Springbok, South Africa

Capital City

This dusty, high-altitude town of 12,790 residents is hardly a tropical paradise. Springbok's harsh, arid climate and isolated location make it a practical choice mostly for those drawn to its copper mining history and spring wildflower displays. While the town serves as an administrative center, its bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the once-booming mining industry has dwindled. Despite the natural beauty of the Goegap Nature Reserve, Springbok remains an unglamorous stopover for travelers between South Africa and Namibia. This is a place for the rugged individualist, not the typical expat.