During early August and September, seemingly overnight, the dusty valleys of Namaqualand are transformed in to a wonderland, carpeted with wildflowers that draw visitors from around the country and from abroad.
Situated in the heart of the Succulent Karoo, Namaqua National Park has grown enormously and stretches from the well-known Skilpad section, near Kamieskroon, on the escarpment westwards to the coast. The recently added GroenSpoeg coastal section is the only significant remaining untouched section of the Namaqualand coast.
The gradient from the escarpment to the coast is important from an upland-lowland and rainfall perspective and contributes to the richness of species within the Park. With its winter rainfall, Namaqualand is home to the richest bulb flora of any arid region in the world and more than 1 000 of its estimated 3 500 plant species are found nowhere else on earth.
Amphibians and reptiles are also well represented, with a number of endemic species. The mammals that have adapted to these harsh conditions include gemsbok,
unique succulent and flower species national Park springbok, red hartebeest, klipspringer, aardvark, baboon, steenbok, duiker, porcupine, black-backed
jackal and leopard. Birds are typical of the dry arid western regions of the country.
The Namaqua National Park lies 21km west of Kamieskroon, which is 67km south of Springbok. Turn off the N7 at the Kamieskroon sign, continue to the
T-junction and turn left following the brown information board with the SANParks logo on it. You will go onto a gravel road. Pass the Kamieskroon Hotel and, travelling westerly, you go under a concrete bridge. Keep on with this road until you reach the Park. Although the road can be a little rough, it can be travelled on with an ordinary two-wheel drive vehicle.
Attractions and Activities:
The Park is still in a development phase but has a lot to offer its visitors. The best known, and at this stage most popular part of the Park, is the 5km Skilpad circular route especially in the springtime flower season. Besides the famous spring flowers, the Park is home to 134 different vegetation types, many small fauna species, amazing bird life and a fascinating collection of reptiles.
A great way to explore Skilpad is by mountain bike, Visitors should bring their own mountain bikes. There are two 2-hour walking trail s, a picnic area with
ablutions and a shop and kiosk at Skilpad. The rest of the Park is accessible to 4x4 vehicles through 220km of roads that includes roads to an unspoilt coastline and a 25km route, with lovely vistas, to Soebatsfontein.
Accommodation
Skilpad:
Number of chalets: 4
Maximum people per chalet: 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children
Power source: Electricity, 240v, 15amp, 24 hours
Other facilities: The neighbouring farms tea room provides light snacks
Activities: 2 hour walking trails, mountain biking, 4x4 trail
All four chalets are perched on an escarpment and have uninterrupted views to the far away coastline. They have a separate bedroom, lounge, open plan kitchen, enclosed veranda with dining area as well as indoor and outside braai places. They are fully equipped for self-catering and one unit has been adapted for use by guests with challenged mobility.
Luiperdskloof:
Maximum people Can accommodate: 6 people in two bedrooms
Power source: Gas heating and stove, paraffin lighting
Activities: On the Caracal 4x4 route
Lies in a secluded valley in the Kamiesberg section of the Park, underneath a pair of imposing granite domes. The area is dotted with fountains, some with shady glades - perfect for picnics or just some quiet time. It can only be reached by 4x4.
Namaqua Coastal:
Facilities: 8 Camping areas (31 camp sites) along the coastline, with braai areas and Enviroloos.
The pristine coastline from Groen River mouth to the Spoeg River mouth is a recent valuable addition to Namaqua Park and is still in a development stage.
The Namaqua Camino
A circular walk departing from the seaside village of HondeklipBay. This spectacular route will take you over arid plains through a unique succulent biome and along the unspoilt Atlantic coast.
Naries Namakwa Retreat
This hotel offers peaceful accommodation in a garden setting with an outdoor pool and tiled terrace. Guests can stay in hotel rooms or in dome-shaped suites with a thatched roof.
Click on the below Soulcare Partner Logo's for your preferred bookings and places to stay outside the Park: