| 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. |
|
| All Northern Cape
Locations:
Tourism Region
Town
|
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.
Towns Along The Way
Kamieskroon
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
Top
|
| 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
- GAME & SAFARI LODGES, NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA
|
|
| 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. |
View
Map of Colesberg
|
| 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/Self-Catering, 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, Safari Lodge/Self-Catering, 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. |
 |
Toverberg
Guest Houses, Self-Catering/Bed & Breakfast, COLESBERG
Toverberg
Guest Houses are a selection of beautifully restored Karoo townhouses.
All houses are situated within the historic part of Colesberg, next to
the Dutch Reformed Church. The townhouses in Bell Street offer two or three
bedrooms, most with en-suite bathroom facilities. Each house has a cosy
lounge, a fridge, tea and coffee making facilities and DStv. Full self-catering
facilities are available in several houses. Secure parking in lockup garages
next to the houses. 26 Stockenst room has two family rooms en-suite, two
double rooms and one single room sharing a bathroom. There is a communal
kitchen, dining room, TV room, barbeque facilities and secure parking. |
More
accommodation in Colesberg
KURUMAN
- LODGES, GAME & SAFARI LODGES, NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA
|
|
| 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. |
View
Map of Kuruman
|
| 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, Luxury Safari Lodge, 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. |
Kuruman
Accommodation Options
-
NAMAQUALAND
- GAME & SAFARI LODGES, NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA
|
|
 |
Naries
Namakwa Retreat - Namakwland, Springbok, 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). |
More
accommodation in Namaqualand
NAMAQUALAND
- SELF-CATERING / VACATION RENTAL ACCOMMODATION, NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE
|
|
 |
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. |
 |
Die
Honnehok Chalets, Self-Catering, HONDEKLIPBAAI, NAMAQUALAND
Dog friendly accommodation
in self-catering cottages. The Honnehok Chalets comprises fully-equipped,
self-catering chalets that can accommodate one to five guests. The chalets
are rustic but comfortable and furnished to suit your essential requirements.
While not affluent and used to living meagerly, the community have a pleasant
and carefree nature. Here all visitors are welcome and free to meander,
without restraint or apprehension, along a picturesque 14 km shoreline.
Tidal pools still abound with marine life and as long as you have the necessary
licence and keep to the restrictions, you can collect your own seafood
or watch as, undisturbed, the Sandpipers, Gulls and Oystercatchers scavenge
for theirs. |
 |
Mac
Shack, Self-Catering Beach Cottage, Port 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. |
|
Naries
Namakwa Retreat - Namakwland, Springbok, 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). |
 |
The
Artists Cottage, Self-Catering Holiday Home, Sutherland, NAMAQUALAND
The
Artist's Cottage is situated in the centre of the little town called Sutherland.
The cottage is a typical Karoo-style building, but it has been renovated
with modern flare without losing its authentic feel. Sutherland is situated
in the Northern Cape, just a stone's throw from the Western Cape's border,
and is known for its clear skies, stars and its cold temperatures in winters,
which can drop to below zero and snows occasionally. The house contains
two bedrooms and two full bathrooms, and comfortably sleeps four. Downstairs
has a bedroom with a double bed and en-suite bathroom. An open-plan dining
area, kitchen and big fireplace, built in the old-fashioned way and is
big enough to climb into and sit next to the fire, is available. |
More
self-catering / vacation rental accommodation in Namaqualand
Top
|
