A tour of VAN ZYLSRUS, South Africa – A Kalahari Lifeline

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Hi everyone! In this video, I explore the town of Van Zylsrus in the Northern Cape of South Africa. It is situated near the Botswana border (and not far away from the Namibia one either), in the Kalahari region. There are various farms in the region as well as manganese and iron ore deposits. It is a gateway for people visiting the Kgalagadi National Park and other resorts in the area. Some of the closest towns include Hotazel, Black Rock and Kuruman – it is a properly off the beaten track destination!

This was my first time in Van Zylsrus, so the vlog will contain several first impressions. In addition, I give details about the history of the place, the origin of the name and various other interesting facts.

Van Zylsrus can be described as a Kalahari outpost. It is a quintessential Kalahari town that provides key services and facilities for people in a very remote part of South Africa. This part of the country has an uncompromising climate, especially in summer when it is very dry and hot. Water above ground is also scarce, as can be seen with the dry Kuruman river in the town. I also touch on the unexpected flood that occurred in 2021.

The vlog starts with me just outside of the town, walking towards the center. I make various observations and give key facts of the region, including geographic details. In the town itself, I visit the petrol station and the Dutch Reformed Church, before heading to the Van Zylsrus Hotel where I was staying with my uncle and aunt.

Afterwards, I visit the back roads of the town and spot a meerkat rehabilitation centre as well as other animals roaming the streets. I stumble across the Kuruman river and various interesting houses and other architecture.

In the town centre, I visit the supermarket, before walking to the sand dune on the outskirts of town. On the way, I visit the cooperation to get an idea of what farm-like equipment are sold in this part of the world. On the dune itself, I get to experience spectacular views of the area, before heading back to the hotel.

At the hotel, I have some dinner before I call it a night. The next morning I enjoy some breakfast and have a final stroll in a different part of town.

I hope you enjoy this vlog of Van Zylsrus! If you haven’t done it yet, please hit the LIKE button and SUBSCRIBE to the channel. Also, please leave a COMMENT in the comments section. Let me know what you enjoyed about the vlog, what you thought of Van Zylsrus, and what the Kalahari means to you!

Happy exploring!

Willie

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20 thoughts on “A tour of VAN ZYLSRUS, South Africa – A Kalahari Lifeline”

  1. ❤ My Dear Willie, I have completley fallen in love with South Africa🌍 and all the places you show. You are so handsome, your videos are very good quality. I appreciate your videos very much. I would love to meet you in the future one day. 😊
    God bless you, take care! 🙏🏻🤲

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  3. Yet another amazing video! I would love to settle in Van Zylsrus. It would be so easy to find rest for the soul here. Thanks for the way you show our off-the-beaten-track towns and alll the other places you visit. I appreciate the effort you put into your work and can't wait for the next posting! Groot waardering.🙂

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  12. Well, I think you already know what I will say about the hotel, Willie! Love it!😍. The colours, the art, everything. What a beautiful place. And I am now learning that in your native language your "W" is a "V", your "V" is an "F" and your "Z" is an "S". Hope that is right😂

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  19. Nice video willie piece relevant reference for visiting about the town and informative very pleasant experience and easy access as you can walk very peacefully and watching the sunset, essential as might guessed as outback looks good. Lastly when are you planning furthermore videos or going to other places and thanks!

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