Namaqualand Towns: ALEXANDERBAY * More information and photographs for this page will be posted soon * HOW TO GET THERE (GPS: 28 41S 16 30E) Situated in the north-western most corner of the country. Follow the N7. At Steinkopf turn towards Port Nolloth on the R382 and then to Alexander Bay. HISTORY During the 1800s copper ore was floated in barges down the Orange River to Alexander Bay from copper mines further inland. From here, it was shipped to Swansea in Wales, where it was milled, smelted and refined. The result of the discovery of diamonds in 1927 was that fortune hunters flocked to the region. The alluvial diamond diggings were soon declared a state mine that still exists today as Alexkor Limited. ORIGINS OF THE NAME Named after Sir James Edward Alexander (1803-1885) British Explorer who visited the area in 1836. POPULATION PLACES OF INTEREST Diamond Mines. Mouth of Orange River, on border with Namibia. Important wetland area - a 'Ramsar' site WHAT TO DO AND SEE Diamond Mine tours. Walking Trails Cycling trails Birding Richtersveld National Park. ACCOMMODATION See "Where to Stay" TOURISM OFFICE NEIGHBOURING TOWNS Khubus 55km Sendelingsdrift 95km Port Nolloth 80km