Port Nolloth Business Directory

The Diamond of the Desert Coast

Port Nolloth is an iconic seaport situated on the rugged West Coast of the Northern Cape, approximately 90 kilometres from the Namibian border. Originally known to the Nama people as Aukwatowa ("where the water took away the old man"), the town is famous for its haunting Atlantic mists, wooden jetties, and its history as a frontier of the diamond industry.

Unlike the more developed coastal towns to the south, Port Nolloth maintains a "tough-as-nails" character, shaped by the maritime diamond divers and fishermen who call this arid stretch of Namaqualand home. It serves as the primary urban center for the Richtersveld region.

A Legacy of Copper and Gems

The town’s history is a tale of two booms: copper and diamonds.

• The Copper Era: Established in 1854, the port was surveyed by Captain MS Nolloth to serve as an export harbor for the copper mines of O'okiep. By 1874, a narrow-gauge railway—initially pulled by mules—connected the interior mines to the sea.

• The Diamond Rush: In the late 1920s, the discovery of alluvial diamonds transformed the quiet settlement into a rowdy boomtown. This eventually led to the development of the "Diamond Coast," where marine diamond recovery remains a core part of the local identity.

The Maritime Soul: Fishing and Diamond Diving

The economy of Port Nolloth is inextricably linked to the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Atlantic.

• Marine Diamond Recovery: The town is one of the few places in the world where small-scale marine diamond mining is practiced. "Diamond bakkies" (small converted fishing boats) use specialized suction equipment to vacuum gravel from the seabed, which is then processed for gems.

• Fishing and Crayfishing: Port Nolloth is a significant hub for the West Coast rock lobster (crayfish) industry. The town features a crayfish factory and a jetty bustling with small "bakkies" and commercial vessels.

• West Coast Atmosphere: The town’s social and economic life revolves around the harbor, with local restaurants specializing in fresh line fish and seafood caught just off the coast.

Landmarks and Natural Wonders

Port Nolloth is the gateway to some of the most remote and beautiful landscapes in Southern Africa.

• McDougall's Bay: Located just a few kilometres south, this picturesque bay is the town's primary recreational area. It features a sheltered lagoon ideal for swimming, kayaking, and windsurfing, and is lined with historic and modern beach cottages.

• Port Nolloth Museum: Housed in a historic building, the museum offers a fascinating deep dive into the town’s shipwrecks, Nama heritage, and the evolution of diamond mining technology.

• Richtersveld Gateway: Port Nolloth serves as the essential supply and transit point for travelers heading to the Richtersveld National Park and the Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

• The "Halfmens" Trees: The surrounding desert is home to the iconic Pachypodium namaquanum, or "halfmens" tree, which according to Nama legend, represents ancestors longing for their northern home.

Infrastructure and Connectivity

Despite its remote location, Port Nolloth is a critical service hub for the far northwestern corner of South Africa.

• The R382 Route: The town is reached via the R382, which connects it to the N7 at Steinkopf. This road is the lifeline for supplies moving into the Richtersveld and for the transport of mineral wealth out of the region.

• Harbor Facilities: The port continues to function as a small-vessel harbor, though its "tricky" entrance through the reefs requires skilled navigation.

• Municipal Seat: As the headquarters of the Richtersveld Municipality, the town provides centralized administrative, health, and judicial services for settlements like Alexander Bay, Kuboes, and Eksteensfontein.