The Bosluis Basters
The Basters were a group of people descended from the Khoi-Khoi and Cape Dutch farmers and were partly assimilated by either group, but generally kept to themselves and intermarried. These people were prohibited from worship in churches at the start of the 1900s, but the good Reverend Eksteen changed all that, set up a church in the 1940s, and the group eventually settled peaceably in the Richtersveld towns of Lekkersing and Eksteenfontein. They became known as the Bosluis Basters, not after the rusty coloured desert insects, but because the majority came from a farm called Bo-Sluis.
The history of the Bosluis Basters’ difficult trek and of the hardships, adventures, and tales can be heard in Eksteenfontein, where they eventually overcame the oppression they suffered, and settled peacefully with the local Nama people.
Useful contacts
- World Heritage Site administrative office
The administrative office for the Richtersveld World Heritage Site no longer directly arrange hiking, 4x4 driving, cycling and accommodation. Contact the Eksteenfontein tourism information centre - they can aso advise on the best route to take depending on your specific interests.
- Eksteenfontein Information Centre
The information centre takes bookings for Rooiberg, Kom Rus 'n Bietjie and the World Heritage Site. Can arrange a range of activities from hiking to cultural tours.
- Kuboes Cultural Groups
Johanna can arrange a variety of cultural events in the heartland of Nama culture
- Jakob Diergaardt
Local tour guide
- See the Nama Stap
Lena can arrange for visitors to see and parttake in a traditional Nama stap dance
- Horse riding or donkey cart trips
- Lekkersing Stone Mine
Visit a very unusual sandstone quarry.
- Lekkersing Municipal Office
A good first contact for the Lekkersing area, incl stone mine, the Nama stap, horse riding and camping.
- Sanddrift Information
Story telling, see the Nama stap or listen to the Basotho Stars sing. Guides to see the Petroglyphs.
- Alexander Bay Museum and Tourist Information
Museum focusing on the diamond mining history of the area. Half day tour of restricted mining area on request.