Namaqua National Park

Description

The Namaqua National Park, situated in the arid region of the Northern Cape, is a land of contrasts. Icy Atlantic waters meet wind-swept, barren beaches; huge granite outcrops juxtapose endless stretches of winding dirt roads through red, sandy alluvial valleys; and scorching days are replaced by cold, clear, star-studded nights. Yet, despite the rigorous climate, the park is home to a multitude of life forms that have superbly adapted to this habitat.

Namaqualand is home to the richest succulent and bulb flora of any arid region in the world and more than a 1,000 of its estimated 3,500 plant species are found nowhere else on earth. Due to the winter rainfall, wildflowers carpet the otherwise dry and dusty landscape in a tapestry of colour between August and September. Seeming to magically appear almost overnight, the flowers paint an unforgettable picture at every turn in the road. Butterflies, birds, and long-tailed flies dart amongst the brilliant colours, revelling in the abundance and diversity. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the world’s smallest tortoise, the Namaqua Speckled Padloper, amongst the daisies.

Activities

• Caracal Ecotrail (4x4 only)
• Circular drive with viewpoints during the spring flowering season.
• Several short nature trails.
• Picnic sites.
• A seasonal visitor information centre.

The Namaqua National Park lies 495km from Cape Town off the N7 route to Namibia, and 67km from the town of Springbok in the north. The nearest town is Kamieskroon, which is 22 km from the reserve and park offices.