Situated approximately 22km Northwest of Kamieskroon, in the heart of Namaqualand, is the 700km² Namaqua National Park. Gorgeous valleys are illuminated with blankets of vivid flowers, famous internationally for their sheer striking beauty. These spring time blooms are sought after the world over, with more than 1 000 of the 3 500 plant species being entirely unique to this
South African National Park.
Arid for most of the year, the semi-desert area of Namaqua Park comes alive after the spring rainfall in September, as millions of indigenous flowers transform the landscape completely in a display that can only be described as a wonder of nature. Under a sky so vast, the area has been nicknamed ‘big sky country’ - rocky outcrops of granite and quartz are set alongside the quiver trees that emerge from this colourful tapestry of flowers. Birds like the Black-shouldered Kite, African Harrier Hawk, and Lanner Falcon circle on thermals high above the ground, while the world’s smallest tortoise - the Namaqua Speckled Padloper – creeps along below.
One of the most unusual landscapes in southern Africa, the area extends eastward from the Atlantic Ocean to Pofadder, bordered by the Orange River to the north and by Garies in the south. Unlike the
Big Five bushveld towards the east, Namaqua Park is the habitat for rare and curious animals whose unique appearance and behaviour matches the extraordinary beauty of the region. The array of small and interesting mammals includes various moles, shrews, bats and mice, which are hunted by the slight and graceful predators of the area - the bat eared fox, cape fox, aardwolf, African wild cat, suricat and caracal.
An area of astounding transformation and unequalled character, the star-studded night skies, blossoming plains and granite outcrops that sculpt the landscapes of this area make the Namaqua National Park an unforgettable African experience.