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Bitterfontein (Bitter fountain) is situated approximately 380km from Cape Town along the N7. The town derives its name form an extremely saline fountain that still exists in the area.
The bitter water of this fountain is mentioned as early as 1685 in the diary of Governor Simon van der Stel when he stayed in the area on his way to the ˜Copper Mountains of Namaqualand. After the railway line was completed in 1927, fresh water was brought to Bitterfontein from Lutzville with tanks. This fresh water was to be used for human consumption only. The transferring of water only ended in 1989 when an edulcorate arrangement was built to supply Bitterfontein and the neighbouring town, Nuwerus of fresh water.

The town is well known for its delicious mutton and sheep farming is also the main agricultural activity of the area. An extremely rare green granite, known as the 'Bitterfontein Green" and found nowhere else in the world, are minded here.

Various historical sites can be visited in and around Bitterfontein. Various trenches and fortifications that date out of the Anglo-Boer war can be visited In the surrounding hills in the area. Meerhoff Castle, a cave 17km south-west of Bitterfontein, was used by various visitors as an overnight place on their journeys to look for copper. The cave derives its name from Pieter van Meerhoff, the first white person who stayed at the cave in 1662 during his expedition to find the legendary Monomotapa.
In early Spring, depending on the preceding winter's rainfall, this vast stretch of dry land is transformed with a brilliant display of wild flowers. At the Kersbos Flower Park, just outside Bitterfontein, a farmer has preserved a large area of plants and flowers where visitors are able to use pathways to view the various indigenous flowers.Be sure to include this lovely, old worldly town in your tour of the diverse Namaqualand. Visitors should also make the time to ask locals about the story why Bitterfontein got the hotel and the neighbouring Nuwerus (New Rest) the church.