Namaqualand, Northern Cape, South Africa

The Namaqualand encompasses the narrow Sandveld coastal strip (approx 100km wide) between the Atlantic Ocean and the Karoo to the east. To the north of Namaqualand is the Orange river and the Namibian border. To the south are the Cedarberg mountains. Most people touring Namaqualand also visit Cape Town and the Cedarberg en route. We also recommend combining it with Augrabies National Park to the east...

It has been said that Namaqualand is both blessed and cursed by nature. For most of the year, this is a barren, sun-scorched semi-desert. But following winter rains, the vast sandy plains are cloaked in brilliant brilliant oranges, purples and yellows of spring flowers such as daisies and vygies. Here are over 3000 different flower species but the most striking are the annuals which germinate quickly after rain. As well as the ‘carpets’ of annuals, there are a huge number of hardier perennials and succulents.  Namaqualand is justly famous for this carpet of spring flowers and we offer an escorted spring wild flower tour in August and early September, as well as arranging self drive tours and private flower tours.

Namaqualand includes a number of nature reserves to visit such as the Skilpad Wildflower Reserve at Kamieskroon, with its rich bulb variety and wild geraniums and the Goagab Nature Reserve at Springbok, which is particularly known for the succulents in the Hester Malan Wildflower Garden, as well as a 45 species of game including Hartman's zebra and aardwolf. Goegap features 581 indigenous plant species, including one rare succulent found nowhere else in the world, the bizarrely formed Halfmens or ‘half men’, which resembles an armless person. Further to the coast is the Namaqua National Park. 

Niewoudtville
Between Namaqualand and the Cedarberg lies the interior uplands around Nieuwoudtville. On this escarpment the rainfall increases dramatically and there are marked changes in geology and soil which supports different flowering species. Visit the  rewarding Nieuwoudtville Wild Flower Reserve and perhaps take a short scenic detour to Nieuwoudtville’s dramatic waterfall. Many flowers, bulbs and orchid species that are not found anywhere else in South Africa can be seen at Nieuwoudtville.

Calvinia is an attractive country town or 'dorp' with many restored buildings and an enjoyable country museum.

Please click on our article on Tips for Enjoying the Spring Flowers for more info...

• Browse accommodation in Namaqualand