Namaqua National Park

Namaqua National Park sits halfway between the southern border of South Africa’s Northern Cape province and Namibia; its remote location means a fairly lengthy drive from either Cape Town or Upington is required to get there.

Once there, visitors are rewarded with a stunning landscape that starts with the coastal expanses to the west, then sweeps eastwards across a semi-arid biome before reaching the rocky peaks of the Kamiesberg Mountains. Within its 1368 km2, a variety of antelope can be found, including steenbok, duiker and klipspringer. Other inhabitants include the reclusive aardvark, and you could spot a porcupine or two at night. Black-backed jackal and leopard are two of the park’s carnivorous species. 

Bird life is well represented in Namaqua National Park. Birds of prey always make for exciting spotting, and you’ll be able to see the majestic black eagle, Cape eagle owl and marsh harrier, amongst others. But the arguably more exciting species are ones that are seen less often outside the area: cinnamon-breasted warbler, Cape bulbul, Karoo lark and Cape long-billed lark.

Unlike other national parks, though, Namaqua boasts an attraction that isn’t related to its wildlife. An estimated 1000 of its 3500 plant species are endemic; between August and September, in a showcase of its floral richness, the semi-arid landscape explodes in a carpet of colour as wildflowers bloom seemingly overnight. This sight of abundant flowers stretching as far as the eye can see draws fans from around the world. 

Visitors can immerse themselves in this display on the 5 km Skilpad Trail, which is just one of the park’s three walking routes. The shorter Korhaan Trail offers a greater variety of flowers, while the 6 km Heaviside Trail takes on a stretch of Atlantic coastline, where you are able to spot whales and dolphins, and explore the tidal pools.

Namaqua also welcomes mountain bikers, who can take advantage of any of the park’s public roads and tracks.

Take in all the sights the park has to offer by tackling the Caracal Eco Route. Open exclusively to 4×4 vehicles, the pass encompasses the 5 km Wildeperdehoek Pass that links the coast to the inland. The complete journey of 200 km takes eight hours, although it is possible to dip in and out and complete specific sections. 

Namaqua National Park offers various accommodation options. At Skilpad Rest Camp, you’ll find four fully equipped, self-catering chalets for three to four guests. Luiperdskloof Guest House (accessible by 4×4 only) is an off-the-grid unit with a fully equipped kitchen, fireplace and three bedrooms. 

For one month during the flowering season, visitors can indulge in a luxurious tented camp experience, whilst surrounded by the glory of thousands of wildflowers by day, and starlit skies at night. These camps offer 15 two-person safari tents; carpeted and fully serviced, the tents come complete with electricity, duvets, blankets, electric blankets, and en-suite shower.

For a more rugged and rustic experience, visitors can camp along the coast at one of nine sites of varying sizes. Be prepared, though – accessing these sites requires a 4×4 vehicle. Additionally, the sites have no water or ablutions, and only some have enviro loos. There is no cell phone reception, and guests are required to bring everything needed for camping.