The name Keimoes, meaning ‘Big Eye’, was derived form the Khoi words ‘gei’ which means ‘eye’ and ‘mus’ which means ‘fountain’. It is however not certain whether the original inhabitants referred to the permanent fountain in the hills near the Catholic Mission Station or the wide views from the top of Tierberg. Many people died as a result of the Spanish flu in 1918 and religious meetings were held under the big camel thorn tree, still standing in front of the Keimoes High School – such were people’s fears of infection within closed areas. Near the museum is a replica of the water wheel used in the past to divert water onto the irrigation lands. It was declared a national monument in 1978. Tierberg offers breathtaking panoramic views of Keimoes and it’s surroundings. It is also a nature reserve where several types of aloe and small game can be seen. It lies approximately 2 km southeast of town. Keimoes is truly a ‘Piece of Boland’ in the Kalahari and the perfect holiday destination for those in search of peace and quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Upington 52 km, Kakamas 40 km

Community: Fire Brigade, Police Station

Health: Ambulance Service, Hospital

HISTORICAL VIEW

Keimoes Museum

Located in the centre of town, near the water wheel. The building was completed in 1889 and was used by the Dutch Reformed congregation as a house of worship. In 1978 it was declared a national monument. Soon after that it was bought by the Keimoes Municipality and transformed into a museum

Loerkop

During the guerilla war of 1879, Loerkop was used by the Korannas as an outpost from where their scouts could watch the movements of the enemy troops.

Waterwheel

Near the museum is a replica of the waterwheel used in the past to divert water onto the irrigation lands. It was declared a national monument in 1978.

NATURE

Tierberg Nature Reserve

The reserve lies 4 km from the town on the road to Augrabies Falls National Park. Teeming with springbok, it covers 160 ha and is noted for it’s many aloes flowering during water. Spring sees many succulents in full flower. At the summit of Tierberg there is a lookout with a marvelous view across the Orange River Valley

ATTRACTIONS

Orange River Wine Cellars

Situated to the north of the town, producing wines of a very high quality – some of which have won top prizes at wine shows. The area is also renowned for the making of raisins. The vineyards around Keimoes are a feast for the eye during spring and summer

Accommodation in and around Keimoes