Kathu, ‘the town under the trees’, came into being because of Iscor’s iron ore mining activity in the Kalahari and connected to it by road, rail and air through nearby Kimberley, the modern, model town is strategically situated. Some of the world’s longest ore trains travel through harsh territory to offload their precious cargo at Saldanha Bay.
And nothing can prevent the visitor being overawed by the sheer size of one of the world’s largest open-cast iron mines, dwarfing giant ore trucks bearing up to 170 tons of ore each load. Home to one of the country’s most beautiful golf courses and the luxurious Gamagara Lodge, limestone houses characterise a desert landscape hidden by graceful palms. A small, well-stocked game reserve adjoins the town as does the Khai-Appel Pleasure Resort.
