Hidden Gems in Northern Cape (ITT)

Located in the scenic Olifants River Valley, the town of Clanwilliam is the ‘Rooibos Capital of the World’. The town features an array of tea houses and historical buildings. It is conveniently situated next to a large dam perfect for water skiing, swimming, and fishing. Visitors can enjoy a tour at the Elandsberg Rooibos Estate to view the unique tea-making process, learn about the town’s history at the Old Gaol Museum, explore the ‘Rooibos Route’ and enjoy a cup of tea at one of its many stopovers namely, The Rooibos Teahouse. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the spectacularly scenic surrounds including: the Cederberg Mountains, the West Coast and the annual wildflower splendour of Namaqualand.

Stretching for over 1 000 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. (ITT)

Located in South Africa’s Northern Cape Province, the Augrabies Falls National Park encircles the Augrabies Falls. The Orange River plunges 60 metres and creates this cascading splendour which leads into the 18-kilometre ravine of the Orange River Gorge.

The landscape of the park is characterised by rocky outcrops jutting from scrub-dotted plains scattered with clusters of kokerboom also known as quiver trees. This sanctuary provides a home for an array of wildlife such as springbok, gemsbok, klipspringer, various bird species and the endangered black rhino. Other commonly spotted wildlife include: giraffe, steenbok, kudu, eland, leopard, African wild cat, jackal, and caracal. (ITT)

Combining the former Kalahari Gemsbok National Park of South Africa and the Gemsbok National Park in Botswana, the enthralling Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a wonderland of bright orange dunes, spectacular wildlife and fascinating flora. This hauntingly beautiful desert land is part of Africa’s first transfrontier park, ensuring that conservation is the top priority for this vast ecosystem and its inhabitants - it also supports and protects the indigenous people here, the ‡Khomani San and Mier communities. Visitors can look forward to spotting lions, leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, blue wildebeest, springbok, eland, and more than 200 bird species, including migrating flamingos and pelicans, and numerous raptors. Some of the activities on offer include game drives, 4x4 excursions, hiking, swimming, eco trails, star-spotting and nature photography.

The Orange River Valley runs through the harsh and mysterious Kalahari landscape that surrounds Upington and it becomes obvious why this area is known as the Green Kalahari, with fertile valleys contrasted against semi-desert. Upington offers lush manicured gardens, stately trees and colourful flowers, creating a sense of peace and serenity. Meanwhile, the town’s bustling business centre provides visitors with more lively entertainment. (ITT)

Synonymous with the birth of the international diamond trade, Kimberley is a picturesque little town with a big history. It was the first town to install electric street lights in the southern hemisphere and today it is the largest city and capital of South Africa’s Northern Cape Province. Kimberly is renowned for the Big Hole, which is the largest man-made excavation in the world. Kimberley also featured prominently during the Anglo-Boer war when it was besieged by the Boers. Visitors can explore some of the most famous battle sites of the Anglo-Boer war fringing the town as well as soak up some impressive historical attractions scattered throughout the town. (ITT)

Extending across 400 000 square kilometres of the country, the Karoo is South Africa’s largest ecosystem and its semi-arid scrublands shelter a surprisingly rich diversity of plant, bird and animal life. Composed of the Great and Little Karoo, this vast semi-desert region may seem harsh and unforgiving to some, but to others, it’s a sanctuary of peace and silence with its own unique, compelling beauty. The Karoo’s landscape is characterised by rugged mountains hiding ancient caves giving way to vast undulating plains peppered with indigenous succulents and grazing ostrich and sheep. Highlights of the area are the fossil trail in the Karoo National Park and the annual Olive Festival in the small town of Prince Albert. (ITT)

Serving as the gateway to the arid wilderness of the Great Karoo, the little South African heritage town of Prince Albert is surrounded by an oasis of magnificent mountains, fresh sparkling water, lush gardens, vineyards and fruit orchards. This small Karoo gem is home to beautifully preserved Cape Dutch and Victorian buildings. It is a popular place in which to relax in the sun and enjoy the peaceful serenity of the town or appreciate the spectacular clear and star-filled night sky to the rare sound of deafening silence. Visitors can discover ancient fossils and a working moonshine distillery at the Fransie Pienaar Museum, enjoy a historical walking tour through the town and drive along the edge of the harrowing 19th-century Swartberg Pass offering dramatic mountain views. Other popular activities include: hiking, mountain biking, bird watching and botanical excursions. (ITT)

Situated four hours from Cape Town in the spectacular, remote landscapes of South Africa’s Northern Cape, the small town of Sutherland is famous for its stars and telescopes. Boasting some of the clearest skies on earth, this is a top astronomical destination where the South African Astronomical Observatory and Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) - the largest single optical telescope in the southern hemisphere - have their homes. However, there is plenty to see, such as the enthralling historic Dutch Reformed Church, spectacular guided drives, breathtaking hiking and cycling routes, and some charming boutiques, delightful bars, and excellent restaurants. The town is one of the coldest in the country - visit in winter to see the stunning Roggeveld Mountains blanketed in snow.