Kuruman, South Africa

Capital City

Kuruman's claim to being the "Oasis of the Kalahari" rings hollow for many who settle here. With just 9,824 residents, it's a small outpost on the edge of the semi-desert, dependent on a spring that delivers 20-30 million liters of water daily. The climate may be milder than other Northern Cape towns, but the bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the town's economy revolves around mining and agriculture. Kuruman is best suited for those drawn to the area's natural beauty and looking to escape the bustle of city life.