Askham

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Geography and History

Askham is located in the beautiful southern Kalahari wilderness area on the Kalahari Red Dune Route of the Northern Cape province in South Africa. Here the dunes averaging 35m in height and the scenery is truly breathtaking!

Askham developed around the school that was built in 1931, and the Dutch Reformed Church. Askham is a quiet little town situated about 185km north of Upington on the road to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Being only 73 km from the park entrance at Twee Rivieren, Askham has become a necessary refuel point in the Kalahari before continuing on the journey to one of the world’s largest conservation areas.

It is claimed that the Scottish land surveyor, Rodger Jackson, gave Askham its name when he surveyed farms in the Kuruman river in 1919.

ACTIVITIIES

Kalahari 4 x 4 Trail - This tough 250km long route is worth a visit and can be done over two to three days.

Kgalagadi Tranfrontier Park - The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is one of the largest conservation areas in the world, linking South Africa and Botswana. It is the home of the famed black -maned Kalahari lion and has 58 species of mammal, 55 reptile species and about 300 bird species, including at least 20 different species of large raptor.

Loch Maree - Located 200km from Upington on the far side of Noenieput, with a circumference of 24 kilometres, this unworked salt pan is the largest in South Africa.

The Kalahari Red Dune Route - The route consists of a network of individually owned guest houses, farms and game reserves.

Hunting - The Kalahari is a hunter's paradise with its many game reserves and rich wildlife. Gemsbok and springbok are abundant, but wildebeest, red hartebeest and eland makes excellent biltong.