

Explore the Green Kalahari

The towns found in the Green Kalahari are: