The season of blooms is upon us once again! The wildflowers of Namaqualand have started turning parts of the Northern Cape into a natural wonderland.
Every year, between late July and mid-September, parts of small towns in the Namaqualand region become covered with carpets of flowers. These towns include Springbok, Nababeep, Kamieskroon and Calvinia.
Namaqualand spring flowers are rated among the most spectacular in the world. In a recent article, The Telegraph named the region as one of the 20 greatest destinations on Earth for seeing flowers. In Namaqualand you will encounter daisies galore – splashes of mauve, together with seas of gold, delicate blues and rich greens that will fill your senses and be a feast for your eyes.
Namaqua flower camps
Every year, the Namaqua National Park runs two Namaqua flower camps, where visitors can experience the incredible floral spectacle. The seafront Namaqua Flower Beach Camp, set north of the Groenrivier entrance to the park, and the inland Namaqua Flower Skilpad Camp, accessed from the Kamieskroon turnoff inside the park, both consist of 15 fully serviced tented bedrooms with comfortable beds, electric lights and delicious dining options (from R2 250 per day per adult sharing, including breakfast, high tea and a three-course dinner).
Hester Malan wildflower garden
Visit the Hester Malan Flower Garden in the Goegap Nature Reserve, located 10km outside Springbok, this flower season, to see it come to life in a riot of colour. The nature reserve has 4×4 routes for those interested in self-drives. Springbok, gemsbok, klipspringer and bat-eared fox can be spotted while you’re out on a walking trail or riding one of the horses in the nature reserve.
Hantam National Botanical Garden
When in Calvinia, visit the Nieuwoudtville area for the spectacular flowers that will be blooming in the region from late August all the way through September. For the best chances to view the flowers, travel to the Hantam National Botanical Garden. The garden comprises a vast area of more than 6000 hectares and offers guided flower tours to its visitors – booking your spot for these tours is essential.
Other fun activities to enjoy while at the park include picnicking in the tranquil open spaces. The lush, green lawns with trees make for a perfect space to enjoy some time out with your loved ones while being enchanted by the distant sounds of the blue cranes who visit the garden during the flowering season.
Make sure you book in advance for your flower viewing stops, and map out your route and stops in the Namaqualand region, for an optimal floral experience