Namaqualand is known for its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, its wildflowers during spring, its wealth of minerals and cultural history. It’s a typically dry and harsh region and after the rains which fall in between May and July, the park is transformed by millions of brightly coloured varieties of wild flowers and aloes. Namaqualand is famous for its indigenous flora species which burst forth every spring time, drawing thousands of international and local tourists to witness its natural beauty.
The district of Namaqualand was created as a separate district in 1856 and its part of both Namibia and South Africa.
It’s not just flora that you’ll find in Namaqualand, but plenty of fauna, too. It’s home to what is thought to be the smallest tortoise in the world, the Namaqua speckled padloper. If you’re very lucky, you might see the rare aardwolf (an African wildcat). There are antelopes, jackals and cape foxes. Birders have plenty to learn too. Species at Naries Namakwa Retreat include the African hawk, cape eagle owl, dusky sunbird, the verreaux’s eagle, Karoo lark and fairy flycatcher.
A visit to Namaqualand is beautifully combined with the Cederberg Mountains, which sends you on a visual journey to a different world. The Cederberg is spectacularly beautiful with rock formations and giant fissures that rip the mountains open which can be explored on a hiking trail. This is where you find South Africa’s rock climbing Shangri-La, with climbing routes ranging from beginner, easy to challenging enough that even the most skilled climber will be put through their paces.
You can also experience the drive over the Piekenierskloof Pass, where the scenery changes into wilder, raw beauty with the towering Cederberg mountains radiating with striking shades of orange and purple in the late afternoon light.
Nowhere in South Africa would you see the richly blessed ancient San rock paintings than the Cederberg, with some sites dating back more than 30,000 years!. These rock painting sites are often easily accessible by foot along trails within the Cederberg Wilderness Nature Reserve. Afterwards enjoy a dip in refreshing rock pools or under a cascading waterfall, and leave feeling energised and refreshed.
Namaqualand borders the Atlantic coast of South Africa, where rugged beaches are battered by the ocean waves. This coastline is known for its old shipwrecks, some of which you can visit on a 4x4 tour. You might also spot dolphins or whales from the pristine beaches.
On you’re visit, please refrain from picking the flowers, trampling on them or leaving litter behind. It’s everybody’s responsibility to protect the vegetation.
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