As soon as the thirsty earth had enough, a magical array of colour explodes over this tranquil but arid earth. The Eden of all to see the Namaqua flowers – Namaqualand Flower route.
Now, not recommended as a quick weekend getaway, it is far, and towns are scarce as chicken teeth. Secondly, it is mostly dirt roads, not at all made for sedans, it will take you much much longer, as you end up driving like a tortoise. Plus some of the route are only for 4×4, so don’t even try if you’re in a sedan. A 4×4 would be a better option for this area. Eek, flashback to our slow driving in Namibia, and I mean slow, we had a sedan, lol, rookie mistake as you travel much slower and can definitely not go where all the other big 4×4 go.
Namaqualand is nothing short of amazing, so a week-long getaway or a more extended road trip to escape the busy city is recommended.
*Do note the flower season starts here as early as July, and might not be around September.
Where to see the flowers
| Where | Distance from Cape Town |
| Namaqualand flower route | | +- 560 km |
Namaqua National Park
Home to 3500 species of flora, and of that, 1000 species are endemic. Yikes that’s a lot, just imagine how beautiful. Namaqua National Park is large and starts from the Skilpad area and Buffles River to the coast at HondeklipBaai down to Groen River mouth wetlands. This semi-desert area can be unforgivingly hot at times, maybe not the place to be during summer? But during Spring, an array of daisies and wildflowers cover this tranquil arid area.
Being so remote, this secluded oasis is the perfect place to stargaze. Imagine, campfire, ocean sounds for ambience, and a starry starry night.
The most popular route is a 5km circular route at Skilpad, a fee is payable at the start of the circular drive.
Throughout the whole Namaqualand area, make sure you have a map, old school style or downloaded, connection can be a problem here. Hello? Can you hear me? Eh, which way?
*Take note the closest place with ATMs or petrol stations is Springbok at about 90km away.
Entry fee
| 1 November 2020 to 31 October 2021 | ||
| South African (ID) | Adult : R48 | Child : R24 |
| SADC Nationals (passport) | Adult : R96 | Child : R48 |
| International visitors | Adult : R96 | Child : R48 |
Gate opening hours
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- 8 am – 5 pm
❦ Flowers to spot
You will not miss these, the orange Pokkiesbos of Bergmagriet (Ursinia chrysanthemoides) in carpets over the area. Around Skilpad Ramhoringkies ( Diascia namaquensis) and closer to the coast the vygiebos.
Goegap Nature Reserve
Goegap Nature Reserve is only a short 15km from Springbok and encompasses sandy plain and granite koppies. It is situated on one of the 36 recognized biodiversity hotspots, where about a quarter of the plants here can’t be found anywhere else.
More suitable for those with a sedan, take a scenic drive along the 17km tourist route. There is also a 3 hour guided truck tour if you area bit tired from driving and just want to enjoy the flowers. Bird watchers, see if you can spot the majestic black eagles. Goegap Nature Reserve is not only about the flowers, but a bird watchers paradise.
Entry fee
-
- Reserve admission fee: R30
- Camping fee per person: R90
- Hut accommodation fee per person: R160
Opening hours
-
- 7:30 am – 4:00 pm
❦ Flowers to see
Here again you will have fields of orange gazanias, t’neitjie which are part of the Malva family (Geraniaceae Pelargonium).
Also look out for the ‘Halfmens’ tree (Pachypodium namaquanum), it might not be a flower but this tree is not something you will see often. Its name ‘halfmens’ in Afrikaans means half human, as it resembles a person standing.
When is the best time visit the flower region?
What time of day will you see the flowers bloom?
Best way to view the Namaqua flowers.
Where to eat
Majority of the larger fast-food chains are in Springbok, but if you’re like me, I walk past them and find the local cafes, like Herb Garden Restaurant & Coffee Shop or Bean Tree Cafe(yes, part of bigger brand, but they are nice for a quick coffee).
If you are staying around HondeklipBaai seafood is a must, sorry but you can’t visit the west coast of South Africa and not have seafood. With crayfish being most popular, a name like Rooi Spinnekop Restaurant is rather suited. Just love Dop en Kreef Restaurant saying, ‘Waar ons hond lekker kan eet’. They are both seasonal restaurants, so do check beforehand, as a reservation is essential with both these places.
Where to stay
Ever considered staying in a hondehok? Well, in HondeklipBaai, you can get your own kennel. Don’t worry, they are not real hondehokke. Honnehok Resort ($) are beautiful self-catering cottages.
If you find your self in the middle of nowhere, yes Garies is kind go in the middle of nowhere, Sophia Guest House Garies, a rather rustic homely guest house, is one of only two options here, and was recommended to us.
For more mid-range accommodation Apollis Cottage ($$) is 15km from Springbok, is nestled on a farm with amazing views. Okiep Country Hotel with self-catering AirBnB ($$) units are only 7km from Springbok.
Namaqua
Star-studded evening camping seems idilic in an area so far removed from light pollution. Our favourite would be the luxury Namaqua Flower Beach Camp ($$$$). Imagine camping right next to the ocean enclosed by Namaqua flowers, while having a chef prepare your dinner. These glamping tents not only offer spectacular views but some of the best dining experiences in the area, prepared by professional chefs in their remote kitchen. As a seasonal camp, they are only open for four weeks during flower season, this year till 12 September 2021. If you plan to camp a bit more rugged, set up your tent in one of the designated areas of the park.
Our last selection is a splurge, Naries Namakwa Retreat hidden away in Spektakelberg. From country cottages to Namakwa Mountain Suites ($$$$) at Naries Namakwa Retreat, they are definitely your more pricey and luxurious accommodation in the area, but the mountain suits are just so unique. Man they look awesome, like (I want to say) futuristic dome caves.
An extra one that I could not resist is Tzorvas Accommodation ($), the little wooden chalet seems to be in the middle of nowhere, rather appealing.
Other activities
You came to Namaqua National Park for the flowers, and that you can experience through the numerous 4×4 trails and hiking trails, as well as your picnics. We suggest to pack lekker picnics to enjoy, well you kind of have to, as there are not many place around to eat at.
Around the coast at HondeklipBaai, you will find shipwrecks as well as the HondeklipBaai lighthouse.
Did you know 20km from Springbok lies a former mining town? Nog ‘n Groot gat. Nababeep used to be a copper mine, arrange to visit the museum through Okiep Country Hotel.
On the outskirts of Garies you will find Letterklip (letter rock), megalithic boulders that were fortified and used by the British during the Anglo-boer war in 1901-2.
Within the Goegap Nature Reserve, you can visit the Hester Malan Wildflower Garden, with an array of indigenous succulent plants. Or how about horseback riding through the reserve. And if you are looking for something a bit more adventurous or brought your mountain bike with, mountain biking on the cross-country trails might be for you, contact Okiep Country Hotel.
Spoegriver caves houses the earliest evidence of sheep in South Africa, thus being archaeologically important, and quite fascinating to see.
4×4 Eco-trail
As most of the area is only accessible by 4×4, it is any 4×4 enthusiast dream, and with South Africa longest 4×4 trail, I understand why. This one-way 4×4 Eco-trail spans over 600km, through gravel, sand, and a few river crossings. It is rated a formal grading of between two to three and can easily take you 60-70 hours to complete. Starting near Pofadder and finishes at the coast at Alexander Bay. Contact Namakwa 4×4 Eco-trail to book.
Useful to know
When is Namaqua flower season
The flower on the Namaqua flower route starts to bloom anytime from as early as Late July to end August, all weather dependent.
Read more: A guide on how and when to visit the flower routes of South Africa
Best ways to visit the Namaqualand flowers?
You have well let’s say three options, the first two would be self drive. Using your own or renting a vehicle if you fly in. Keep in mind the areas close to Springbok and around Namaqua National Park are mostly dirt roads. Only the main roads are tare, and certain parts are only accessible by 4×4, so do consider that.
Lesson learnt in Namibia : gravel = 4×4 or you spend the whole day driving, or not even.
So self drive sedan or self drive 4×4. 4×4 gives you the option to camp in areas not accessible by normal sedan, hence our second option if you want to not only stay in BnB and hotels.
Thirdly, if you do wish to visit Namaqua National Park and not up to driving a 4×4 or prefer to join a tour, taking the stress out of figuring out where to go, there are many tour operators in the area.
Other important info
Wild Card
A wild card is something to look into if you often visit certain national parks, reserves, and resorts around Southern Africa. It allows for free entry for a year, depending on the membership you bought.
SA Campsite
A useful website, SA campsite, they list campsites across South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. As well as pet friendly camp site, biker friendly camp sites, to 4×4 campsites and even camp sites with MTB trails. Take note they do not do bookings.
It can get hot
Yes, it is cooler during the flower season, but do note that in summer the temperature can reach 40°C and up, it is semi-desert.
More Info
Website: www.namakwa-info.co.za
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/38210120160
Need help identifying the flowers
Clan flora has made it so easy with their online app, where you can select the shape, and the colour, and walla, the flowers full name pops up. It covers most of the flowers from the West Coast, Cederberg, Nieuwoudtville, and Namaqua.
This is blooming awesome!
Annelise Le Roux book wild flowers of Namaqualand is also a good resource with over 600 species identified. Either purchase on Kindle or as a hard copy, I prefer soft copy, as it is just easier when you travel.
Don’t & Do’s
Stay on the path, do not step on the flowers.
Do not be that person that goes and lays down in the flowers for a selfie. Do not go ‘rol’ around in them. Just don’t.
Also do not pick them for obvious reasons.
Do drive cautiously through the parks as animals such as tortoises and hares are coming out of hibernation and the occasional antelope or ostrich crossing the road.
And do enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful Namaqua flower route!
Accommodation cost guide
*According to The Curious Journal
| $ | Budget | >R1000 |
| $$ | Mid range | R1000< |
| $$$ | High end | R3000< |
| $$$$ | Luxury | R5000< |
Have you been to the Namaqualand Flower Route? Do you have any other recommendations to share? Make sure to leave comment below!
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