Stretching for over 1000 kilometres along South Africa’s scenic West Coast, the Namaqualand is known for its stark, arid beauty. Once a year in early Spring, the Namaqualand landscape explodes into a kaleidoscope of colour. The dusty plains are transformed into a blanket of thousands of flowering wildflowers. International and local visitors flock here to see this seasonal natural splendour. Aside from the endless photogenic landscapes, visitors can look forward to viewing a wide variety of wildlife and exploring the quaint seaside towns dotting the coast as well as the various historic towns scattered in the hinterland.
Formed in 2003, the Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park united Namibia’s Ai-Ais Hot Springs Park and South Africa’s Richtersveld National Park into a single, cross-country entity. Though it may appear barren at first glance, this rugged wilderness shelters an astounding profusion of endemic and indigenous plants that are adapted to the arid environment, as well as a profusion of small mammals and reptiles. Other highlights of the park include the famous Fish River Canyon (the second-largest of its kind on the planet), the enthralling Orange River and its mountain backdrop, and the mineral-rich Ai-Ais hot springs.
Rising from the beautiful Drakensberg Mountains in Lesotho, forming part of the international border between South Africa and Namibia, the Orange River is the longest river in South Africa. The Orange River Basin extends into Namibia and northern Botswana. The river snakes its way through one of Southern Africa’s harshest environments bringing life to an area of sheer rugged beauty. Aside from vineyards in the desert the river also creates a mobile playground from which to explore the area. This spectacular river created the diamond dune fields along Namibia's coast, by washing diamonds downstream from the Kimberly region over millions of years. Visitors can look forward to excellent whitewater rafting, canoeing, and kayaking, as well as wonderful river cruises which allow excellent views of the surroundings.
Okiep, initially referred to as O’okiep, meaning large brackish area, is a small town that forms part of Namaqualand, within the Northern Cape, just north of Springbok. Known as the oldest mining settlement in South Africa, this secluded area was established after the discovery and mining of copper in the late 18th century, ranking it as the richest copper mine in the world during the 1870s. Today, this quaint little town is the perfect stopping point on any Namaqualand journey. It boasts a rich historical value offering a collection of wonderful attractions for visitors to enjoy, including the Smokestack, a national monument first built by the Cape Copper Company as a ventilation shaft and the fully intact steam engine at the Cornish Pump House. At the same time, nature lovers can experience the Namaqualand’s famous blossoming flora during the months of spring.
