Kanoneiland

Kanoneiland is the largest island in the Orange River and also the largest inhabited inland island in South Africa. Located approximately 25 km southwest of Upington and 12 km northeast of Keimoes in the Northern Cape, it is a thriving irrigation area known for its fertile soil and abundant water. The island spans 14 km in length, is up to 3 km wide, and covers an area of 2,500 hectares, with two-thirds under irrigation. The primary agricultural activity is viticulture, producing table grapes, raisins, and wine grapes, which benefit from the warm climate and mineral-rich soil. Pecan nuts, lucerne, and cotton are also cultivated. Despite periodic floods, such as those in 1934, 1957, 1967, and 2011, which caused damage, they also left behind layers of fertile soil.The island's history dates back to the early 19th century when it served as a densely forested hideout for the Korana people under Klaas Pofadder. These "river pirates" raided surrounding tribes and white cattle farmers. Between 1868 and 1879, the Cape Mounted Riflemen, police, and citizen commandos eventually drove them out. The island earned its name, "Kanoneiland" (Cannon Island), after an incident in 1879 where a force attacked the island with a small cannon, and the Korana attempted to retaliate with their own homemade cannon, which tragically exploded, killing six pirates. White farmers began settling on the island between 1927 and 1932, initially occupying the state-owned land illegally before their diligence impressed the government, allowing them to purchase the land.Kanoneiland features a small village at its highest point, which includes an NG church, a school, a police and post office, and several shops and houses. Access to the island was historically by raft, then boat, and later by pontoon, until the single-lane Eendragbrug connected it to the southern bank in 1940. The double-lane Manie Conradiebrug was opened in 1954 over the northern channel of the Orange River. Today, the island offers a slower pace of life, inviting visitors to connect with nature and enjoy activities like scenic drives along the Orange River, wine tasting tours, and outdoor pursuits such as canoeing, fishing, and birdwatching. It is a fertile oasis amidst the arid Kalahari landscape, offering a unique culinary and wine experience.