Discovering the Diamond History of Port Nolloth

Port Nolloth is a small town located in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. The town was established as a small-vessel harbour and railway junction in 1854 for the copper mining industry. However, it wasn’t until 1926, when alluvial diamonds were discovered, Port Nolloth began to flourish.

The discovery of diamonds brought a new wave of prosperity to the town. Since then, the story of Port Nolloth has been heavily laced with diamond legends, which adds to the attraction of this seaside village. Small-scale diamond diving still occurs from the boats you see bobbing at anchor in the port.

In addition to its diamond history, Port Nolloth is also known for its unique ecosystem and beautiful landscapes. The town has become a popular holiday destination for travellers looking for a remote place with a fascinating history or adventurers wanting a springboard to their journey into the Richtersveld.

For an insight into this part of the world, there is no better-starting place than the Port Nolloth Museum, run by George Moyses, a colourful local diamond diving fraternity veteran. Visitors can learn about the history of Port Nolloth and its connection to diamonds and explore the region's unique flora and fauna.

The museum is housed in a quaint and typical northwest coast building with some old fishing boats in front of it – almost standard exterior decor in Port Nolloth. The Biodiversity Museum looks similar from the outside. Still, the interior displays will take you into the dunes that support a surprising number and variety of fauna and flora. The Diamond Coast has a unique and fragile ecosystem that has paradoxically been saved from the ravages of development by diamond mining – or rather, by the historical closing off of most of the coastline to control diamond smuggling.

Port Nolloth is also known for its shipwrecks, and many freighters have come to grieve on the reefs of this region. The location of this port initially bore the name Aukwatowa, linked to a legend of ““where the water took away the old man””. It was later called Robbe Baai (Seal Bay) and then renamed in honour of the settlement surveyor, Captain MS Nolloth.

In conclusion, Port Nolloth has a rich history and connection to diamonds. Its unique ecosystem and beautiful landscapes make it a popular destination for travellers exploring this fascinating part of South Africa. Whether you’re interested in learning about its diamond history or exploring its natural beauty, Port Nolloth has something for everyone.