NAMAQUALAND - Blooming Beautiful

The bitter winter colds have turned up north and the August winds are gusting; summer is on its way! As if awakening from a deep sleep, Mother Nature gets rid of her drab winter garment and slips on her spectacular spring dress, an astonishing metamorphosis that happens year after year.

The Namaqualand region in the Northern Cape is probably the best example of this dramatic transition. With its arid summer months, it is almost impossible to believe that, after the winter rains, the desert is totally transformed into a kaleidoscope of wild flowers that stretch as far as the eye can see. Hordes of visitors gather here each springtime, eager to witness the spectacle of 600 indigenous species of flora stretching from horizon to horizon.

It was copper and diamond mining that brought a diversity of people to the Namaqualand region. Although the local Nama people had perfected the art of copper smelting long before, it was Simon van der Stel, the governor of the Cape of Good Hope, who first exploited this area’s rich copper deposits in 1685.

The Namaqualand region extends from the Groenriviermond in the south to the Orange River in the north, and is roughly divided into four areas, the Sandveld, the Richtersveld, the Klipkoppe, and the Knersvlakte, where the charming towns of Garies, Springbok, Kamieskroon and Port Nolloth are located.

Since the flowers peak in different parts, a result of the varying rainfall and altitude, visitors are advised not to spend less than two or three days in the region. The flowers are at their best on sunny days, when, amongst others, the Namaqualand daisy (dimorphotheca sinuate), bottergousblom (arctotis gumbletonii), sambreeltjies (Felicia Australis), varkiesknol (herrea elongata), sand lily (antholyza plicata), veldkool (trachyandra falcate) and geelkatstert (bulbinella latifolia) can be admired in all their glory.

There are numerous ways to explore the treasures of the Namaqualand region, with options that will suit every pocket and preference. Perhaps the most popular way to visit Namaqualand is by using a trained tour operator, which guarantees an informative and well-planned visit to this unique part of the country.

Hiking trails have proved to be most enjoyable in this region, as hikers have the opportunity of physically staying in the in the open air. Due to the sweltering summer temperatures, hikers are recommended to embark on trails during the cooler months of the year, May to October. A guide or detailed map is absolutely imperative since few trails are actually marked. Hikers can choose between, amongst others, the Ian Meyers, Pofadder, Rooiberg or Skaaprivier hiking trails. One-day hiking trips and trails are also available for those who prefer to participate in a less strenuous outing.

Discovering the beautiful Namaqualand surroundings in a potent 4x4 can make for an exciting family expedition. The beauty of the Namaqualand 4x4 route lies in the stark contrasts of the rocky mountains, sandy plains, lush riverbeds and unique plant life. The pristine 4x4 route winds over a distance of 642 km, with the first portion covering the areas Pella to Vioolsdrif (328 km) and the second Vioolsdrif to Alexander Bay (284 km). Outdoors enthusiasts will delight in the accommodation facilities and designated campsites that are mostly rustic, making for an unforgettable one-on-one encounter with nature.

Adrenaline junkies can indulge in rugged quad bike tours, like those offered by Namaqua Quad Tours. Not only do the tours emphasise the grandeur of the Namaqualand region, they have the conservation of the environment at heart as well. The 3-day Namaqualand tour travels through the heartland and visits historical sites, making use solely of private farm roads. The gruelling Namaquad Challenge stretches over an unbelievable distance of 1,200 km, and takes 6 days and 5 nights to complete.

Namaqua Horse trails enable visitors to enjoy stunning views of the area on horseback. Daily morning rides, full day rides, weekend packages, and 5-day trail rides are all available to experienced riders. Beginner and novice riders can sign up for riding lessons, which entails an intensive course. Mountain biking is another popular adrenaline activity, as riders have the benefit of seeing places very few people have the hope of ever visiting.

Namaqualand is a vast and varied place, unlike any other destination in the world. The fingerprints of God are evident on every grain of sand and every flower petal, exposing one to the very soul of nature. Whether on a quad bike or on foot, Namaqualand is a place that should be visited at least once in a lifetime.