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• Boesmansgat • Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park • Mine excursions • Raptor Rehabilitation Centre • Tours and 4x4 Routes -------------------- Boesmansgat Many world records in cave diving have been set up in this exceptional sinkhole. Upon arrival for the first time visitors are impressed by the spectacular sight of the sinkhole from approximately 70 metres above. The top of the sinkhole is about 100 metres in diameter. From the top the water appears to be green and not very dive-able, but when one reaches the water’s edge, the water turns to be crystal clear under the canopy of green weed. The sinkhole is potentially dangerous and should only be dived by experienced divers with some caving and sinkhole experience. Aquatic cave amphipods and other interesting creatures are found both in and out of the water. In earlier days, the small caves among the tumbled rocks in the walls of the sinkhole afforded protection to a tribe of San as well as wild animals while the lake provided drinking water during the dry winter months. On 23 August 1996, Nuno Gomes - a Gauteng civil engineer- came to Mount Carmel to find the heart of darkness. He came to conquer an absence of light so complete he called it ‘The Big Black’. For beneath the herds of antelope grazing the rich, golden plains clothing the russet earth surrounding Mount Carmel, lies the entrance to Boesmansgat, a natural dolomite sinkhole of magnificent proportions, that has kept it secrets from the outside world for countless millennia. No light penetrates its mysterious depths. Boesmansgat, the largest natural cavern of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, poses the ultimate challenge to scuba divers. Now, descending a tortuous series of ancient rock strata to a deceptively small, algae covered pool shrouded in shadow, Nuno and a select team of trusted friends and colleagues sought to plumb the depths of human courage. Nuno Gomes became the first person to disturb Boesmansgat’s floor. At 1550 metres above sea level, the altitude corrected depth of Boesmansgat equates to 337,72 metres. In the middle of the Kalahari, Nuno Gomes had dived deeper than any other human being. This record of 282 metre still stands. In November 2001 Verna van Schaik from Gauteng broke the world record for ladies by diving to a depth of 186 metres in Boesmansgat. Not only is there the excitement of hunting and diving, but other activities like going on game drives, photographic safaris, horse riding and hiking can be enjoyed on Mount Carmel. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Sanctuary is provided for herds of endemic antelope roaming this semi-desert savannah area. Gemsbok, springbok, brown hyena, blue wildebeest, red hartebeest, eland, lion, leopard, cheetah and smaller varieties of game roam the plains of the park. About 200 species of birdlife grace the skies. Birds of prey are particularly rewarding to see. The park has three traditional fenced camps, namely Twee Rivieren, Nossob and Mata Mata where facilities include chalets, camping facilities, information centres, restaurant, shops and swimming pools. The new upmarket wilderness camps of Bitterpan, Grootkolk, Kielie Krankie, Urikaruus, Gharagab and the Kalahari Tented Camps are all unfenced, allowing the visitors to feel at one with the Kalahari. Mine excursions Assmang (BLACK ROCK) Kumba Resources (KATHU) Raptor Rehabilitation Centre Tours and 4x4 Routes Mokala Safari Adventure |
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