S1 - Ep 229 - Komaggas - A Small Town on the Komaggas River in Namaqualand!

The gravel road we took when we left Kleinzee was awesome. We were told by someone at the Police Station in Kleinzee that it was known as 'The Red Road' and, after seeing it for the first time, I understood why. The soil was very red. This road led us to Komaggas. What an amazing small town this is! It lies on the Komaggas River in Namaqualand. We were blown away by the size of this settlement in the middle of nowhere. The town does have a serious water shortage but they are working on that by building a second reservoir and plans to upgrade the water supply from the Orange River are underway. The history of the Mission Station and the old buildings from way back was very interesting too! The most impressive part of this village was its people, we admire their tenacity and resilience. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #southafricavlog #travelongravel ##komaggas #northerncape #namaqualand #kleinzee #kleinsee
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[@patshes1951]

I wish someone from a small town in the karoo will adopt me and get me out of the city. All looking so good.

[@DustBugsTravel]

@patshes The landscape in this part of the Namaqualand also reminded us of the Karoo. So stunning! I hope you get your wish and that you can settle in the place of your dreams one day. 🤩🚗

[@funkdunk]

It was fantastic, thank-you for taking us with to see this interesting village or town. The old missionary station should be restored and purposed for the weavers - which could also become a tourist attraction with some lodgings perched on the slopes for those wishing to overnight. Your channel is really playing an awesome part in highlighting our diverse, and incredibly fascinating country. Whilst some might overlook these places, you provide us with an indepth tour, always with a positive spin. You're Great Ambassadors for our beautiful County. Infrastructure spend is one of the best investments any country can make.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Every so often we visit a place that will forever hold a special place in our hearts and Komaggas is such a place. 😍 We can't quite figure out if it's its rugged landscape or the utter resilience of its people. It is most probably a combination of both. Your idea of the missionary station being restored and used for the weavers is an excellent one and hopefully someone can bring that to fruition in the short to medium term. That pipeline ran for kilometres on end, without which the entire village and its people would be without life-giving water. We were also happy to hear that there are plans in motion to upgrade or increase the capacity of this pipeline to feed the second reservoir. As always, we're so happy you joined us, as happy as we are to continue bringing you a little peek into these incredible little places. We just can't get enough! 🇿🇦🚗

[@in2minutesorless64]

Yes, that's the FUN part about your channel - you take us to places we've NEVER heard of before!! It's wonderful!

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you! 🥳 We also haven't heard of many of these places until I start planning our route. And then we find diamonds like these! So happy you enjoyed Komaggas! 🤩🚗

[@annawitter5161]

Ja! Ek stem!

[@hannesvanniekerk499]

I love Komaggas. Was going to call it gorgeous, but will go with spectacular! There is something so alluring about this whole region, its towns, people and especially its rich history. The brave missionaries had such a strong calling to uproot from their native lands to bring the gospel to this area. Enjoyable and thank you is not enough, but truly a wonderful visit. Please continue.

[@DustBugsTravel]

We just ❤️ Komaggas too! It was such a revelation from start to finish. I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed this one. One actually has to be in awe of the missionaries for exactly the reason you mention. And to come and settle in such harsh territory as well, honestly amazing! We shall see you in the next town, we look forward to it! 😁🚗

[@mk-xq1tt]

Very big town. Amazing how folk survive in such seemingly barren places.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Absolutely, I can't agree with you more! One has to take one's hat off to these folks. 😇🚗 It was actually incredible how spread out the town is, it just went on and on as we were driving through! 😳

[@1812nico]

Hi you two! Thank you for this trip. A really impressive rocky town and surrounds. I'm so proud of my fellow South Africans who can keep on running their own town in the desert for more than hundred years. I hope their water issues will be over very soon so that Komaggas can keep growing. Thanks again, and keep safe!

[@DustBugsTravel]

Hello again! 😁 An impressive, rocky town it certainly is! ⛰️😍 We echo your sentiments about the people, they're impressive in their own right for making it work under such difficult circumstances. Yet their smiles were as wide as the valley their town is in, absolutely incredible! We're glad you came to check Komaggas out with us! 🤩🚗

[@rorysullivan4913]

Lovely visit to a very interesting part of our country

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, so glad you enjoyed it. We also found this area very fascinating! 👌🏻🚗

[@ajl1973]

Looks like those long roads I used to travel in Namibia. Desolate, yet lekker! That town looks like Uis, Namibia big time! My old stomping ground.

[@munesumangava9751]

Looks like new builds all the way!!!! New developments here…… Growth👍👍👍

[@DustBugsTravel]

What a fantastic place Komaggas was all around, we just loved everything about it! We were so happy to see all the expansion and upgrades going on, those folks really deserve it! 👌🏻😎

[@lobofelipelobo]

It's the first town that I have seen in this channel where there are persons and cars in the the streets. And also some streets are paved. These towns has an abandonment aspect.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you for coming to Komaggas with us. The abandonment aspect you're referring to, is because most of the small towns in South Africa have been depopulated as residents move to the bigger centres and towns in order to make a living and provide for their families. Opportunities decreased in the rural areas. There are always people and vehicles in our videos, albeit probably not as many as you would expect to see. 😁🚗

[@elisedurand8030]

So nice to see Towns not known about Thanks

[@deonzar]

Drove through Komaggas long time ago....now surprised to see all the buildings going up...thank you again for showing us more of the town that a normal passer-by would see. And yes I hope they get their water situation sorted.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Yes, we were blown away by the size, we weren't expecting such a big place! 😳 It was a fantastic visit and we met some really great people. Glad you enjoyed it too. 😁🚗

[@NormEngel-ge2it]

All of your video give me such life. It reminds me of where I come from, and what I was taught as child growing up in a very isolated and desolate place. It shows how survivalist I was, and still is, just because I was deprived. Anyways, your videos of these small towns are amazing, and that you speak such good, humane words of these towns. Thank you for showing compassion. It is needed in the world. Not everyone are bad people. Thank you for putting this out in the world. I look forward to your next town, and video. :)

[@hannahperlotto139]

Wow!!! When people want to help themselves going forward and start to do things for themselves like for instance the brick you get a good vibe. Hope for them things will pick up.

[@DustBugsTravel]

This place was one of the most fantastic settlements we've ever visited! You've hit the nail on the head. The townsfolk really do want to help themselves and their village advance and all their efforts clearly show that this is their goal. It was a privilege and an honour to be able to drive through the streets of this amazing place. I'm glad you could come along! 😁🚗

[@tpmash]

Thank you for taking us through the country! Thanks for narrating in English! May the Lord continue to bless you guys! Keep you safe and warm in all your Travels

[@DustBugsTravel]

It's our pleasure to take you along to all these incredible places! We're glad to hear you're enjoying our travels. We appreciate your thoughtful wishes. 😊🚗

[@mariusroos4146]

Thank you. Another trip well worth watching. Keep your good work up

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, we appreciate you taking the trip to Komaggas with us. A fascinating place indeed! 🤩🚗

[@angusnovember4700]

That looks like a very nice town. Thank you guys for the video 👌👌👌

[@DustBugsTravel]

We absolutely loved the place. For its people and for its landscapes. Both were brilliant! Thanks for joining us! 😁🚗

[@flodillon991]

Just love this town spread out lots have a Jojo tank for their own water that is so good. Houses not on top of each other, that's great.somehow I get the idea its a happy place people satisfied to live quietly that is so fabulous. Well done Komagas.Thank you both for this episode.

[@DustBugsTravel]

We couldn't believe just how spread out the town was, we just never seemed to reach its end! 😳 The town did indeed have a happy vibe and we can't put our finger on the exact reason. Like you, we also got the distinct impression that they're happy to live a quiet, simple life. We so appreciate you exploring Komaggas with us today! 😁🚗

[@trudie1330]

Hi. Now I am in the backseat enjoying the tour with you. The thing with Namaqualand is the openness and tha people. I have always said that if I could I will orginize tours to Namaqualand not for the flowers(which is very spectacular to see) but for the people. Namaqualand has a charm, a personality of its own and it welcomes you with open arms. I love Namaqualand, Boesmanland and the Karoo. Nice to tour with you out of flower season. It show the outstanding personality of a great region. Thanks

[@DustBugsTravel]

Hi there! We were so often asked why we didn't visit the area in flower season, but Namaqualand is by no means only about its spectacular flowers in season. While there's no denying that they're beautiful to see, they only bloom for two / three months out of every twelve. 🌺🌸🌼🌻 It's most certainly a region to be celebrated year-round for its incredible, rugged beauty and for its people. And we found both in Komaggas, a place that made a deep impact on the two of us. We're glad that you hopped on board and are now joining us as we made our way through the region, it was certainly an experience of a lifetime. And one which we're happy to share with you. 😍🚗

[@Deontjie]

That was a thorough tour of this town. I also stopped at the donkeys. At 2:50 in your video there is some thorn trees. This trees holds some distinction or record for something. Leaving town, the tar road crosses the river about two kilometres outside town. Here you can turn right into the dry river bed for s stunning pick-nick place.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, I'm glad to hear you enjoyed our drive through Komaggas, such a fascinating place. We just loved the donkeys, we always do! 😍🐴 I couldn't find anything online about the thorn trees, which I assume would be camel thorn trees, it would be interesting to know what makes them so special. 🌳 The picnic spot sounds intriguing, perhaps we'll check it out on a future trip back to the area. Appreciate the info. 😁🚗

[@dymetatrezz1856]

My home town.... Thx for vid luv it💙🙏🙏

[@DustBugsTravel]

You have a fantastic hometown, we absolutely loved visiting! So glad you enjoyed our video, thank you for watching! 🤩🚗

[@doneB830]

Thanks guys that was very special and I must admit the photography was five star.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you so much! Komaggas is indeed a very special place, so happy to hear you enjoyed our visit! 👌🏻🚗

[@studiodjjnb9742]

❤wow amazing video awesome

[@baldwintheanchorite]

I know it's probably due to the mic issues but I really like the voice-over/ commentary style with the footage. Really enjoyed Komaggas with you! Happy 2023

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed exploring this amazing place with us! The voiceovers are indeed because of the mic issues. 😨🎤 Editing is so much more intense like this though, but it's good to know that you're cool with the voiceovers. It has never really been our thing. 😊🚗

[@charlietreston4035]

Hi guys another gem what a intriguing town lots of new buildings loved the ones with the paintings it looks like it's being invested in with the water supply and had a great vibe as Sonia said I've never seen any place like it thanks for the video cheerio till the next one

[@DustBugsTravel]

Good day to you! 🙋🏼‍♂️ I'm so glad you noticed and appreciated the murals on the walls. It was a feature we saw throughout town and one we thought must be highlighted since it shows the positive and happy attitude of the townsfolk. We're glad you agree that Komaggas is a one-of-a-kind place. We loved it! 🤩🚗

[@davealston3881]

So many little houses and you hardly see any people. I have noticed this in all the little places I have been as well.

[@DustBugsTravel]

That's an interesting observation. I don't know if we've come to expect these little villages and towns to be quiet, but we don't notice that when driving through a place. Perhaps we're always seeking out someone who can give us a little info here and there. 😁 These places are incredibly fascinating. 🚗🇿🇦

[@robertwatson7032]

I enjoyed this video and channel. Thank you for posting. Love this particular soundtrack.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you so much, we're really happy to hear that you enjoy our videos and that you also like the tunes. 😎🚗

[@annawitter5161]

Love the rock display, nature is so creative. Pity we couldnt get inside the beautiful old church, can just imagine the vibes, it looks like its still full of prayer! Where animals come to drink....en mense kom om te suip! (just joking!) Today I am 63 years. Tandpynstraat! Bwaahaahaah! Thank you for another very interesting and insightful tour.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Happy birthday! We hope you have a fantastic day full of laughter and cheer. 🥳 We've seen some pretty neat rock displays, but the one that was set up all across this incredible place, is something we've never experienced. It's absolutely incredible! Glad you also saw the humour in Tandpynstraat, we still chuckle about that! 🦷 I would've loved to film the inside of that old church, but I think the building is most probably unsafe at the moment. What a gorgeous buildng it is though and I can imagine it still being full of prayer as you so beautifully say. Thanks for coming to Komaggas with us on your birthday. 🚗💒

[@desh7120]

Such an enjoyable adventure, visiting this well kept town - there must have been a natural spring in years gone by for it to have been known as the place where animals come to drink, and for the missionaries to have deemed it to be a good spot to establish their station. The older area had some very old, large trees - which also points to there having been adequate water in the past. The local artist who has been painting murals on walls should continue. It was rather lovely to see them. Oh, and CONGRATULATIONS on hitting 8k plus subscriptions. Your numbers are increasing steadily each week 🎉👏🏻

[@DustBugsTravel]

So happy to hear that you also enjoyed exploring Komaggas as much as we did! 🤩 We also noticed that the large trees were mostly concentrated around the area where the original mission buildings were, so your thought regarding a water source makes complete sense. The weather worldwide has been turned on its head the last good few years, so there most probably was a time where water was more plentiful in the village than it is today. We found those murals fantastic and they were scattered throughout town, which is such a testament to the positive outlook of these people who live, happily by all indications, in such a harsh environment. Thank you for celebrating 8k with us, we're loving the journey! 🤩🚗

[@askauota2376]

Beautiful

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, this area was indeed spectacularly beautiful! 🤩🚗

[@glynisholloway4949]

I always enjoy your video s, but was disappointed that you did not prepare yourselves for all the history of Graham's town. Also all the very old schools that the town is famous for. Thank you for your video s

[@DustBugsTravel]

We're not a history channel by any stretch of the imagination, nor will we ever be. We don't ever burden ourselves with excessive research and saw no need to do it any differently for Grahamstown. We travel for enjoyment and we choose to explore and happen upon things ourselves and do research on the fly. If you'd like to see or hear more research and history, you'll have to visit the places and do the research yourself. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@koosviviers9965]

Wat doen die mense om hulself te onderhou in so n dorpie

[@DustBugsTravel]

We understand that most of the men in town still work on the mines, albeit further away from home now that the mining activities at Koingnaas and Kleinzee have been downscaled dramatically. We imagine the older residents receive grants which help sustain them. 🙂

[@robbieweich5169]

Great content guys. Stumbled across this video when doing some research on my father’s family roots. And they go back to 1800’s with many generations living in Komaggas !! Now I just need to find out WHAT they were doing there in the middle of the Namakwaland 😂. I’m sure they were missionaries for NG Kerk!

[@DustBugsTravel]

I'm glad you enjoyed our video of Kommagas! We had a stunning visit and enjoyed every moment! 🚙😁 Good luck with your research, I hope you find the answers you're looking for!

[@doneB830]

I knew a guy from Komagas in the army in Namibia, a typical loveable person that was very good at extremely rude songs on the guitar.

[@DustBugsTravel]

The Komaggas folks are great people, so I have no problem believing that he was a fantastic guy also. I think that most of us who were in the Army had someone in camp with us who sang rude songs and we happily sang along. 😁🚗

[@doraduplessis2727]

Love where the red road took us today!

[@DustBugsTravel]

😁 I'm so glad to hear that. Komaggas was indeed an incredibly unique and fantastic place. Thanks for braving the read road with us! 🤩🚗

[@Deontjie]

Missed Houthoop.

[@DustBugsTravel]

@Deontjie Thank you for taking the time to point that out. It is simply impossible to include every single place of interest in every town we visit. We choose to focus on what we managed to see and not on what we missed. 🙂

[@gaylelyons3150]

💝 Thankyou

[@DustBugsTravel]

Anytime! 👌🏻🚗

[@uttramp]

beautiful video, also compliments for no profit - no patreon job and sharing here, that landscape and climate are actractive

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, I'm so glad you enjoyed this episode! Our visit to Komaggas was a memorable one. Like you, we loved the landscape, it was something quite extraordinary! ⛰️🤩 The people in the town were all so friendly and warm and they really love Komaggas and its surrounding areas. It was a rather hot day, but we loved every minute of it! We appreciate you watching! 🚗😁

[@leeroyduncan4610]

My Granny from my dad side lives thre

[@edwardrisi]

The birthplace of Jacqui January presenter on RSG

[@DustBugsTravel]

Interesting. We have listened to her in the past, so know the name well. Thanks for the info. 👍🏻

[@Cruise-d7o]

I want to go live in Kleinzee👍👍👍😂 away from Gauteng 🤢🤢just wanna catch fish the whole day 👍😜

[@DustBugsTravel]

Kleinzee is certainly a great spot to get away from the city! 🚗🎣

[@Cruise-d7o]

Definitely my destination for next year 👍 But first want to hit the Zambezi, busy getting my campervan ready for this trip,next year July 👍

[@adriannel6267]

Thank you for an interesting review. I noticed modern,LED street lamps on many poles,we have many of them here in Johannesburg. I would have liked to see the cafe,general dealer, and garage for fuel. It's also fascinating that there are hardly any people around. Thank you for great videos, and keep it up.is the Kwid your own car, or is it sponsored?

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoy our videos. 😁 Interesting observation about the LED lights. Since we visit the smaller places, there are very often few people out-and-about and even less so when it's hot. While we try and include as much about every town or place as we can, it's not always possible to feature every single amenity or place of interest in the time we have available to us. It is not our intention to provide a review of any particular town or place, we merely document our own travels and experiences in a particular place or area. 🙂 The Kwid is neither our own nor sponsored. We rent a car for every trip and the Kwid is our vehicle of choice. We appreciate you watching! 👌🏻🚗

[@stefanusrheeder4162]

nice to see your channel. Fanie

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you! Welcome, we hope you'll join us as we travel to more places. 😁🚗

[@stefanusrheeder4162]

@@DustBugsTravel say your husband must check his facebook please. we last saw each other in the late 80's. thanks Fanie

[@DustBugsTravel]

I don't have a husband. I am the husband. 😁 I'll check Facebook as soon as I can.

[@stefanusrheeder4162]

@@DustBugsTravel thought you wife checked the yt responces. 🤣 Its fanie from Bloemfontein

[@pieterswarts2830]

If my mom ever left me at this place because I were naughty I would never be naughty ever Again

[@DustBugsTravel]

We thought it was a really inspirational place. 👌🏻One thing is for sure: life can't be easy there.

[@riagouws3211]

Ek kan nie verstaan dat alles glad verloop het nie maar nou dat almal geld mal geword het nou kan niks op datum gehou word nie al verander God die weer en wat ook al kan niks op datum gehou word nie is daar dan niemand wat glo en probeer om dinge op datum te hou nie dis nou net geld en geld en geld dis om van gek te word God moet intree dan sal dinge regkom Amen en Amen ❤❤❤❤❤

[@DustBugsTravel]

I understand your frustration. In my view, it's one thing to believe, but sleeves have to be rolled up and the work needs to get done. It's not going to happen on its own. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@charlesmariadventures]

I see there is no stop signs in this place? Or am I mistaken?

[@DustBugsTravel]

I can't say, we don't specifically look for stop signs while exploring a town. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@charlesmariadventures]

@@DustBugsTravel just an observation watching your video! So what what economic development makes the town thriving? Small town in the middle of no- where.

[@DustBugsTravel]

We chatted to a few locals and understood that most of the men who are still able to work physically, work on mines a distance away from Kommagas and come home every two or so weeks. The ladies who aren't employed by local businesses, busy themselves with entrepreneurial activities from home, like hairdressing, sewing, baking, etc. The elderly and those who are physically unable to work, rely on social grants for the most part I think. 🙂

[@charlesmariadventures]

@@DustBugsTravel that is absolutely amazing at least they have indicative to generate income and secure a future for the next generation. 👍🙏👏🇿🇦

[@user-og1re5ir8i]

U drive too fast threw the towns can hardly see what happening

[@DustBugsTravel]

You should visit the places yourself! You can drive exactly the way you want to then. 🚙😁

[@boerplaas388]

Ek kan nie glo so baie nuwe huise word gebou in daai plek nie al is die plekkie so droog . Wys net mense is gatvol vir groot stede. 😂

[@Cruise-d7o]

Definitely gatvol 👍👍eks een van hulle....

[@DustBugsTravel]

@Boer Plaas I'm with you. I'm also always so surprised at how many new builds there are in these remote settlements. The area is incredibly rugged, yet so beautiful. It must be hard to eek out a living there day-to-day though and of course the water shortage can't make it any easier. They are resilient and tough, so I have no doubt that they'll continue to make it work. 🏘️🤩

[@boerplaas388]

@@DustBugsTravel Rough and raw people 😂 Tough/ Tuff as nails. 😅