We leave Cape Town and head north, traversing the fertile Olifants River Valley and then out on to the dry plains of the Knersvlakte. We have time to enjoy the harsh beauty of the an area that appears to be a wasteland at first sight, but in fact is home to one of the richest flowering succulent populations on earth.
We arrive at Kamieskroon, a small village just off the main road, chosen as our base because it’s the geographical center of Namaqualand’s best flower areas. Here we stay at the unpretentious but comfortable Kamieskroon Hotel. Evenings in Kamieskroon often include an after-dinner audio-visual presentations compiled by various amateur and professional photographers.
For the next two days we concentrate on flower viewing – wherever the flowers are at their best. Depending on climatic factors such as rainfall and sunlight during preceding months, the focus could be on the low-lying plains (mainly in August) or in the higher mountain areas (mainly in September) - but there are many exceptions to this rule!
A regular highlight is the Skilpad Section of the Namaqua National Park. We spend as much time as possible among the flowers and return to the hotel for some free time before dinner. On one of the days we visit the Springbok area with its massive granite domes and multitude of quiver trees, combining flower viewing with general touring. We learn about the history of the copper mining industry, and the original and present inhabitants of the area.
In Springbok we can browse through displays of the incredible variety of semiprecious stones from this area at the Springbok Lodge, a local landmark. We may visit the Goegap Nature Reserve, with its Hester Malan Succulent Garden and seasonal flower displays. Surrounding villages such as Okiep, with its Boer War history, and Nababeep with its mining museum, take us back in time.
We return to Kamieskroon for dinner.
Bidding farewell to Kamieskroon we head southward, past Garies and its popular tourist centre. En route we have time to enjoy the harsh beauty of the “Knersvlakte” - an area that seems like a wasteland at first sight, but has, in fact, one of the richest flowering succulent populations on earth. You really have to get your nose close to the ground, since most of these rare and endemic plants are minute!
We continue southward to the valley of the Olifants River, and our base for the next two nights: Vredendal. This prosperous town is central to all the southern flowering areas, and our overnight accommodation is chosen for its strategic location and comfort.
Depending on current weather conditions we will seek out the best flowering areas in the region. Typically, on one of the days we will strike inland to visit the Nieuwoudtville area, famous for its variety of flowering bulbs. We head up the spectacular Vanrhyns Pass to the top of the escarpment, where a total change in scenery awaits us. The higher rainfall and differing soils produce a host of plant varieties: from fynbos to renosterveld, with many plants endemic to the area. We visit the best flowering areas, and a private flower reserve near Nieuwoudtville.
A popular stop is the Doornrivier Waterfall, with its impressive gorge and interesting bird life. We return to our guesthouse in the late afternoon.
HOMEWARD BOUND ...
Our homeward route takes us southward once more, but this time along the coast. This is good for viewing flowers from the vehicle, since all the flowers are facing north, and the overall display is much more impressive! Our exact route will once again depend on incorporating the very best flowering areas for today’s weather conditions. The West Coast is famous for its impressive displays of flowering annuals in large fields of white and yellow. At times the masses of blue “Sporrie” can be breathtaking. We avoid the overcrowded areas where possible, enjoying nature in peace and quiet. We slowly make our way back to Cape Town, dropping you off at home, your guest house, or at the airport at approximately 17h30.
