… of Wild creatures & The Moon. 

Source of Origin

Once you’ve been to the Kouga Region, you may well leave with a profound sense of having found your roots.

That is because this region is the real cradle of mankind. There is evidence that these mountains, rivers and dunes are the birth-place of modern man (homo sapien-sapien). That is to say, the whole world’s oldest common ancestors! Khoeb!

The human remains uncovered in this region, date back over 120,000 years. But, people have been living here for much longer - there is archaeological evidence of hominid occupation of this area for more than a million years.

Footprints in the Sand

In spite of this ancient occupation, the region retains a feeling of untouched natural beauty and great tranquillity.

The oldest recorded culture is that of the San. Their way of life is powerfully recorded in rock art found in caves and protected rock faces throughout the region. Families also left behind tools, jewellery, pottery shards and the remains of feasts and rituals in the rock caves and dune fields of our coastline.

But, it is a living history. Their descendants still live in the region. Stop a while and chat to the locals about the origin and meaning of place names, and ask them to share the fascinating oral history.

When the Khoi Khoi speak the name of this place, they say “Goa!ab”. Goa!ab means Hippopotamus and both the river and Kouga Mountains are named after the great Chief Goa!ab.

What the rock art shows is that the religious beliefs and day-to-day life of the Khoisan hunter-gatherers paid respect to the Creator, the seasons, the elements, the spirit and power of animals, their ancestral heritage, the sun, moon and stars…

They lived in harmony with nature – a culture which is practised by the inhabitants of the Kouga region to this day.

Become a hunter-gatherer

One enters the Kouga Region through the traditional hunting grounds of the Gamtobakwa (Gamtkwa) tribe. To truly experience the culture, the landscape, and the essence of the region and its people, you too can become a hunter-gatherer for the duration of your visit. A hunter-gather of experience & enlightenment …Explore our Kouga … The journey is the destination.

Did you know? Rock Art Sites are protected by law and may only be visited with an accredited Archaeological / Rock Art Guide. Ask the nearest Tourism Information Office for details.

The Khoi Khoi pronunciation of the name of this place, is “Goa!ab”. But, until you have mastered this ancient tongue, you’ll know it as Kouga. And once you’ve been here, you’ll want to return often to your ancient roots…