Namaqualand:
The Floral Kingdom of Africa by Bronwen E. Roberts
Foreigners and locals return
time and again to this wonderland of colour. The miracle of a parched landscape
slowly evolving through the seasons into a huge carpet of wild flowers
is breathtaking. The best time to view this unique floral display is from
mid-August to October.
To
do Namaqualand properly, one would take a leisurely drive through the fields
of flowers, stopping off at the nature reserves and charming towns along
the way. Bear in mind that accommodation in the region is often booked
out a year in advance as more foreigners hear of these wildflowers, which
are unparalleled anywhere.
To view all the different
species of flowers in the region, get The Botanical Society of South Africa
guides to Nieuwoudtville SA Wild Flower Guide and Namaqualand SA Wild Flower
Guide 1. There's also Freeman Patterson's Garden of the Gods and Fynbos
by Richard Cowling.
The locals in this area are
as impressive as their colourful surroundings. They are helpful and offer
advice on where the best flowers are. The reasonably priced Kamieskroon
Hotel, the town B&B's and the neighbouring farms all offer splendid
accommodation. Contact the Namaqualand Tourism Centre for your pick of
places to stay. Roads leading out from Kamieskroon go up into the hills
to the town of Leliefontein where you will find an enchanting old mission.
It's worth travelling further afield to the rugged west coast of stormy
seas and rocky outcrops at Hondeklip Bay and Groenriviermond.
The 50 000 hectare
Namaqua National Park is a botanical and ecological conservancy whose friendly
conservationists will gladly answer questions on the flora and fauna of
the area. The reserve stretches roughly from the town of Garies northwards
to the towns of Springbok and Steinkopf. The areas most visited are round
the towns of Springbok and Nababeep. The Spektakel (spectacle) ridge is
a must see with its profusion of flowers. The further north you travel
from Kamieskroon to Springbok, the more spectacular the display of species
in a good season.
Nieuwoudtville
The town of Nieuwoudtville
is a geological treasure situated on the Bokkeveld escarpment. Within the
surrounds of just 20 kilometres the plant life changes from fynbos, to
Renosterveld, to Karoo. It has the richest bulb (geophyte) variety in the
world. Species include the famous spring daisies, the forget-me-not family,
Pelargonium (with its bizarre shapes), Heliophila (Sun lover), Vygies (little
figs), and the Iris and Rose family.
The town has its own wild
flower reserve; there is also nearby Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve, a giant
plain of wilderness rock formation and rock art. You can view a 90-metre
high waterfall in an ancient Gondwanaland geological fault. Visiting the
nearby 'secret' forest with its kokerbome - strangely shaped trees with
weird arms coming out of their trunk - makes you feel like you're inside
'Lord of the Rings' territory. The private farms in the area are open to
the public and often have the most spectacular array of flowers. There
are a couple of farms that manage to combine commercial farming with the
cultivation of floral wealth.
Tips on planning your
Flower Escapade
Flowers are best viewed from
11:00 to 15:00 on a sunny day
A cool box is essential for
informal, off-road picnics
Don't forget comfortable walking
shoes, a hat, sunscreen, binoculars and insect repellent
Most of the flowers are so tiny
that you won't be able to see and appreciate them from a moving vehicle.
It's perfectly safe to get out the car and view close-up
Take your flower guides, so
you are up-to-date with the names of flowers you are viewing
About the Author - Self-drive
holidays are so popular because driving in South Africa is easy, safe
and exposes you to some of the greatest attractions that you would never
see on a package tour. iDrive, Southern Africa car hire, has developed
a range of self-drive, travel products from our many years of travel experience
in South Africa and its neighbouring countries.
Colesberg
is a South African town in the Northern Cape and on the main road from
Cape Town to Johannesburg. Founded in 1830 on an abandoned station of the
London Missionary Society, it was named after Sir Galbraith Lowry Cole,
then Governor of the Cape Colony. The site of the town lay on one of the
well-travelled routes used by traders, hunters and explorers to gain access
to the interior. Towerberg or Coleskop is a prominent hill near the town
and a landmark easily seen from a distance by travellers.
The town boasts many buildings
that were built in a blend of Cape Dutch and Georgian architecture with
ceilings of reed, and yellowwood timbers, and others that display a range
of designs reflecting the changes of 19th century building. Originally
plots were pegged out and sold on the site of the town to fund the building
of the Dutch Reformed church.
Colesberg
saw a large number of battles and skirmishes during the second Anglo-Boer
War, and the Colesberg Garden of Remembrance is located just outside the
town. Farming in the area is dedicated almost entirely to horses and merino
sheep, while the ostrich-feather boom of the early 1900s, which left many
farmers rich, is long forgotten. The Doornkloof Nature Reserve is located
near Colesberg on the confluence of the Orange and Seekoei Rivers.
A number of 1820 Settlers
established farms in the Colesberg district. Outnumbered as a religious
group, some attended the Methodist Church and others the Dutch Reformed
Church, where services in English were specially held for them. Anglican
officials in Cape Town appointed Dr CEH Orpen as Rector and the first services
were conducted in the Court House and the London Mission Chapel, which
became known as St Stephen's Church. In 1852 the construction of the Anglican
Christ Church was started, having been designed by Sophy Gray, wife of
the Cape Town bishop Robert Gray.
Karoo
House, Safari Lodge, COLESBERG Old World Charm. The
best authentically restored Karoo Townhouse. The 5 cottages have
been declared national monuments and furnished with antiques. The yellowwood
beams and reedceilings with yellowwood doors are unique. Each house has
a fully equipped kitchen. A breakfast hamper with all the necessary ingredients
to prepare your own English breakfast can be ordered upon bookings.
If you arrive early you can buy karoo lamb from the butcheries and enjoy
a relaxing braai in the beautiful gardens behind the house.
River
Destiny Lodge, COLESBERG River Destiny Lodge is situated
along the banks of the exquisite Orange River. Ideal half way stop for
the traveler from Johannesburg to the Cape or Eastern Cape. You will be
greeted by friendly staff and experience the comforts of true Karoo hospitality
which will reinforce the good vibes that abound. River Destiny Lodge
is the ideal conference or team-building venue. Groups of up to seventy
delegates can be accommodated. The lodge has its own private restaurant
that serves breakfast, light meals during the day and dinner at night.
Our kiosk will take care of any basic shopping needs visitors may have.
By all accounts, River Destiny Lodge will make a great venue for a family
getaway and a single traveler in need of a good nights rest. Most
of the popular 24 en-suite bedrooms or self catering chalets have a spectacular
view of the Orange River, the rest are in close proximity to the River.
Safari
Park - Guesthouse/Safari Park, COLESBERG Accommodation consists of
thatched chalets and luxury Safari Tenthouses. The chalets are accessible
from the N1 with two double beds, bathroom, shower, TV and a cozy fireplace.
(You're welcome to bring your own Dstv card). Safe parking in front
of each chalet is available as well as nearby braai-facilities. Next to
the chalets are fully equipped caravan stands. There are also en-suite
rooms available in the main house. Welcome to a farm-atmosphere.
The most
notable thing about Kimberley is a huge hole in the ground, but it’s not
just any hole – it’s what’s left over after the removal of about three
tons of diamonds. Measuring over a kilometre deep, with a surface area
of 17ha, it’s the world’s largest hand-dug hole – a monument to the lengths
(and depths) humans will go in search of wealth. The wild, vibrant and
– no doubt – rather sleazy shanty town that arose around the diggings in
the 1870s has been transformed, tarted up and reconstructed into a rather
cutesy open air museum; complete with a bar, various merchants, homes and
clubs.... read more
Mattanu
Game Ranch, Safari Lodge/Self-Catering, KIMBERLEY Mattanu Game Ranch specialises
in tailor-making each package according to the guests specific needs.
We have stone built thatch roof chalets and a lapa, deck and braai facility.
Nestled between Camel thorn trees and wildlife, you can get away from it
all and relax in our luxurious lodge. The lodge accommodates 2-10 persons
in comfort. The lodge overlooks a very popular watering hole where wildlife
sightings are very common. Full catering with venison dishes and
true South African cooking on open fires. Game drives will be conducted
on comfortable game viewing vehicles. Helicopter game viewing can also
be arranged along with filming and photographic safaris, hands-on game
capturing experience and green/trophy hunting safaris. Over 36 species
can be viewed including endangered Roan and Sable antelopes as well as
a disease-free buffalo breeding project.Situated only 30 min outside Kimberley
a must for all nature lovers.
Kuruman
is a town in Northern Cape province of South Africa, famous for its scenic
beauty and the Oog (Eye), a geological feature bringing water from deep
underground to the surface in the Kalahari Desert.
The Kuruman River (which
is dry except for flash floods after heavy rain (see wadi)), is named after
it. Kuruman was a London Missionary Society mission station founded
by Robert Moffat in 1821 and the place where David Livingstone arrived
for his first position as a missionary in 1841.
The
Kalahari
Meerkat Project, made famous by the television series Meerkat Manor,
is located nearby. Kuruman is home to famous author and Sanusi or
Zulu traditional healer, Credo Mutwa.
Kuruman is located along
the border that bounds the northern Cape from the North West Province and
is a local town for most communities surrounding the town, including those
that live in the North West Province. Kuruman has relatively mild
weather patterns compared to other Northern Cape towns, such as Upington
and Springbok, and is surrounded by more vegetation as compared to the
Upington and Springbok, which are surrounded by desertic environments.
The local people in Kuruman mainly speak Tswana and Afrikaans. The demographics
of Kuruman are composed of mainly African people, Coloured and Afrikaans
people respectively.
Tswalu
Kalahari Reserve, KURUMAN Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
boasts the ultimate in luxury game reserve accommodation. The Motse
(Tswana for 'village'), designed to blend inconspicuously into the surrounding
mountains, consists of eight spacious legaes (Tswana for 'homes').
Their design reflects the harmonious fusion of classic African style with
understated elegance. And, set in its own private part of Tswalu between
two rolling mountain ranges, Tarkuni is an exclusive, secluded retreat
whose charm lies in its remoteness and idyllic tranquility. Each
day in the Kalahari dawns over a magnificent landscape. Welcome to a private
game reserve where the myriad of shades and textures, sounds and contrasting
silences of the wilderness will leave you with a profound sense of peace.
Foreigners and locals return
time and again to this wonderland of colour. The miracle of a parched landscape
slowly evolving through the seasons into a huge carpet of wild flowers
is breathtaking. The best time to view this unique floral display is from
mid-August to October. To do Namaqualand properly, one would take
a leisurely drive through the fields of flowers, stopping off at the nature
reserves and charming towns along the way. Bear in mind that accommodation
in the region is often booked out a year in advance as more foreigners
hear of these wildflowers, which are unparalleled anywhere... read
more.
Naries
Namakwa Retreat - Namakwland, Namaqualand Naries Namakwa Retreat,
a beautiful & romantic hideaway in the heart of Namakwaland, offers
a unique Experience all year round! One can hike through the rugged mountain
terrain that provides an opportunity to observe a large variety of rare
succulents as well as breathtaking views. Naries is tranquility – we offer
a total getaway from the pressures of city life. Our warmhearted hospitality,
delicious meals, diverse variety of comfortable accommodation and friendly
staff will ensure that you thoroughly enjoy your stay and leave you with
the desire to return once again! We are situated, 27km outside Springbok
(Namakwaland – Northern Cape, South Africa). Accommodation: Dinner, Bead
and Breakfast Options: 1.Namakwa Mountain Suites: 3 Thatched, dome-shaped
suites, each luxuriously decorated and complete with an En-suite bathroom,
a Tea & Coffee station and Stocked bar fridge (to purchase from).
Upington
is situated on the banks of the Orange River in the Northern Cape. Surrounded
by bright green irrigated vineyards, this area is known as the Green Kalahari.
(The rest of the Kalahari, while not actually a true desert, is classified
as thirstland, and is most definitely not green.)
Upington is a pleasant town
with some lovely guest houses, hotels and restaurants. The Kalahari Oranje
Museum Complex offers an insight into the history of the rather hardy folk
who’ve made this town their home over the last couple of hundred years...
read
more
Kalahari
Guest House, UPINGTON En route to the Transfrontier
Kgalagadi Park (mere 50km from Upington), in the midst of the “Green Desert”
on the farm “Uitsig” is a holiday destination that seems to have evolved
from a movie makers imagination, offering the visitor a firsthand embrace
of nature with all the luxury’s of modern life. There is something
to please each weary traveller, such as the warm and stylishly rustic guesthouse
offering it’s patrons a cosy dining room, vibrant bedrooms and an authentic
Kalahari Farm, Kitchen Shop where one can purchase true South African gifts
and fresh products. The bush camp known as the “Uitsig” meaning the
view, consists of individual lodges, which are designed from interwoven
wooden poles and branches and creates a feeling of being one with nature.
All the lodges have fully equipped and private bathrooms and comfortable
bedrooms with a truly African theme.
The most
notable thing about Kimberley is a huge hole in the ground, but it’s not
just any hole – it’s what’s left over after the removal of about three
tons of diamonds. Measuring over a kilometre deep, with a surface area
of 17ha, it’s the world’s largest hand-dug hole – a monument to the lengths
(and depths) humans will go in search of wealth. The wild, vibrant and
– no doubt – rather sleazy shanty town that arose around the diggings in
the 1870s has been transformed, tarted up and reconstructed into a rather
cutesy open air museum; complete with a bar, various merchants, homes and
clubs.... read more
The
Kimberley Club - Boutique Hotel, KIMBERLEY The
Kimberley Club, famous since 1881, is a Historical Four Star Boutique Hotel
situated in the Kimberley CBD area. We offer a variety of Standard,
Luxury and Executive accommodation. The Kimberley Club has a tradition
all its own with stories not confined to its buildings - stories of its
members and of unique associations. It's seen the "comings and goings"
of some of the foremost personalities in the world - has entertained sovereigns,
princes & princesses, Governors and high commissioners and has housed
legendary figures whose vision and energy have pioneered new territories.
Founded in 1881 by Cecil John Rhodes and the top men in the diamond industry,
a visitor once said "the place was stuffed with more millionaires to the
square foot than any other place in the world"..
Upington
is situated on the banks of the Orange River in the Northern Cape. Surrounded
by bright green irrigated vineyards, this area is known as the Green Kalahari.
(The rest of the Kalahari, while not actually a true desert, is classified
as thirstland, and is most definitely not green.)
Upington is a pleasant town
with some lovely guest houses, hotels and restaurants. The Kalahari Oranje
Museum Complex offers an insight into the history of the rather hardy folk
who’ve made this town their home over the last couple of hundred years...
read
more
Africa
River Lodge, UPINGTON Conceived on the banks of
the Orange River, in the central business area of Upington, whose timeless
elegance and serene dominance provides a breathtaking vista, the Africa
River Lodge imbues the magic of the Kalahari. As timeless as the
river, so is the hospitality of the Afrika River Lodge, which welcomes
old patrons and shared memories, as well as new friends, in order for them
to experience this warmth and friendliness for themselves. This magic
is portrayed in the style and mysterious ambience that embodies the heart
of the Africa River Lodge. Consisting of 9 individually furnished
bedrooms, every guest will be able to relax and luxuriate in the tranquillity
of this riverside realm.
Protea
Hotel Upington, UPINGTON Upington, the unofficial
capital of the Green Kalahari, is a town of beautifully landscaped gardens,
many rose beds and large, graceful trees - all wrapped in an atmoshere
of genuine peace and tranquillity. It is here, on the banks of the majestic
Orange River, where you'll find the Protea Hotel Upington. 4x4 twincab
vehicles are available for hire, ideal for exploring the surrounding areas.
Experience first-class accommodation in newly renovated and spacious rooms
and suites, with air-conditioning and colour satellite TV. Laze around
the pool and relax over sundowners or pre-dinner drinks in Scotty's Bar
before strolling across the road into the Totem Creek Spur for dinner.
Four restaurants are available within walking distance of the hotel for
dinner. Sporting and leisure facilities: These include a swimming
pool with stunning views over the Orange River, while golf, tennis and
squash, canoeing and watersports, as well as River Boat cruises, are available
nearby.
The most
notable thing about Kimberley is a huge hole in the ground, but it’s not
just any hole – it’s what’s left over after the removal of about three
tons of diamonds. Measuring over a kilometre deep, with a surface area
of 17ha, it’s the world’s largest hand-dug hole – a monument to the lengths
(and depths) humans will go in search of wealth. The wild, vibrant and
– no doubt – rather sleazy shanty town that arose around the diggings in
the 1870s has been transformed, tarted up and reconstructed into a rather
cutesy open air museum; complete with a bar, various merchants, homes and
clubs.... read more
Bishops
Lodge, Self-Catering Suites, KIMBERLEY The unique design features
25 north-facing luxury rooms. A full suite comprises a bedroom with
double bed and full en-suite bathroom and a comfortable sitting room with
fully fitted open-plan kitchenette, a second bedroom with twin beds and
en-suite bathroom with shower cubicle. In addition, the suite has three
remote controlled split unit air conditioners and two television sets with
DSTV providing Super Sport and Movie Magic channels. Guests thus have the
choice of either: a two bedroomed full suite, a one bedroomed half
suite with double bed, lounge and kitchen, a twin bedded room with en-suite
bathroom with shower. Each suite is decorated in pastel shades with
matching curtains and comforters and purpose made oak furniture.
High quality beds and bed linen is a norm at the lodge. The lodge
is fully accessible to our disabled guests and one suite has been specifically
designed to cater for their special needs.
Digger's
Lane, Self-Catering Holiday Rental Home, KIMBERLEY Experience a bit of nostalgia
as you relax in this fully equipped, air conditioned private guest house.
Children and pets welcome. We are situated in a quiet street, less than
1 km from a shopping centre and less than 4 km from the famous Big Hole,
open mine museum and tram. The following site-seeing is also within a few
kilometres: Belgravia Historic walk (it covers a distance of 2 km by foot
and visits 33 of the city's most historical sites). North Walk -
it covers the City Centre by foot in just under 4 km. Ghost Trail
- one of the best ghost trails in the world, starts just before sunset
and ends you know when ... Alexander McGregor Memorial Museum. Historic
pubs (visited by Cecil John Rhodes & Barney Barnato). Africana
Library (one of the best research libraries in SA). With 100 % privacy,
you can enjoy a relaxing evening before you continue with your journey.
The unit has one copper four poster bed and one sleeper coach, air conditioner,
sleeping a maximum of 4 people
Hadida
Guest House - Guesthouse, Self-catering, KIMBERLEY Comfortable and private
accommodation in fully equipped single, double and family units. We are
conveniently situated in a quiet residential neighborhood, close to the
famous Big Hole and other tourist attractions. Breakfast is self-catering
or available on request. Visitors mainly consist of national and
international tourists, business travelers and family groups. Hadida Guest
House is also a popular sleepover when traveling between Cape Town and
Johannesburg. All our self-contained units are unique and individually
decorated to provide a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere where visitors
will feel immediately at home. The en-suite bathrooms, self-catering
facilities and own outside entrances of each unit provide complete privacy
for guests. Units are serviced daily and our friendly personnel are always
available for assistance.
Foreigners and locals return
time and again to this wonderland of colour. The miracle of a parched landscape
slowly evolving through the seasons into a huge carpet of wild flowers
is breathtaking. The best time to view this unique floral display is from
mid-August to October. To do Namaqualand properly, one would take
a leisurely drive through the fields of flowers, stopping off at the nature
reserves and charming towns along the way. Bear in mind that accommodation
in the region is often booked out a year in advance as more foreigners
hear of these wildflowers, which are unparalleled anywhere... read
more.
Atlantic
Gem, Self-Catering House, Port Nolloth, NAMAQUALAND Namaqualand with its flowers,
the Richtersveld Desert Mountain wonderland and the Wild unspoiled West
Coast are on the doorstep of this fully equipped holiday house overlooking
the Atlantic Ocean. Immerse yourself in the history of Diamonds and Fishing
as you explore the beautiful sheltered bays in the area. The Atlantic
Gem holiday house is situated 4km south of Port Nolloth at McDougalls Bay.
In true West Coast fashion, this settlement has a mixture of established
houses and holiday beach shacks. The house has a view of the sea although
this is partially obstructed. The photo showing the sea view that appears
on this page was taken from the verandah adjacent to the braai room. The
photo of the diamond boats was taken in nearby Port Nolloth. There
are three bedrooms - main ensuite and a second bathroom. Main bedroom and
second bedroom have double beds and third bedroom has twin beds.
Mac
Shack, Self-Catering Beach House, Porth Nolloth, NAMAQUALAND Relax in a true west coast
holiday shack. This neat and tidy two bedroom shack is within a stones
throw of the sea. There is no direct sea view, although the sounds
of the waves will lull you to sleep at night. The house is about 50m from
the sea (as the crow flies) and about 1 minutes walk will get you to a
beautiful little protected beach. Mac Shack consists of two bedrooms
(main bedroom – double bed, second bedroom – double bed + single bed),
kitchen, lounge, pantry and bathroom. There is a protected and partially
enclosed outside braai area. The shack is fully equipped for self catering
and is equipped with fridge, stove, microwave etc. Namaqualand is
can be explored via many tracks and trails in the general area. McDougalls
bay is a very relaxed holiday town – there are no shops in town, although
Port Nolloth is a short 5 minutes drive away where most necessities can
be obtained.
Upington
is situated on the banks of the Orange River in the Northern Cape. Surrounded
by bright green irrigated vineyards, this area is known as the Green Kalahari.
(The rest of the Kalahari, while not actually a true desert, is classified
as thirstland, and is most definitely not green.)
Upington is a pleasant town
with some lovely guest houses, hotels and restaurants. The Kalahari Oranje
Museum Complex offers an insight into the history of the rather hardy folk
who’ve made this town their home over the last couple of hundred years...
read
more
A
Guesthouse, Self-Catering/Guest House, UPINGTON If you are looking for accommodation
in A Guesthouse in Upington, South Africa, you've found it! A Guesthouse
is a self-catering cottage or guesthouse, depending on your needs, situated
in a quiet, cool and relaxing part of town, close to the city centre.
The cottage is a fully functioning, self-catering cottage, with two bedrooms,
both with TV and air-conditioning. The kitchen is fully equipped
and includes a fridge, stove, cuttlery, pots and pans and an outside braai.
We offer the following facilities: Privacy, Quiet and cool area,
Personal service, Wi-Fi internet. We are here to make your stay as
comfortable as possible and assist you as far as possible.
The
Overlook, Guest House/Self-Catering, UPINGTON Three thatched chalets each
have a commanding view of the Kalahari Desert and Orange River Valley.
Perched on a hilltop above the town of Keimoes, privacy is a priority at
the Overlook. A heated, endless horizon pool, partially enclosed by a thatched
lapa, has become a local landmark. A swim up bar and entertainment area
as well as private BBQ facilities provide for the perfect getaway. Each
chalet has air-conditioning, satellite TV and its own private veranda for
an endless view of the vast vineyards of the Northern Cape. Your
hosts are Eric Husing, a native New Yorker, and his wife, Anna, a South
African. Eric was raised in an Indonesian kitchen and is a graduate of
the Culinary Institute of America. He is an award winning international
Chef. Dining at the Overlook will be an unforgettable experience. Should
you prefer to cater for yourself, each chalet has a fully equipped kitchenette.
