Other sources quote ‘Koup’ and ‘Tlakalatlou’ (seTswana for ‘elephant’s reed’) as its name. The name, ‘Daniel’s Den’ was first found in documents by the missionary, Campbell, in 1820. The name derives from a natural crater in a limestone formation, reminding observers of the Biblical story of Daniel.
Historians have found no evidence supporting the legend that early Griqua inhabitants used this sinkhole as a prison. Though small, the town thrives on limestone quarrying, diamond mining and the large farming community.
Activities
Boesmansgat
A unique natural sinkhole, renowned as the second deepest and largest of its kind in the world. On the farm Mount Carmel. Tel 053 384 0564.
British Fort
Built during the Anglo-Boer War, the fort is on a hillock overlooking the village.
Gaol
Visit the limestone sinkhole in which early Griqua were mistakenly thought to have incarcerated prisoners.
Hiking
Mount Carmel. Tel 053 384 0564