As the Kalahari’s dunes vanish behind you and before the Namaqualand flowers appear, there lies Khai-Ma, with Pofadder on the N14 highway – the key point that serves the Onseepkans, Pella, Witbank and Aggeneys districts.

Stay over for a day or two and visit our world; see unique and hidden places. Take the R358 to Onseepkans and the 50 km plunge through one of the three quiver tree forests and hills while the road before you vanishes into the distance and then finally rises toward Namibia.

The past and future meet on the farmlands in Onseepkans, next to the banks of the Orange River, also known as Gariep or Grootrivier. The Nama (or Koranna) people call the Gariep the “wilderness river” – this barren world found after it’s long journey starting in the snowy hills of Lesotho.

In Onseepkans we see the greenery of the orchards and the reed houses of the local inhabitants. Here the road crosses the border into Namibia (remember your passport). Begin a five day hike with local guides from the community who know the area like the palms of their hands. Here you can experience the Richie Falls, also known as the, “Verkeerdom Valle” since the water seems to run upstream.

There’s also the alternative route back to the N14 where you can visit the guest farms of Oranjedal and Raap en Skraap with overnight facilities as well as camping and barbeque areas. This is also the place where you can see two huge solar power projects that are currently under construction. This area is second only to Chille for it’s ideal placement of solar based energy projects.

Leaving Pofadder, follow the N14 and visit Pella, known for it’s rich history, and visit the Roman Catholic Cathedral, the hub of the community. This church was built by priests using only the basic of tools and an encyclopedia. It took 7 years to complete the construction and was inaugurated on 15 August 1895. The nuns are your tour guides through the church and museum which is definitely worth seeing.

The Namaqua 4×4 route begins in Pella and takes you through Vioolsdrif, Richtersveld and Alexander Bay. There is an amazing rest stop at the Orange River Resort on the banks of the Orange River. Pella is situated in a desert area and the route takes you along the river, through mountains, over private and public property towards Witbank where you find the famous “Melkhout” tree. Accommodation can usually be found near the river where camping facilities are rather basic and rustic, therefore you should prepare to be completely self-sufficient. The Orange River presents the opportunity for swimming, fishing and canoeing.

Klein Pella is a huge agriculture development with date plantations and a guesthouse where you can stay overnight in top quality accommodation and enjoy delicious meals.

Returning to the N14 on the way to Springbok, lies Aggeneys, “place of (sour) water”. Here Vedanta is mining for copper, zink, silver and lead and development of Gamsberg is being planned, one of the largest zink mines in the world. The red dunes near Aggeneys is the home of the red lark. Here, beautiful flowers make their appearance in the Spring following the start of the rainy season and is also the home to 48 species of birds, baboons, springbuck and other predators.

Within Pofadder, you can find high quality accommodation as well as a caravan park. It is the central business district of the Khai-Ma municipal area, providing banking facilities, fuel and a place to restock your supplies. It’s advisable to reserve accommodation in advance.

We look forward to seeing you!