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Kakamas is famous for its history and hospitality. Sliced by the Orange River and set in a land of rugged beauty, Kakamas lies close to the legendary Augrabies Falls. Here the local welcome is warmer than the sun on an aloe tree.

Kakamas - The name
In 1788 great herds of buffalo were sighted at Bassonsdrif, adding to the regular sightings of elephant, rhino and hippo. The name Kakamas originated from the word T'kakamas, a word the Korannas gave to the place where a fierce buffalo cow stormed upon them as they were driving their cattle through the drift.

Water Tunnels 
These tunnels were built in 1898-1901 under the instruction of Mr. Japie Lütz, a self-trained engineer. There are 2 tunnels - 3-4m wide, 2,5 high and 97 & 172m long. These diameters are astounding considering that they were dug by hand.

Water-wheels
This is a unique, interesting and economical method of distributing water to higher lands. There are presently 9 water-wheels in use and attribute largely to the identity of Kakamas.

Transformer Building
Based on an Egyptian design, Kakamas and Egypt being equidistant from the equator, this building supplied Kakamas with power in 1912-1914 from the first hydro-electric power station in South-Africa. It is presently a National Monument.

Neus Weir
The weir lies on the orange River approximately half an hour's drive from Kakamas along the scenic Rockery Route. It is the first cylindrical weir with a smooth overflow to be used in the country. This R188 million project is 936 meters long and approximately 6 meters high.

German Graves
Approximately 4 km outside Kakamas lie the German graves, which are a remembrance of a gruesome battle fought on 4 February 1915. Six out of seven graves were found were re-buried at the foot of the hill and has since been declared a National Monument.

Orange River Wine Cellars Co-op
Established here in 1974, this is one of the branches of the second largest Wine Co-operatives in the world. Award winning wines are available for wine tasting and purchasing Monday to Friday between 08h30-12h45 and 14h00-17h00.(Saturdays:08h30-11h30) Guided and unguided tours are available.

South African Dried Fruit Co-op
Established in 1970 this is the receiving depot of the countrywide South-African Dried Fruit Co-op. A large variety of the dried fruit of sunny South Africa is on sale Monday to Thursday from 07h15-12h15 and 12h45-17h00; Friday 19h15-12h15 and 12h45-15h45.

Nearby Attractions
On the doorstep of Kakamas are two of the biggest and best known attractions of the Northern Cape-The Augrabies Falls National Park and the world renowned Kalahari Gemsbok National Park.