hopefield
the cape west coast
HOW TO GET THERE
(GPS: 33 04S 18 21E)Off the R27, 138km north of Cape Town.
TOURISM OFFICE
· Tel: 022 723 1010ORIGINS OF THE NAME
Named after the two people who laid out the town, auditor general Major William Hope and a Mr Field.HISTORY
As with most towns in South Africa, the history of Hopefield starts when a church was established. In this case on the farm Langekuil in 1851, which makes it the oldest town on the west coast. The town, named Zoute Rivier, was developed and officially recognised in May 1853. It was then renamed Hopefield.The original chuch was inaugearated in 1879 and the current, enlarged building was completed in 1911. A management committe was elected by residents while the church council had jurisdiction until 1914 when Hopefield became a Municipality.
The old west coast road went through Hopefield and the rail link from Cape Town to Namaqualand, completed in 1903, passes through the town.
POPULATION
1800PLACES OF INTEREST
◊ Fossil ParkWHAT TO DO AND SEE
• Wildflowers in season• Fynbos Gardens
• See the accommodation page for accommodation in this area
