August 1685–January 1686
Simon van der Stel leads an expedition to Namaqualand
Van der Stel led a large expedition north in search of copper and commercial opportunities and encountered Namaqua communities.
established
contact
Van der Stel led a large expedition north in search of copper and commercial opportunities and encountered Namaqua communities.
Significance
The expedition produced detailed records while advancing colonial interest in north-western resources.
Why it matters
The expedition produced detailed records while advancing colonial interest in north-western resources.