• South Africa’s Oldest Mining Town
    South Africa’s Oldest Mining Town

    Copper put Okiep on the map in 1855, making it the birthplace of South Africa’s copper mining industry.

  • A Village with a Story to Tell
    A Village with a Story to Tell

    From war-time sieges to mule-drawn railways, Okiep’s history is as rich as the copper once mined here.

  • Echoes of a Boomtown
    Echoes of a Boomtown

    Discover remnants of Okiep’s golden era — national monuments, mining ruins, and a heritage that shaped a region.

About Okiep

Discover the Story of Okiep

Okiep (formerly O'okiep) is a historic village in Namaqualand, named after the Nama word U-gieb, believed to mean “the great brackish spring,” “the place of the big tree,” or “the little fountain.”

Strategically located on the N14 and N7 highways, Okiep is just 8 km north of Springbok, 120 km south of the Namibian border, and 560 km north of Cape Town. It's the perfect stop for travelers exploring the Northern Cape and beyond.

South Africa’s Oldest Mining Town

Copper was first discovered in Okiep in 1855, making it the oldest mining town in South Africa. The area quickly flourished, becoming the heart of the country's copper mining industry. A narrow-gauge railway from Okiep to Port Nolloth was completed in 1873 to transport copper to the coast — famously pulled by mules due to water scarcity until steam engines were introduced in 1892.

The town's boom drew skilled Cornish miners, whose legacy remains in the architecture, mining structures, and surnames still found in the area today.

A Town of Strategic Importance

Okiep also holds military significance. During the Anglo-Boer War in 1902, it was besieged for four weeks by Boer commandos under General Jan Smuts. The attack aimed to divert British forces away from Cape Town by threatening the valuable copper fields.

Mining Legacy and Decline

The Cape Copper Company, and later the Okiep Copper Company (founded in 1937), operated mines here for over a century. In its heyday, the company was even listed on the New York Stock Exchange and once paid the highest dividend on record.

Mining declined in the 1980s, and although some activity remains, Okiep is now a quiet town reflecting its industrial past.

What Remains Today

Visitors can explore national monuments like the Cornish Pump House — the only remaining one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere — and the old Smoke Stack ventilation shaft. Ruins of the original mining infrastructure can still be seen scattered across the region.

A Scene of Wild Beauty

Despite its mining history, Okiep transforms into a wildflower wonderland in spring, in true Namaqualand fashion. Nature lovers and photographers flock to the area each year to witness this spectacular display.

Plan Your Visit

Today, Okiep is a small, resilient community navigating economic challenges. Yet its deep history, unique character, and natural beauty make it a remarkable destination for history buffs, adventurers, and those seeking a quiet escape into South Africa’s past.