Namaqua National Park Travel Guide: Top Sights in South africa, Tours

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Namaqua National Park- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Natural Scenery; South Africa; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 8 hours

In the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, near the Namibian border, lies the remarkable Namaqua National Park. Established in 1999, with its roots in the Skilpad Nature Reserve, this park now covers over 700 km², offering a pristine escape into nature. Located about 495 km north of Cape Town and 22 km northwest of Kamieskroon, it provides an accessible retreat from urban life. Namaqua National Park is renowned for its representation of the semi-desert Succulent Karoo biome, noted for its exceptional biodiversity. This biome, which spans South Africa's western coasts and Southern Namibia, features the world's highest concentration of succulent plants. With over 5,000 plant species, including unique endemic succulents like the striking quiver tree and colorful vygies, the park is a testament to nature's resilience and beauty. Each year, from August to September, the park transforms into a vibrant mosaic of wildflowers, thanks to winter rains. This floral spectacle draws around 100,000 visitors, eager to witness the desert's transformation into a colorful sea of daisies, lilies, and aloes. Beyond its floral wonders, the park is also home to the world's smallest tortoise, the speckled padloper, and unique arachnids, including the rare Hottentotta arenaceus scorpion. Visitors can explore the park via a 5 km scenic route, nature walks, and picnic spots, with accommodation options that blend seamlessly into the natural landscape, ensuring a serene and immersive experience.

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Reviews of Namaqua National Park

Pieter Smith

5
Reviewed: 2024-01-11

Pristine and mostly untouched Cape fijnbos. Worth seeing even when the flours are not in bloom. Note that the quality of the roads vary greatly. A 4x4 with the tyre pressure dropped to 1.2 bar is highly recommended at the moment. A very large part of the roads have deep soft sand, and the use of normal vehicles or 4x4s without reduced tyre pressure both worsens the quality of the roads and pretty much guarantees getting stuck. The staff are super friendly and helpful, and more than willing to help you reduce and get your tyre pressure back to normal.
Annemarie Thiart

5
Reviewed: 2024-01-08

Well run park, with professional and friendly staff. This is a unique experience for the fully self sufficient traveller who appreciates the rough landscape and unspoilt beaches. Do your homework beforehand though, including taking with enough water and fuel.
Enid Son

5
Reviewed: 2023-09-03

Epic flower viewing in early September 2023. Our first visit to see the epic wild flowers in bloom. An amazing experience. The dirt roads are well maintained and you can travel in a normal vehicle although it's best in a 4x4 or high rise vehicle so you can see the flowers better. Entrance fee is R52 pp when we went. Toilets only at the reception area. Take your own food and drinks. We did the Korhaan walk which was an easy 3km loop from reception area.
Domonic H. Ferreira

5
Reviewed: 2023-08-26

Breathtaking, beautiful, natural wonder there is no words to describe the beauty of the flowers. It was raining when we were at the park, that did not stop us from enjoying the beauty the park has to offer.
Elize Roets

5
Reviewed: 2023-08-09

We spent an amazing day. We entered at Hondeklipbaai. The flowers are the best in many years according to a park official. Definitely recommend a 4x4 vehicle for the loose sand in the dune areas.