namaqualand flower tours from johannesburg

INCLUDES/EXCLUDES

Including in the Trip price

Excluding in the Trip price

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• GOEGAAP NATURE RESERVE

DETAILED ITINERARY

  8 day namaqualand flower tour / namakwaland blomme toer..

Day 1 - Johannesburg - Northern Province - Upington - Kakamas - Namaqualand

  8 Day Namaqualand Flower Tour Namakwaland Blomme Toer

Y our driver/guide will collect you from Johannesburg/ Pretoria and departure time is 05h00.

You travel through the Northern Cape towards the Orange River (Gariep River) region, via the towns of Vryburg, Upington, and Kakamas where you overnight.

Accommodation in Kakamas

Bed / Breakfast / Dinner

Distance traveled : 800 km

Day 2 - Kakamas - Springbok - Namaqualand - Namakwaland

C ontinue to Springbok and visit the Augrabies Falls National Park. Few sights are as awesome or a sound as deafening as water thundering down the 150 deep & 56 meter wide Augrabies Waterfall when the Orange River is in a full flood. The Khoi (Bushman) people called it “Aukoerebis”, or place of Great Noise, as this powerful flow of water is unleashed from rocky surroundings characterized by the 18 km abyss of the Orange River Gorge.

Depart for Springbok, Namaqualand’s Wild Flower Capital. Springbok lies in a deep low plain between rugged mountains, about 600 km north of Cape Town.

It is the commercial and cultural center of Namaqualand

Copper was discovered on the farm Melkboschkuil in 1850 and a mine was established. The mine became the first commercial mine in South Africa, but was worked out by 1888.

In 1863 the town was mapped out and built around the copper mining industry.

Namaqualand is probably the world’s most awe inspiring floral kingdom . It is believed that “You have not seen any flowers until you have experienced the splendour of Namaqualand in full flower”. Each year in spring (July – September), Namaqualand hosts the most spectacular show on earth.

Situated in what is probably the most arid part of South Africa, the stark contrast between winter and spring can nowhere be more dramatic than in this part of the world.

A multi-coloured wildflower carpet grows almost overnight, enticing thousands of people to visit the area and share in the bounty of Mother Nature. One of the special sites to visit is the Goegap Nature Reserve.

We will spend part of the day at the Namaqualand National Park near Kammieskroon. A circular drive and a few short walking trails let you experience the incredible floral diversity of the area

Accommodation in Springbok area (Depends on availability) /Guesthouse

Bed / Breakfast / Dinner basis

Distance travelled 350 km

Day 3 - Namakwaland - Namaqualand - Lambertsbay

Springbok to lambertsbay via garies, kamieskroon, and skilpad nature reserve.

After breakfast in Springbok, depart and continue our  journey towards Clanwilliam.

We will travel through the town of Garies, known for its beautiful wildflowers (during the blooming season).

Enjoy the scenic drive as you make your way to Kamieskroon, another area famous for its spring flower displays.

We will visit Skilpad Nature Reserve, located near Kamieskroon and take a detour and explore the reserve. Skilpad Nature Reserve is known for its stunning wildflowers and offers walking trails where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area.

After visiting Skilpad Nature Reserve, continue your journey to Lambertsbay.

Arrive in Lambertsbay and check into your accommodation.

Overnight stay in Lamberstbay.

We will incorporate Skilpad Nature Reserve into our itinerary, you'll have the opportunity to explore its unique flora and experience the beauty of the Namaqualand region.

Day 4 - Cederberg - Veldrif - Lambertsbay - West Coast

Lambertsbay to west coast and return to lambertsbay.

After breakfast, depart from Lambertsbay and head towards the West Coast. Visit Paternoster, known for its birdlife and beautiful beaches.

Explore Bokkom Laan, a quaint street famous for its dried fish (bokkoms) and local delicacies.

Continue to Veldrif, a charming coastal town situated on the banks of the Berg River.

Visit Elands Bay, a popular surfing spot known for its scenic beauty.

Explore Paternoster, a picturesque fishing village with whitewashed cottages.

Return to Lambertsbay in the late afternoon.

Overnight stay in Lambertsbay.

Please note that the distances and travel times may vary depending on the specific routes taken and any additional stops you choose to make along the way. It's always a good idea to plan our day accordingly and allow for flexibility in your schedule to fully enjoy the attractions and scenery along the West Coast.

Day 5 - Namakwaland - Namaqualand - Lambertsbay

Lambertsbay Clanwilliam to Biedouw Valley and Wuppertal, return to Lambertsbay

After breakfast, we depart from Lambertsbay and head towards Biedouw Valley.

Explore the scenic Biedouw Valley, known for its stunning landscapes and wildflower displays (during the blooming season).

Take in the beauty of the surrounding mountains and enjoy the serenity of the valley. Continue to Wuppertal, a historic mission village nestled in the Cederberg Mountains. Experience the rich history and cultural heritage of Wuppertal.

Please note that the availability and blooming seasons of flowers in Biedouw Valley may vary each year, so it's advisable to check for updates and plan our  visit accordingly. Additionally, the specific attractions and activities in Wuppertal may vary, but you can explore the village and learn about its unique history and culture.

Day 6 - Lambertsbay - Nieuwoudtsville - Calvinia

Lambertsbay to calvinia via vredendal, vanrhynsdorp, nieuwoudtville, and loeriesfontein.

Depart from Lambertsbay after breakfast. Travel through Vredendal and Vanrhynsdorp, enjoying the scenic landscapes along the way

Visit Nieuwoudtville, known for its stunning wildflower displays (during the blooming season) and the Nieuwoudtville Waterfall. Explore Loeriesfontein, a small town with a rich history and interesting attractions.

Continue our  journey through the Hantam Mountains towards Calvinia.

Overnight stay in Calvinia.

Bed / Breakfast / Dinner   basis

Please note that the specific attractions and activities in each town may vary, but we can explore the natural beauty and historical sites in the region as you travel from Clanwilliam to Calvinia. Enjoy the scenic landscapes and the unique charm of each place you visit along the way.

Day 7 - Nieuwoudtville - Britstown - Kimberley

Calvinia to kimberley via orania.

After breakfast, depart from Calvinia and make our way to Kimberley. En route, you will have the opportunity to visit Orania, a small town known for its Afrikaner cultural preservation. Explore the town and learn about its unique history and community.

Continue our  journey to Kimberley, the capital city of the Northern Cape Province.

Overnight stay in Kimberley.

Please note that Orania is a private town.  In Kimberley, we can explore the city's rich diamond mining history, visit museums, and learn about its cultural heritage. We will overnight in Kimberley and make the most of the attractions it has to offer.

Day 8 - Kimberley - Johannesburg

Kimberley to johannesburg and boksburg.

After breakfast, depart from Kimberley and begin our  journey back to Johannesburg. Enjoy the scenic drive as we make our way to Johannesburg.

Upon reaching Johannesburg, your driver/guide will drop you off at your desired location. The last drop-off will be in Boksburg, marking the end of your Namaqualand tour.

Congratulations on completing your wonderful Namaqualand tour! I hope you had a memorable experience exploring the beautiful landscapes, wildflowers, and cultural highlights of the region. If you have any further questions or need assistance with anything else, feel free to ask. Safe travels!

Return home from a wonderful Namaqualand Flower Tour and arrive late afternoon In Johannesburg

Distance travelled 500 km

8 Day Namaqualand Flower Tour - 8 dag Namakwaland Blomme Toer

PLACES OF INTEREST

Nieuwoudtville.

Nieuwoudtville: Known as the place of hidden treasures, Nieuwoudtville boasts the biggest variety of indigenous bulbous plants (500,000) in the world. Other sights include the Glacial Rock Striations which date back 280 million years; the 100m high Nieuwoudtville Falls on the Doring River; and the quiver tree forest, which is the largest and southernmost colony of Aloe dichotoma.

Skilpad Wild Flower reserve

Skilpad Wild Flower Reserve: Situated in a mountainous area about 25km from Kamieskroon, Skilpad incorporates a shrubland and abandoned wheatlands.

It has recently been incorporated into the Namaqua National Park and should not be missed.

Knersvlakte

Knersvlakte: This wasteland is home to the richest succulent populations on earth.

S pringbok: Enjoy the amazing display of flowers and rock formations, and discover the interesting copper mine history of Springbok.

Ramskop Wild Flower Garden

Ramskop Wild Flower Garden: Situated near Clanwilliam in the Western Cape, Ramskop is one of the best displays of wild flowers in South Africa.

Postberg Nature Reserve

P ostberg Nature Reserve: Set within the West Coast National Park, the reserve boasts the greatest variety of birds, game, and Sandveld flowers in the Western Cape

Goegap nature Reserve

Go egap Nature Reserve is a 12,000 ha wildflower reserve outside of Springbok where you can pack a picnic, visit the Hester Malan Wild Flower Garden, and drive a scenic 17km route.

APRIL SALE:   Book now and get   up to 60% off!

Namaqualand Flower Tour

• Fully Guided
• Personalized

• Introduction
• Day 1 Johannesburg - Kimberley -500km
• Day 2 Kimberley - Upington -410km
• Day 3 Upington – Kamieskroon- 550km
• Day 4 Kamieskroon - Lamberts Bay -425km
• Day 5 Lambertsbaai – Langebaan - 170km
• Day 6 Langebaan – Matjiesfontein – 300km
• Day 7 Matjiesfontein - Gariep dam- 600km
• Day 8 Gariep Dam - Home -650km

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Adventure Type

• Group of 12 travelers max.
• Fast booking confirmation
• Carefully planned itineraries
• Travel with like-minded people
• Travel with your own group of min. 2 travelers
• Choose your preferred dates and duration
• Upgrade your accommodation
• Customize the itineraries

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation policy.

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Reviews About This Operator

• Tour Operator Amatungulu Tour 5.0
• Ann · 19th April 2024 Such an amazing tour with a big mix of variety. The panorama route and then kruger park where most animals are see,... Show more
• Huong · 10th February 2024 “Embarking on the Garden Route journey was an absolute delight! From the moment we set foot on this picturesque route... Show more
• Brian · 26th October 2023 My wife and I travelled with 2 other couples. Our guide, Jakes, was always on top of things. When anything came up... Show more

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• August 2025
• Get Instant Confirmation Saturday 17 Aug, 2024 Saturday 24 Aug, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €757 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Saturday 23 Aug, 2025 Saturday 30 Aug, 2025 English Multiple Room Types €757 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

We are there for you! If you have any questions about this tour, then please don't hesitate to contact us 24/7 and we will get back to you latest within 2 hours!

Got a question about this tour?

Reach out to our travel experts.

Good to Know

• Currency R Rand South Africa

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types D, M.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Typhoid - Recommended for South Africa. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for South Africa. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Cholera - Recommended for South Africa. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Tuberculosis - Recommended for South Africa. Ideally 3 months before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for South Africa. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for South Africa. Ideally 10 days before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 30th June 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 30th June 2024, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Amatungulu Tour. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Amatungulu Tour will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Amatungulu Tour" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of Amatungulu Tour. Please familiarise yourself with the Amatungulu Tour payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
• Trips for Young Adults
• USA East Coast Tours
• Kenya Safari
• Maasai Mara Safari
• Mexico Tours
• Aragon y tours

Similar Tours

Keep Exploring South Africa

• South Africa Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Complete Safari Packing List: Clothes, Medicines, Gear & Essentials
• Best Explorer Tours and Trips 2024/2025
• South Africa from Johannesburg
• South africa Explorer
• Small group tour
• 8 days South africa
• Operators in Africa
• Namaqualand Flower Tour Tours in South Africa
• Explorer Tours
• South Africa Tours
• Africa Tours
• Family Tours
• Custom Tours
• Group Tours
• Fully Guided Tours
• Personalized Tours
• South Africa tours

solo travel tour groups

Guests on the 7-day tour: Proceed to Cape Town Airport, where you board your two hours flight to Johannesburg, arriving in Johannesburg the same day. We thank you for a wonderful tour with us!

Dining Car on Premier Classe train

Bokkeveld daisies

This tour is a bus-only tour. The size of the group will determine the bus we take. We keep our transport in the luxury category. The advantage of a smaller group is that with a smaller bus we can go into more unique areas.

The alternative to this tour is the NLW6G: WEST COAST & NAMAQUALAND   tour   (GP-GP 6 days) -- that is the tour which starts and ends in Johannesburg, or the NLW6C: WEST COAST & NAMAQUALAND   tour   (CT-CT 6 days) -- that is the tour which starts and ends in Cape Town

This tour of 8 (eight) days covers the Matsikamma, the real Namaqualand , the 'boland' of the Namaqualand, Kalahari, and through the Northern Cape, and also the HANTAM !.

Here is a typical itinerary of the tour:

Day 1 : Northern Cape Kalahari and wine region

We depart from Gauteng at 05:00. We travel through the Northern Cape towards the Orange River (Gariep River) region, via the towns of Vryburg, Kuruman, Upington , Keimoes, and Kakamas , where we spend our first night.

This tour is based on a bed and breakfast basis. Lunches, Dinners and drinks are for your own account.

Augrabies Waterfall

Day 2 : Augrabies, Springbok

We depart after breakfast, to the Augrabies National Park , to view close-up the granite-confined waters of the Gariep (Orange) River, where it cascades over the several falls, and continues down to the Atlantic Ocean. Augrabies means 'The place of great noise' and it lies at the heart of the remote and fascinating Augrabies National Park.

We continue our travels and at Pofadder we have a brief comfort stop. We overnight with bed and breakfast in the Springbok / Nababeep area.

Day 3 : Namakwaland, Kamiesberg region, Vredendal

Today we visit the attractive area of Springbok, Okiep, and Nababeep, walking amongst and getting close-up to the flowers, to get those special near photos.

We continue to the areas where the flowers are most beautiful on the day, choosing amongst, for instance Goegap Nature Reserve / Namaqua National Park / Kamiesberg, etc, where fields of flowers await us.

We overnight in the area of Vanrhynsdorp / Vredendal , on Bed and breakfast basis.

Namaqualand flowers: Daisy Ursinia calenduliflora Namaqua parachute daisy / Berg-magrietjie , with Daisy Felicia australis Sambreeltjie

Desert Primrose Grielum humifusum Pietsnotjies , and others, growing wild in Namaqualand

Nieuwoudtville Waterfall

Day 4 : Cedarberg, Clanwilliam, Lambert's Bay area

After a well deserved breakfast, we visit the Clanwilliam area. It is in this region where the much loved Rooibos tea is cultivated. A visit to the Ramskop Nature Garden, is certainly a must.

We continue to the Rooibos tea factory, and also the Veldshoe Factory (vellies), attractions not to be missed. We go say hello to the Atlantic Ocean, travelling to Lambert's Bay area, where we have a late lunch / early dinner, and overnight on bed and breakfast basis in Vredendal area.

Day 5 : Maskam, Nieuwoudville

Today we travel to the Flower Bulb Capital of the world, Nieuwoudtville , where the bulb species grow on the 'Boland of the Namaqualand'. An amazing array of species are found here - some particularly endemic to the region. We visit the 100m deep Nieuwoudtville Waterfall and the Succulent Nursery in Vanrhynsdorp - another day of hunting for the most beautiful areas of wildflowers.

We overnight on one of the farms in the area of Nieuwoudtville, amongst the flowers!

Day 6 : Nieuwoudville, Calvinia

After an interesting night and a morning on the highveld of Namaqualand, we continue to Calvinia , into the Hantam - yet another day of taking in the beauty of this region. Here we hunt for another treasure of unique vistas and wild flowers. We overnight on Bed and breakfast basis.

The Cedarberg Mountains, named after the Cedar Tree which is now threatened in this region.

Day 7 : Hantam, Boesmanland, Gariep

After breakfast, our journey continues through the southern region of the Boesmanland , through Brandvlei, to the Great Gariep, and Olifantshoek. We see the last of the amazing flowers, and take a few photos of rows and rows of community birds' nests , telephone lines, and many quiver trees .

We overnight on Bed and breakfast basis.

Day 8 : We return home with lots of memories and good friends, again travelling through the Upper Northern Cape, back home to Gauteng, the province of Johannesburg and Pretoria, to arrive late afternoon / early evening.

An amazing follow-up tour to consider is the:

The area around the Cape on the south-western tip of Africa is not often explored on regular tours of the country, yet holds many magnificent secrets, ready to be explored on our Around-the-Cape tour.

We venture into the countryside and bring you the exhilaration of unexplored areas -- 'Around the Cape'. Come and enjoy with us the Open and Green, the endless Karoo and the blue seas, really wild open skies, and really deep valleys...

We arrive in Cape Town, the Mother City of South Africa, by plane at the International Airport, and make our way to the town of Tulbach , where we explore this old town which was partly destroyed by an earthquake , which is a rare natural disaster in South Africa, years ago.

Many interesting small shops in town are eager to welcome you, especially in the street which was reconstructed after the earthquake.

A selection of restaurants stands ready to serve a meal of your choice in the tranquil setting of the Boland .

This tour is based on a bed and breakfast basis. Lunch, Dinner and drinks are for your own account.

We overnight at our Lodge on Bed and Breakfast basis.

Day 2 - Around the Cape tour

We depart Tulbach, heading out to Sutherland.

This is the far-off Karoo dorp with the exceptional privilege of housing SALT, the largest telescope in South Africa , and soon will be hosting the largest on the planet, shared with Australia -- the SKA, square kilometre array telescope.

Here we visit the telescope installation outside of town, later to return for our stargazing into the evening sky, with stories and exploration on our minds, told by one of the astrologically knowledgeable local residents.

Overnight at our Lodge. B B included.

We depart Sutherland for Matjiesfontein , where we explore the wonderful old buildings of yesteryear, with lunch in the Lord Nelson Hotel, or similar.

Matjiesfontein is that beautifully preserved, old-charm train station town on the way between Cape Town and Johannesburg, nestled in the Karoo along the main N1 motorway.

We continue our journey to Prince Albert , which is spread out at the foothills of the Swartberg Mountain range, another of those towns you want to spend a few days in, neat Karoo town with old world charm, now also famous for the TV cook series, Kokkedoor.

Today you have the opportunity to go to Hell and back -- no not literally to the Hell of your conviction, but literally to the far-off settlement of The Hell , in the Gamkaskloof .

It is a 4x4 route, and you will enjoy the scenery and comfortable ride. Down in The Hell is another tale of confined space, but with fertile soil and many stories of the people who settled there and made a living under very difficult circumstances.

Another option is to explore the town of Prince Albert and its surroundings of fruit farming, dairy farming, and many shops, art collections, art to buy, exquisite cuisine, vistas and stories.

We travel either over the Swartberg Pass , or through Meiringspoort , visiting the ostrich industry and the Cango Caves of Oudtshoorn.

There is a magnificent restaurant under the Swartberg mountains (on the other side) waiting to entertain your taste buds with delicious food from the area.

We overnight in the vicinity of Oudtshoorn or the R62 route. B B included.

We continue through the Little Karoo to the southern tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas . We spend the day in the vicinity of Cape Agulhas, exploring the surrounding farms and enjoying the ocean - you might see some whales! You have the rare opportunity to be at the point where the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean meet.

Visit also the Cape Agulhas lighthouse.

We depart Cape Agulhas for Cape Town, travelling through the Overberg , enjoying the many mountains and towns on our way to the Mother City.

We overnight in the vicinity of Stellenbosch. B B included.

We depart Cape Town on the Premier Classe train to Johannesburg, a luxury experience, where you relax and enjoy the scenery, and have three meals, luxuriously set in the Dining car on board the train.

Overnight on the Premier Classe train. All three meals included. Only two guests per compartment, or for single guests: only one per coupe.

We arrive at Johannesburg Park station at approximately 11:00, relaxed and excited for our next tour with Touring South Africa !

Peter and Riana Maas

TOER SUID AFRIKA Reisklub // TOURING SOUTH AFRICA Travel Club.

CELL +27(0)71 330 3174

www.toersuidafrika.com //

email: [email protected]

www.touringsouthafrica.co.za //

email: [email protected]

Another Gem in Namaqualand, is the:

This hiking tour is an easy, catered-for, hiking tour , with a base camp. The hiking is along the West Coast of South Africa, through the Namaqua National Park's coastal region on the Atlantic Ocean.

Bring along your camera and make sure you can take lots of photos - extra batteries are recommended. Cell phone reception might not be possible.

You take your tent and necessary personal gear for the camp, and your day back pack hiking gear, which you will need during your daily excursion along the coast, and return each day late afternoon to base camp.

If you get too tired, you may get onto the donkey cart to take a rest. The donkey cart takes your day gear, so you are not carrying a heavy pack on your back while hiking!

What a way to hike! Isn't it just convenient fun!?

At night time, we spend the evening under the stars, around the camp fire ...Wow!

We depart early by flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town . We meet our bus, as well as our guests joining us in Cape Town, at the airport, and proceed to Darling , where we visit the Wild flower show for the rest of the day.

We overnight in Velddrif, on bed and breakfast basis. Drinks for your own account.

After a good night's rest and a hearty breakfast, we depart in our persuit of the beautiful places with wild flowers , on the West coast area.

In the afternoon, we proceed to Lambert's Bay where we overnight. Dinner, bed and breakfast. Drinks for your own account.

Day 1 Hike (Day 3 Tour)

Arrival at Garies at 12:00 - 13:00

Depart Garies at 14:00 with safari vehicles (included), travelling on dirt roads for about 80km to our camp , where we will return to every night, for the duration of the hiking tour.

We set up our tent(s) and enjoy the wonderful open night skies, around the camp fire.

Day 2 Hike (Day 4 Tour)

After breakfast, we transfer by vehicle(s) to Strandfonteinpunt, where donkey carts join us. We hike to Spoegrivier Caves , where 2000 years old sheep remains were found, on the coast. Hiking 17km.

We return to camp by (safari) vehicle for our second night under the star

Day 3 Hike (Day 5 Tour)

After breakfast, we depart again to Strandfonteinpunt by safari vehicle. We hike from there to Koringkorrel , with the donkey carts joining us. We spend tea time at Bitterriviermond (Bitter river mouth) and keep a lookout for any seal colonies. Day 4 Hike (Day 6 Tour) After breakfast, we transfer by vehicle to Groenriviermond . From there we hike to Kwass se Baai. Donkey carts wait at Kwass to take hikers further to Koringkorrelbaai.

Our last hiking day: After breakfast, we pack up our tents, leave it there, and then we have a choice of hiking: either

1) From Koringkorrel to Kwass se Baai - 6km, or

2) From Koringkorrel to Kwass and return to Koringkorrel

When we return to camp, the remaining part of the camp will be round up.

We then depart back to Garies , by vehicle.

For the tour version of 8 days:

We continue to Vredendal , where we overnight at Tharrakamma, on dinner, bed, and breakfast basis. Drinks for your own account.

We depart to Cape Town, where we visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens . There we enjoy the many different flowers in this Cape Floral Kingdom, the most varied of all the different floral kingdoms of the world.

We bid our guests from Cape Town Goodbye.

We proceed to Cape Town International Airport for our flight back to Gauteng.

Recommended gear / restrictions :

General information :

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

• Cape Point & Peninsula Day Tour
• Cape Winelands Day tour
• Cape Town City & Table Mountain Day Tour
• Constantia Winelands Day Tour
• 5 Mountain Passes Day Tour
• Cape Town malaria-free Wildlife encounter
• West Coast Flowers Day Tour
• Hermanus & Whales Day Tour
• Hermanus & the Whales Overnight Tour
• Arniston & Cape Agulhas Tour
• Cape Winelands Overnight Tour
• Cape Town’s malaria-free Safari & Wildlife Tour
• Garden Route Classic Tour
• Garden Route & Overberg Tour
• Garden Route Tour & malaria-free Safari
• Garden Route Tour & Kruger Park Safari
• Garden Route & Cape Town Tour
• Cape Town, Garden Route & malaria-free Eastern Cape Safari Tour
• Big 5 Kruger Safari, Garden Route and Cape Town Tour
• Garden Route & Big 5 Kruger Safari Tour
• Garden Route & Wildlife Tour
• Malaria-free Madikwe Big 5 Safari & Garden Route Tour
• Malaria-free Big 5 Safari & Cape Town Tour
• Big 5 Kruger Tour
• Big 5 Kruger Safari & Panoramic Tour
• Big 5 Kruger Safari & Cape Town Tour
• Kwazulu-Natal Big 5 & Drakensberg Mountains Safari
• Malaria-free Big 5 Safari, Garden Route & Cape Town
• Pilanesberg Big 5 Safari
• Safari Lodge Accommodation
• Sun City Tour
• Johannesburg & Soweto Tour
• Cradle of Humankind Tour
• Lesedi Cultural Village Experience

Namaqualand & West Coast Flower Tour

• West Coast & Cederberg Mountain Tour
• Great and Little Karoo Tour
• Malaria-free Big 5 Safari
• Big 5 Kruger Safari
• Guest Comments
• Blog & Articles
• Currency Converter

Email us on [email protected] or select the “Enquire Now” button to obtain rates:           Enquire Now

Namaqualand & west coast flower tour, 5 days ; 4 nights (seasonal august & september), for a brief period each year, nature rewards us by transforming the arid desert landscape of namaqualand into a flamboyant wildflower wonderland. as the flowers are dependent on the amount and timing of the rain, one cannot predict when mother nature’s annual flower show will take place., day 1 : cape town to clanwilliam.

• Through Paarl with its old Cape Dutch architecture and beautiful oak tree-lined main street
• Via Wellington passing a tapestry of olive orchards, vineyards and mountains
• Travel via Riebeeck West and Riebeeck Castle – a scenic journey passing the ever-changing colours of majestic mountain ranges, fruit orchards, vineyards and wheat fields
• Through the rugged Piekenierskloof Pass with its stunning scenery and a phenomenal succession of one sweeping curve after the next, to arrive in the Olifantsriver Valley (translated meaning Elephants River Valley)
• Via Citrusdal, well-known for its export-quality oranges
• Arrive in Clanwillian
• Explore the Ramskop Nature Reserve . Each year during August and September, depending on the preceding winter’s rainfall, the area is transformed into a floral showcase. The Wild Flower Garden contains a variety of more than 350 species of cultivated wild flowers. The walks on the laid-out paths through the garden also offer a beautiful view over the Clanwilliam Dam and of the Cederberg Mountains
• The greater part of Clanwilliam falls within the world renowned Cape Fynbos Biome. Fynbos is recognised as one of the 6 floral kingdoms in the world. More than 8 500 varieties have already been identified, of which more than 6 000 are endemic (occurring only in a specific area). Various endangered endemic fynbos species can be found in the area

Overnight venue: Guest house in Clanwilliam

Day 2 : Springbok and Naries

• Over the Pakhuis Pass to enjoy the rugged scenic beauty of the Cederberg Wilderness area. The endangered Clanwilliam Cedar ( Widdringtonia cederbergensis ) and the Snow Protea ( Protea cryophila ) grows exclusively in isolated sites in the Cederberg Wilderness Area.
• Vast open spaces (hopefully decorated by nature with pockets of wildflower carpets) en-route to Springbok, in the heart of Namaqualand.
• Visit the Skilpad Wildflower Reserve within the Namaqua National Park
• Just outside of Springbok, we arrive in Naries to book into our accommodation venue.

Overnight venue: Guest house in Springbok or Naries

Day 3 : Goegab Nature Reserve

• Explore the Goegap Nature Reserve : 20 000 hectares  of plains, rocky outcrops and granite “koppies” featuring 580 indigenous plant species and rare succulents found nowhere else. Hester Malan Flower Reserve, a riot of colour in springtime. Mammals include the mountain zebra, gemsbok and 94 bird species.
• Leisure time or explore other Flower surprises on the day (e.g. on local farms) as advised by the local experts

Day 4 : West Coast & Kersefontein

• Return to the West Coast
• Arrive at Kersefontei n, a working farm and now a National Monument. Experience the unique and romantic beauty, tranquillity and isolation.

Day 5 : West Coast to Cape Town

• Langebaan , a popular little holiday village situated on the 18 kilomtre Langebaan Lagoon
• West Coast National Park , and pay a leisurely visit to Postberg, an ecologically sensitive area that is specially opened to the public during the brief flower season. Most of the time will be spent in this area so that the flowers can be enjoyed to the fullest.
• Via the seaside village of Yzerfontein
• Last stop is at Bloubergstrand where one can enjoy the postcard view of Table Mountain with the endless beaches of Table Bay in the foreground; the Bay frequented by colourful wind- and kite-surfers on windy days.
• Arrive back in the Mother City (Cape Town)

Why tour with us?

• Complete flexibility with itineraries, routes, timeframes, start and end destinations to suit your pace and unique requirements on our private tours
• Superb Tour Guides ensuring unforgettable travel experiences, insights and interesting conversations
• Comfortable Air-conditioned Tour Vehicles
• 24x7x365 Travel Support to guests booked on our tours and safaris
• Excellent service and Value

Site Navigation

• Tours and Safaris
• Enquire Now

[email protected]

+27 21 981 8657

4 Skilpad Close Protea Hoogtes Cape Town 7560

2015 © 34°South Tours. All Rights Reserved. Website Renovated By

• Namaqualand
• South-Africa

Botswana Tours

Where the animals roam free and the adventure never stops. Fly with us over the Okavango Delta, swim with the elephants and take a walk on the wild side!

• Duration: 9 Days
• From: R40 000 p/p
• Type: Lodging

Namibia Tours

Experience the Namibia endless horizons, magnificent scenery and ample plant and wild life. Enjoy the peace in nature and the beauty of the coastal plains. Travel from the Orange River all the way to Etosha. Experience Namibia at its best.

• Duration: 11 days
• From: R36 000 p/p
• Including: International flight 

Namaqualand Flower Tours

Join us each year from mid-July to the end of September when Namaqualand and its surrounding flower regions puts on a spectacular show. From the Orange River past the Olifants River let us explore the magic that is Namaqualand.

• Duration: 4, 5, or 6 day packages
• From: R8 350 p/p

Augrabies Tours

Nestled in the Orange River, the largest river in South Africa. Situated in the desolate and rugged milieu in a canyon carved out in time. Join us in a long weekend adventure to the place of great noise. Escape the city life for a while and get back in touch with nature.

• Duration: 4 Days
• From: R7 590 p/p

Kalahari Tours

At first glance this desolate and bare wasteland looks like no life can survive here. But in actual fact fauna and flora thrives here. The magnificent unspoilt Kalahari is the perfect get-away to a place with stars, plants and animals. There is now better time then now. 

• Duration: 8 Days
• From: R20 500 p/p
• Including: Domestic flight

Panorama & Kruger Tours

A Spectacular tour through a part of South-Africa with a rich history, know and unknow to all. Beautiful views of canyons, mountains, waterfalls and the great Kruger National Parks wildlife and birds. What more do you want?

• Duration: 7 Days

West Coast Cederberg Mountain Tours

Between the panoramic beauty of the Cederberg Mountains and the unspoilt West Coast there is really no other place to relax. In the history rich City Hall Caves and along the white beaches of the coast, let us take you on an adventure along this magic route.

• From: R7 900 p/p

The Happy Traveller

Travel blog for fellow adventure-seekers and wanderlusters. Travel guides and stunning photography to inspire you to explore the world.

The Complete Guide to seeing the Flowers in Namaqualand, South Africa

Each year the West Coast region of South Africa bursts into bloom with the annual spring flowers. Visitors from around the world flock to see this incredible natural phenomenon as the landscape turns orange for a few short weeks in August. Read my Namaqualand Flower Guide for a complete guide to seeing the flowers in Namaqualand, South Africa.

When to go?

Planning a trip to see the wild flowers can be a little tricky as it all depends on the rain received each year and the exact timing of the flower bloom isn’t really known until it is happening. However, I think you can be fairly certain that the last week of August is a safe bet to book your trip. It is also always best to start with the more Northern flower regions (like Namaqua National Park and Niewoudtville) as these tend to get warmer sooner and bloom sooner, ending with the more Southern flower regions (Biedouw Valley and West Coast National Park). This year we did have a lot of rain earlier in the season so it is quite possible that the flowers will bloom earlier. More rain also means more prolific flower scenes!

How long to go for?

Seeing the wild flowers can easily fit into a week long trip. For our trip we spent 2 nights in Dwarskerbos along the West Coast, 3 nights just outside Namaqua National Park, and then 2 nights in the Biedouw Valley.

Getting there

Where to go to see the flowers in namaqualand, dwarskersbos, west coast.

We began our flower road trip with a stop in Dwarskersbos along the West Coast. This was the perfect stop over spot to begin the trip so we could gain a bit of distance up towards the real flower region. While this wasn’t primarily a flower stop there were plenty of white daisies lining the roads here and we started to get into the flower spirit. We were close to the Vedldrif salt pan and were able to see some flamingoes and enjoy the vibrant pink salt flats. We also had a lovely walk along the Port Owen Marina which was beautiful.

Dwarskersbos Accommodation

We stayed at DK Villas which is the most stunning beach side holiday home. It’s within walking distance to the beach and beautifully decorated. Johan and Petra were such wonderful hosts!

Book your accommodation with Booking.com, my favourite accommodation booking platform:

Vanrhynsdorp – Maskam Guest Farm

Next up we drove up towards our accommodation near Namaqua National Park. On the way we stopped at Maskam Guest Farm near Vanrhynsdorp. This lovely private farm has walking trails open to the public. We paid a R10 entrance fee and were allowed to either drive along the farm roads to the flowers or take a walk. It was 34 degrees celcius the day we were here so we opted for the self-drive option. Unfortunately, because we had such late rains the year we went, the flowers here were not as prolific as we had hoped for. But the mounatin backdrop was gorgeous and it was lovely to see so many different flower species. Here are all the details for viewing the flowers at Maskam. *This is a private farmland and so walking in the fields was permitted. Just be sure not to step directly on the flowers! In National Parks it is strictly forbidden to walk in the flowers.

If you are willing to drive a little further out of town on your first day and jump straight into the flowers then I would definitely recommend staying at Maskam Guest Farm for your first night. It is only a 3,5hr drive from Cape Town and is the most beautiful setting. The winter rains have been good so far and so the flowers should be excellent here this year.

Namaqua National Park

No flower guide would be complete without a stop at the heart of Namaqualand: Namaqua National Park. As you drive up into the Northern Cape the wild flowers on the side of the road get more and more prolific with colourful vygies and daisies everywhere. Next you’ll arrive at the main event: Namaqua National Park! Namaqua National Park is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. I had high hopes and every single one of my expectations was exceeded. We spent 3 nights staying just outside the park and this allowed us to spend a full day exploring Namaqua National Park and a full day exploring the Kamiesberg mountains. Both were absolutely breathtaking! To be honest you could even spend 4 nights here and have a second full day in the park.

Namaqua National Park Accommodation

We stayed in a farm house accommodation called Dwarspoort Farmhouse which was located a few minutes drive from the park entrance. It was rustic but absolutely lovely! Our hosts were so lovely and sweet. Here are the details to book the cottage:

Serene van Wyk: [email protected] 0828734299

For your first full day in the Namaqua region you’re going to want to go into Namaqua National Park . You’re going to be entering at the Skilpad section of the park which is the main park entrance. For more information on how to get there follow the SANParks maps . You’ll be able to explore the park both on foot with a beautiful flower trail near the entrance gate, as well as by car with a drive around the flower section of the park. For those with a 4×4 and a taste for adventure there are additional routes that take you deeper into the park. You’ll easily spend the whole day here so make sure you pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the picnic spots.

Daily Conservation Fees

Gate hours :.

• 08:00 to 17:00

The park opens at 8am but the flowers will need a bit of time to warm up and open up. However, you’re also going to want to try get here before the tour buses start arriving. So perhaps around 9:30am is a good time to aim to get here.

Once you’ve arrived and paid your park fees at the gate you can park your car at reception. Here you can go in and get a map for the flower walking trails. There are two options of walking trails available to you. Both provide a wonderful opportunity to walk among the fields of wildflowers along demarcated paths. I would recommend packing comfortable walking shoes, some water and hat as it gets pretty hot here in August! The walking trail was one of my absolute highlights of this flower roadtrip and is definitely what sets Namaqua apart from West Coast National Park.

Here are your trail options: Skilpad Walking Trail. This 5km circular route is a very popular walking trail, especially in the flower season. Korhaan Walking Trail. The 3km Korhaan Walking trail also starts at the Skilpad office but meanders through bushy areas, enabling you to see a greater variety of flowers.

Once you have completed the walking trail through the flowers you can hop back in your car and drive the Skilpad Flower Loop . This is a circular loop suitable for all cars (not 4×4 exclusive) and takes you through the most gorgeous carpeted fields of orange flowers. There are a few picnics spots along this route so stop at one and enjoy the view while munching on your lunch.

Both the walking trails and this self-drive Skilpad flower route will allow you to see all the incredible flowers of the park. However, if you have a 4×4 and are up for a bit more of an adventure there are multiple other routes you can follow to explore the park a bit further. The scenery as you go deeper into the park resembles that of Namibia and is absolutely gorgeous!

Kamieskroon & Kamiesberg

Before coming to Namaqua National Park I hadn’t heard of the Kamiesberg mountains or that it is one of the top flower locations in the region. We discovered this fact in a 1984 copy of Namqualand: Garden of the Gods book written by Freeman Pattersonn. Patterson spoke of rolling hills covered in pastel colours and flowers as far as the eye could see. We asked our hosts about it (as there was no cell signal to Google anything) and they sent us off armed with some handwritten directions to a local guesthouse, Pedroskloof, in the Kamiesberg mountains. We were told the guesthouse owners would be able to give us the next set of instructions to find the promised land of flowers. They told us where to go from there. Here are the detailed directions for you to follow:

Drive towards Kamieskroon (a small town just off the N7) and turn left up the Kamiesberg Pass. Once you have gone over the pass you will continue driving until you reach  Thys se Kombuis. Here you can turn left and continue on towards Pedroskloof Farm Accommodation. Here it may be worth checking in with the guesthouse for confirmation on where the flowers are blooming at that particular time.

From Pedroskloof you will continue driving for another 30 minutes. You will pass through 2 rural villages, Rooifontein and Kalkoond before you see a gate on your left. You are free to enter this gate and drive down the dirt road to fields and fields of flowers. On the right of the main road there is a quiver tree forest which is well worth visiting!

I absolutely adored both our time spent in the Namaqua Region exploring both the Namaqua National Park and the Kamiesberg mountains. This was our Nothern-most stop and so we then began our journey down south again towards the Biedouw Valley, stopping at Niewoudtville and Papkuilsfontein along the way.

Niewoudtville & Papkuilsfontein

Both located on the drive between Kamieskroon and the Biedouw Valley, Nievoudtville and Papkuilsfontein make for worthy pit stops along the way. Nievoudtville is a small Nothern Cape town with a number of plots of glorious flowers dotted around the town. There are also a few restaurants here for a lunch stop.

We didn’t go into Papkuilsfontein but drove past and saw a pair of bat-earred foxes in the yellow blooms which was a treat sighting! Previously, day visitors could pay the Papkuilsfontain Guestfarm a visit to admire the gorgeous flower fields but since August 2022, the farm is only accessible by booked guests staying at the farm. If you are looking to take a slower trip through the Namaqua region this looks like a lovely spot to add to your itinerary.

Biedouw Valley

The Biedouw Valley is pure magic! I had visited the Biedouw Valley previously just for a weekend getaway from Cape Town but decided to include it in the Namaqualand Flower Itinerary because it was just so special. The Biedouw Valley is an area of farmland in the Cederberg region that is usually farmed for rooibos tea. In the spring months the farmers don’t turn the soil and let the fields grow wild, resulting in the most beautiful display of wild flowers in the fields.

Bideouw Valley Accommodation

Lucky for us flower-seekers the Biedouw Valley is right next door to climbing-mecca, Rocklands. This means that there is plenty of affordable accommodation in the area.

Budget: On my first visit we were a group of 8 students and stayed in self-catering cottages at Traveller’s Rest . It was incredibly affordable, well-equipped, and close to the flowers. We were also able to get a booking at quite short notice! This spot is popular among climbers who come to boulder in the region. De Pakhuys is another affordable spot popular among climbers which is a short drive to the Valley.

Mid-range: On another trip I stayed in the heart of the valley at the original Biedeau Plaas which was a lovely old farm house (contact Rika at [email protected] 0835120281). Nothing could compare to the magic of witnessing the mountains turn the same colour colour as the flower fields at golden hour. So I would absolutely recommend trying to find accomodation in the valley itself. Friends of our stayed at Biedouw Valley Wegbreek which has rustic cottages nestled in the rocky mountains. I have heard wonderful things about Enjo Nature Farm . Situated right in the heart of the Biedouw Valley, they offer camping and self-catering options and have a flower field of their own. Unfortunately, they are very popular and are booked up quite far in advance. Another gem close by (but not in the actual valley) is the AfriCamps at de Pakhuys which is perfect for families and also has hot tub options!

Luxury: If you’re looking for some luxury then check out the Bushman’s Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Welness Retreat .

For all the juicy details on how to get to the Biedouw Valley and where to find the best flower fields you can go ahead and read my Spring Flowers in the Biedouw Valley blog post.

The flower diversity in the Biedouw Valley was definitely the best with some many gorgeous difference species.

And so concludes the Complete Guide to seeing the Flowers in Namaqualand, South Africa. These spots are perfect when incorporated into a 7-10 day road trip. However if you are just looking for a weekend getaway from Cape Town then the Biedouw Valley is only 3,5 hours away. If you are just looking for a day trip there are plenty of places to see the wild flowers close to Cape Town: see daisies in the West Coast National Park, canola fields in the Overberg region and blossoms in Babylonstoren. Read my  Spring Flowers in Cape Town blog post  for all these details.

Share this:

4 thoughts on “ The Complete Guide to seeing the Flowers in Namaqualand, South Africa ”

Great guide for the flowers. Planning to go this year – so this guide is perfect. Must take my pupper ( meduim dog) with – any advise on accommodation and park admissions?

That’s wonderful news! You’ll need to check directly with the accommodation owners and SANParks for their policies on dogs. Hopefully your pupper can join!

Thank you for the detailed guide. I am really hoping to do the self drive this year. Your guide will be very useful to me. Take care

That is a pleasure! It is such a beautiful part of the country and so worth visiting!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Related Posts

How to book & plan for the Tsitsikamma Trail

The Tsitsikamma Trail is a 6 day, 60km multi-day hike which begins at Nature’s Valley Rest Camp and ends at Storms River. It is one of the most beautiful multi-day hikes in South Africa and definitely needs to be on your bucket list. The trail takes you deep into the Tsitsikamma Forest and along beautiful […]

A weekend away to Swellendam

Swellendam is a lovely little mountainous town in the Overberg region of South Africa. Often overlooked by travellers passing through on their way to the Garden Route or down to Cape Town, Swellendam really should be considered a destination in it’s own right and has much more to offer than a convenient refueling stop. Cape […]

A weekend away to Hermanus

Located only 1,5 hours from Cape Town, Hermanus is a perfect weekend away destination from Cape Town. From whale watching, to wine tasting, farmer’s markets and hiking, Hermanus has plenty to offer. Read this comprehensive guide to plan your next weekend getaway to Hermanus.  What to do in Hermanus for a weekend away Visit the […]

South Africa Wildflower Tours

Namaqualand wildflower tours.

The wildflowers bloom in abundance each year  – join us for a chance to see this unpredictable spectacle. Plus, we’ll plan a custom safari and African adventure for you and your family. Namaqualand is typically in bloom between mid-August and mid-September. We’d love to put an itinerary together for you to experience the Namaqualand flowers.

Stretching for over 1000 kilometers 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 color. The dusty plains are transformed into a blanket of thousands of flowering wildflowers. International and local visitors flock here to see this seasonal natural splendor. 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.

Tell us more about what you’re looking for!

Sample itinerary.

4 Star Southern Africa Wildflower

What they say... Client reviews

Worry-Free Group Experience

Our fall trip to Africa included 11 wonderful and diverse individuals for four venues, over a two week period.   How can this many people enjoy themselves so much for this extended period of time?  The answer is Richard Pace!  You worked diligently to anticipate our every need, and continued to… View more

Adventure of a Lifetime

I can’t recommend Richard Pace and Southern Sky adventures enough! He’s been travelling all over the continent of Africa for the last 12 years and specializes in an otherwise unknown and intimidating territory. I didn’t know what to expect from South Africa but my trip went off without a hitch… View more

The Perfect Itinerary

I went to South Africa in December 2008 with three friends and truly had the trip of a lifetime.  The country is absolutely beautiful and there are so many amazing things to do from safari to whale watching to fine dining in Cape Town.  Southern Sky Adventures planned the perfect… View more

Best Travel Experience Ever

I relive that trip in my mind almost daily – it was the best travel experience I’ve ever had.  Thank you for all you did to make it perfect.  Your local knowledge of the people and places definitely were a plus – you couldn’t have picked more excellent guides, trackers… View more

Once-in-a-lifetime Safari

Thanks for helping us put together such an amazing girl’s trip to South Africa.  We couldn’t have asked for a more well-planned adventure.  Your guidance, itinerary recommendations, and hard work in arranging the details definitely helped to make this “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” a truly incredible experience for all.  Between the 4… View more

An Incredible Time

Southern Sky Adventures did a great job helping us to plan our trip to Africa.  They covered all of the details—everything from flights and accommodations to safari essentials to in-country cell phone service to restaurant and activity recommendations.  Richard even managed to make suggestions on how four women should not… View more

An Unforgettable Vacation

Please use our name as a reference. We had a great experience and an unforgettable vacation. Everything you planned for us was flawless. Laurie, New York View more

Perfect Honeymoon Trip

I would encourage anyone thinking of travelling to Africa to call Southern Sky Adventures…. View more

A different view of South Africa

I had been looking forward to a trip to South Africa for many years, knowing how special it would be.  It was all that and more because of Richard Pace and Southern Sky Adventures.  His choice of accommodations, destinations and tours were perfect.  Everywhere we went was superb and each… View more

See All Reviews

• Affiliation
• Cape Town City Tour
• Cape Point Tour
• Jewish History
• Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden
• Robben Island
• Wine Routes
• Whale Watching
• Anglo Boer War around Gauteng
• Battlefield trip – Magaliesburg
• Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris
• Constitutional Hill
• Cullinan Diamond Mine
• De Wildt Cheetah Centre
• Elephant Sanctuary
• Lesedi Cultural Village
• Malapa Fossil Site and Gladysvale
• Pilanesberg
• Johannesburg Jewish history
• Pretoria city tour
• Soweto Tour
• 3 day Kruger Classic Safari
• 4 day Kruger Walking Safaris
• 4 day Kruger Park & Panorama Route

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

• Game Parks of Northern KwaZulu Natal
• Best of Cape Town
• Garden Route Tour – 4 days

6 National Parks of the Cape

• S.A. War 1898-1902. The Anglo Boer War

Namaqualand Wildflowers

• The Overberg and Whales
• East Africa
• Vic Falls and Chobe

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Your Message

For More Informations

Battlefield trip - magaliesburg, zanzibar - pearl beach resort.

During August and September, depending on winter rain, the Namaqualand and the West Coast of the fairest Cape transforms into a kaleidoscope of color which is brought on by the wildflowers of the area after the winter rains. This tour is a special interest and seasonal trip and designed for you to visit as many of these wonderful sights as possible in parts of the Northern Cape as well as the Western Cape. So you will be staying in small towns along the N7 on the west coast and enjoy South African hospitality at its best.

Namaqualand daisy

Day 1: Saturday 15 August

We depart early morning from Johannesburg. On route to Kuruman, we travel via Ventersdorp, Coligny, Sannieshof towards Vryburg. Then we continue towards Kuruman, where we visit the Eye of Kuruman. Overnight stay in Kathu.

Day 2: Sunday 16 August

After breakfast, we depart towards Kakamas. On route we have rest stops at Olifantshoek and Upington.  After lunch in Upington, we travel via Keimoes, exploring the Green Kalahari before arriving in Kakamas. This afternoon we will visit the spectacular Augrabies Waterfall on the outskirts of the town.  The overnight stay and dinner is in Kakamas.

Day 3: Monday 17 August  

We depart for Springbok, with a rest stop at Pofadder, and on route we start seeing the first of the wildflowers. We visit the Goegap nature reserve in the afternoon, together with the Hester Malan Wildflower Garden. Overnight stay (for 1 night) in Springbok

Kakamas Road Stall

Day 4: Tuesday 18 August

After breakfast, we travel slowly southwards towards Kamieskroon. This is where we visit the famous Skilpad Wildflower Reserve with its spectacular display of Namaqualand daisies. We spend quality time in this spectacular reserve before we travel south, through the well-known “Knersvlakte”. The overnight stay for the next two nights is in VanRhynsdorp.

Day 5: Wednesday 19 August

Today is set out to view the flowers of the Nieuwoudville area, visiting the Nieuwoudville Waterfall, the Hantam national botanical gardens and the Quiver Tree Forest. Enjoy the variety of bulb and plant species found in the area. Enjoy lunch in town. Return late afternoon the VanRhynsdorp

Day 6:  Thursday 20 August

After a leisurely breakfast, we travel to Clanwilliam to visit the town and the beautiful Ramskop Wildflower Garden. After spending quality time in these magnificent gardens, it is time for lunch in town and some shopping before travelling on wards to Lambertsbay. Overnight stay for the next 1 night is in Lambertsbay

Namaqualand Daisies

Day 7: Friday 21 August

Today we continue to explore the wonders of the West Coast, travelling along the coastline towards Saldanha Bay and Langebaan. We stay over for the last 2 nights in Langebaan.

Day 8: Saturday 22 August

The West Coast area offers a large and different variety of fauna and flora. Enjoy the day exploring the area, including a visit to Darling with its various wildflower reserves in and around town, the Tienie Versveld Wildflower Reserve. We end the day by visiting the West Coast National Park

Day 9: Sunday 23 August

Depart after breakfast so that you are in time for your flight departure from Cape Town to Johannesburg. On arrival in Johannesburg, you will be met by a colleague and transferred back home.

• Departure As arranged
• Departure Time As arranged
• Return Time As arranged
• Included Accommodation Entrance fees Breakfast Dinner
• Not Included Drinks Lunch Gratuities Personal items Curios, Laundry Telephone calls

Similar Tours

Come and meet the Khomani San

National Parks of the Cape The trip was designed so you could visit 6 of our national parks in one trip. Each one very unique with lots of animals to find. Our route will take us from Cape Town to […]

Contact Info

+27834700888 or [email protected]

20 Middle Street, East Town, Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa 2195

Mon - Sat 8.00 - 18.00 Sunday CLOSED

Privacy Overview

Account Options

• Search settings
• Web History

© 2024 - Privacy - Terms

Namaqualand Flower Tours

From: R 12,500.00

Overview Every Year after the winter rains a miracle of nature takes place in Namaqualand ( place of thirst )  when  wildflowers burst forth from the desert-like conditions to show themselves in all their glory  in this dry arid region. Over 3000 different species of wildflowers can be found here as well as wealth of succulent plants that account for one tenth of the succulents worldwide!

More About the Tour Itinerary Below

Persons: Flower Tour

Single Person: Flower Tour

• Description
• Reviews (0)

Overview Every Year a miracle of nature takes place in Namaqualand ( place of thirst )  when wildflowers emerge from desert-like conditions to show themselves in all their glory in this dry arid region. Over 3000 different species of wildflowers can be found here as well as a wealth of succulent plants that account for one-tenth of the succulents worldwide!

Tour Duration: 4 Days/ 3 Nights Min/Max group size 2/10 people per tour

Namaqualand 4-day flower tour

• Depart Cape Town/ Stellenbosch
• Farm Stall Tea Stop in the Piekernierskloof  Mountains
• Lunch Clanwilliam. Namaqualand - Here we visit the Ramskop Nature Reserve with over 350 species  of wildflowers
• Wine Tasting Klawer winery
• Arrive at Nieuwoudville ( known as the Bulb  Capital of the world) after a spectacular drive through Vanrhyns Pass where we stay for two nights Dinner bed and Breakfast.
• We visit the Quiver Tree Forest (the largest Aloe  Forest in the world ) and the old ruins.This tree forest was a gathering place of Khoisan Hunters who would journey here in days long gone to source holders for their arrows.The hollowed-out branches of the tree made excellent quivers to hold their poisoned hunting arrows.
• Bokkeveld Nature Reserve with the spectacular Niewoudtville Waterfall
•  Tea and pancakes  stop at Historical Dutch Reformed Church in Niewoudtville
• Matjiesfontein Flower Reserve . The Matjiesfontein farm is reported to be the single farm with the largest diversity of wildflowers anywhere in the world.
• Hantam Botanical Gardens
• Papkuilsfontein Flower reserve
• Boreplaas is known for its  fields of Bulbinella
• Groenriver Ruins
• Glacial Plate over 300 million years ago a continental  Glacier  covered the entire Karoo,here in Niewoudville it left its mark in the form of grooves and gouges made in the sandstone
• Depart Niewoudtville to visit the succulent nursery in Vanrynsdorp
• Doringbaai   we travel along the coast taking in the flowers of the so-called “Sandveld" biome after a wine tasting in Doringbaai
• Lamberts Bay (Lunch)  visit Bird Island
• Velddrif (overnight)
• Departing  Velddrif   we head for Langebaan and the   West Coast National Park
• Postberg Flower Reserve is situated within the reserve and opened up every spring, with carpets of flowers! This reserve does not disappoint  so have your camera handy
• Picnic amongst the flowers
• Cape Town   to arrive around 4.30 pm

Please note: ·          We require 50% Deposit on the booking confirmation. Full payment month  before Tour ·          We reserve the right to change the itinerary to suit the weather without  prior notice Cancellation more than a week in advance: administration costs of 15% Cancellation between a week and 48 hours prior to departure date: 50% of the total amount Cancellation less than 48 hours prior to departure date : 100% of the total amount No show: no restitution

Departure times: Morning departure. The exact pick-up time will be confirmed the day before the tour. Departure point: Hotel pick-up in Cape Town or Stellenbosch What to bring ·         Hat ·         Camera ·         Sunscreen ·         Rain  jacket ·         Warm jacket ·         Comfortable Shoes Climate Namaqualand has a Mediterranean Climate. Transportation Quantum 9/13 seater luxury busses, Mercedes Benz c220cdi luxury Vehicle Credit Cards Accepted, Visa. Mastercard

There are no reviews yet.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Your review  *

Name  *

Email  *

Related products

Cape Town Wine Tours

Champagne Tours

Private / Custom Wine Tours

Enquire / book your tour.

5-Day tour to Namaqualand from Johannesburg

• Accommodation
• Johannesburg Intl Airport, Johannesburg South Africa
• Wheelchair accessible
• Pushchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Infant seats available
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for pregnant travellers
• Most travellers can participate
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 5 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

• treeswift 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent Nature Tours I can highly recommend Bryanston Safaris for a trip into the South African bush to experience nature at its best. Pieter arranges everything, from the bookings, permits and accommodation, to the meals and does all the driving so you can relax and enjoy the inredible locations. He is professional, always attentive and great company. He knows the bush, and has a gift for finding the best wildlife and providing great sightings. In a few days we saw wild dog, as well as lion, leopard and rhino multiple times, and many birds too. His tours also provide unbeatable opportunities for nature photography. Whether a couple, a family or a bunch of friends, if you are looking for a well priced all inclusive trip to the Kruger, Kgalagadi, and other choice spots, where you don't have to worry about booking, driving, meals or anything else, Pieter is your guy. He will make sure you have a great time. Read more Written 1 July 2020
• elmaries2019 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Kgalagadi adventure We had a very enjoyable trip to Kgalagadi, awesome game drives everyday and saw a great variety of wildlife and lots of photo opportunities. Pieter is an amazing tour host and made our trip special and memorable. The food was outstanding. Read more Written 26 June 2020

5-Day tour to Namaqualand from Johannesburg provided by Bryanston Safaris

Cookie policy

Wanderlust Movement | A South Africa Travel Blog

8+ Stunning, Drool-Worthy Places to See the Namaqualand Flowers

October 3, 2020 by Lauren Melnick

Last Updated on March 21, 2024 by Lauren Melnick

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the GREATEST wildflower show on Earth!

Namaqualand is a natural wonderland that’s sat on my South Africa bucket list for  yeeeeeears .

And with the world descending into chaos in 2020, for a second it looked like I’d have to put my daydreams of rolling around in daisies on hold.

Luckily, lockdown restrictions lifted in time for Carmen, Melanie and I to hop into our Ford Everest and put foot to reach Namaqualand in time for festivities.

With 3,500 flora species found nowhere else in the world, Namaqua doesn’t come to play. 

The dull, arid region erupts into a sea of colour for as far as the eye can see.

And the result?

One of the best road trips in South Africa !

In this comprehensive guide, I’m spilling the seeds on everything you need to know for your Namaqualand flower viewing trip, from mistakes to avoid, how to get there, where to find the best displays of Namaqualand flowers and more!

Psst…Want more South Africa road trip inspiration? Check out these other posts:

• The Ultimate South Africa Bucket List: 40+ Amazing Places to Visit
• The Perfect Itinerary for an Epic South Africa Road Trip
• 10+ Spectacular Road Trips in South Africa You Can’t Miss!
• The Ultimate Road Trip Essentials Packing List (+ Free Checklist!)
• Top Romantic Getaways in South Africa
• 16 Of The Best Campsites In South Africa

Table of Contents

Best Time to Visit Namaqualand for Flower Season

Rent a car , day trips & tours, getting to namaqualand from elsewhere in south africa, hantam national botanical gardens, more blooming flower routes in nieuwoudtville to check out: , where to stay in nieuwoudville, where to stay near biedou valley, where to stay near namaqualand national park, where to stay in springbok, where to stay near postberg, darling flower reserves, clanwilliam, namaqualand flowers map, assuming you’ll see the flowers the whole day, not driving with the sun behind you, starting with the north section of namaqualand at the end of the season, picking or trampling on the namaqualand flowers, not grabbing a map, not booking your namaqualand trip in advance, dressing for the weather back home, namaqualand wildflowers road trip budget.

Without a doubt, the best time to visit Namaqualand and see the blooming wildflowers is between August and September.

But that’s not a hard rule. It all depends on the weather.

When the rains arrive in the arid Northern Cape region, the desert landscape transforms into a kaleidoscope of colour.

If you can, time your trip to Namaqualand the week after a rainstorm . As long as the skies are clear, you’ll see the wildflowers out in full force!

Another thing you need to watch out for is a cold front. When windy Cape Town sends up icy winds and frost, it marks the end of wildflower season, and you’ll have to wait around for another 356 days.

We got extremely lucky and had outlandishly sunshiny good weather. It made our flower hunting easy as pie, and we didn’t have to look too hard to find layers upon layers of rainbow-hued flowers.

How to Get to Namaqualand

Before we jump into the best spots for frolicking with wildflowers in Namaqualand, how the heck do you get there?

And more importantly, WHERE exactly  is  this holy land of wildflowers?

Namaqualand is a desert region of the Northern Cape in South Africa , covering a whopping 440,000 square kilometres ?.

One of the best things about planning a Namaqualand road trip is that it’s incredibly easy to reach (as long as you don’t mind long drives).

The best way to get to Namaqualand is to hire a car. I would recommend our trusty Ford Everest if you want to tackle the 4×4 routes and sand dunes.

Otherwise, a 2WD is perfect if you’re sticking to paved roads.

Here’s how long it will take you to reach Namaqua National Park from South Africa’s three biggest cities:

• Drive time from Johannesburg to Namaqualand: 12h 40 min (1,215km).
• Drive time from Cape Town to Namaqualand: 5h 32 min (533km) .
• Drive time from Durban to Namaqualand: 15h 56min (1,617km) .

Not keen to rent a car and get stuck as the designated driver? Sign up for a day trip or multi-day tour from Cape Town .

You won’t reach Namaqua National Park, but you can still see oodles of wildflowers along the West Coast and the Cederberg .

Getting to Namaqualand from other South African cities is pretty simple. Catch a flight to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and rent a car.

You’ll dramatically cut down your travelling time and have more space in your itinerary to cover yourself with daisies.

Best Places to See Flowers in Namaqualand

The thing about Namaqualand is it’s ridiculously good looking. From the south to the north, the region is full of Insta-worthy spots where you can photograph and drool over every petal.

While it’s pretty hard to take a bad photo with wildflowers blooming as far as the eye can see, here are a few locations to keep on your radar:

Nieuwoudtville 

Hands down, Nieuwoudtville is one of the best places to see flowers in Namaqualand. Only a 3hr 40min drive from Cape Town, you can spend days frolicking in all the different fields around the town.

At the  Hantam National Botanical Gardens  (aka the most photogenic spot in Niewoudtville), there are dozens of walking trails winding in between the flower beds.

Some of the trails are as short as 15-minutes, or you can tackle a massive 3-hour circuit and overdose on candy-coloured wildflowers.

NOTE: Attention to all drone pilots! Charge up those batteries and take to the skies! You can fly here without breaking the law. 

Entrance:  R25.00

Opening Hours for Flower Season (August to October):  Monday to Sunday from 8:00 to 17:00

• Nieuwoudtville Flower Reserve
• Matjiesfontein Flower Route
• Papkuilsfontein Flower Route
• The Rondekop/Naressie Route 
• Linda Se Dop
• Oudeklip Guesthouse Nieuwoudtville
• Wapad Gastehuis

Biedouw Valley

Want to escape civilisation for a day or maybe a week? Come on down to Biedouw Valley.

It’s only 3h 20min drive from Cape Town , making it a doable day trip or the perfect weekend getaway .

Before you reach your accommodation for the night, you’ll drive along the scenic Biedouw Valley Pass (R364). It’s a stunning road that cuts throw the eastern edge of the Cederberg Mountains.

Brace yourself for a bird’s eye view of the flowers as you come down the pass!

I would highly recommend camping or staying in a chalet at Enjo Nature Farm . The property sits right on the Biedouw River, and it comes with a private wildflower field! If that’s not your vibe, here are some more recommendations:

• Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat

Namaqua National Park

Namaqua National Park  is the holy grail of wildflowers in South Africa.

It’s a biodiversity hotspot with the highest concentration of succulents in the world and more than 1,000 types of flowers that found nowhere else on Earth.

Each year, the northern region of the park erupts into a display of highlighter yellow and neon orange flowers.

It’s the best place to see Namaqualand flowers – if you don’t mind the drive.

Much like the Hantam Botanical Gardens, the national park has walking trails that wind around the fields of flowers with plenty of photo opportunities.

Look out for the windmills! There is one at the start of a walking path near the parking lot.

There’s also a fun photo opp in front of the picnic area next to reception. Follow the path, sit on the wooden fence, and towering yellow flowers surround you!

Entrance Fee:  R46.00 for South Africans | R92.00 for SADC Nationals | R92.00 for Internationals

Opening Hours:  08:00 to 17:00

For incredible Namaqualand accommodation (that’s super affordable as well), camp in the south region of the park. The sites are remote and next to a dramatic coastline.

Otherwise, here are some affordable accommodation options nearby in Hondeklipbaai:

• Dogstone Cottage
• Fisherman’s Cottage
• Honnehokke Resort

We didn’t get a chance to go inside Goegap Nature Reserve (the rain caught up with us ?).

But if you’re in town for Namaqua National Park, drive an hour to Springbok and visit the famous 12,000-hectare wildflower reserve.

Inside is the 4,500 hectare Hester Malan Flower Garden . It has a 17-km loop for you to explore and see an astounding amount of Namakwa succulents and wildflowers.

And if you’re getting sick of the car, hop out and explore the Ian Myers Nature Walks . There are several circular trails inside the Goegap Reserve which will you get you up close and personal with the blooming splendour.

NOTE: There are camping spots and chalets inside the reserve! ? Entrance Fee: R30.00 Opening Hours: 08:00 to 16:30 

• Kleinplasie Guesthouse
• Mountain View Guesthouse
• Springbok Inn

Postberg in West Coast National Park

It’s no secret Cape Townians HATE driving.

If you’re a Joburg girl like me, you’ll know the pains of trying to get your Cape Town friends to visit you if you live more than 10-15 minutes away.

So if you’re not up for a 3-hour+ drive to see the Namaqualand daisies, take a drive up to West Coast National Park.

It’s a 1-hour drive from the Mother City and serves up spectacular views of sparkling blue a** water and colourful daisies.

During wildflower season, the Postberg section of the park is open to the public. 

It’s one of the best places to sing “ Daisies ” by Katy Perry at the top of your lungs as your skip, hop and dance around the wildflowers (while sticking to the paths of course).

The only downside? West Coast National Park is super popular during flower season.

If you want to beat the crowds, set those alarm clocks! There’s often a line of cars waiting to get in from 9:00 or 10:00(especially on the weekends).

NOTE: Keep an eye out for zebras, tortoises and more Pokemon that call the park home! Entrance Fee: R64.00 for South Africans| R96.00 for SADC nationals | R96.00 for internationals Opening Hours: 10:00 to 16:00

• The Olive Tree Villa
• Three Feathers Cottages
• Thali Thali Game Lodge

Read More: A Local’s Guide to 45+ Awesome Things to Do in Cape Town

Darling Flower Route

Once you’re done exploring West Coast National Park, hop on over to Darling. 

It’s a 39-minutes drive and en-route back to the city or you can stay over in Langebaan , Darling or Yzerfontein .

Time your trip with the specular Darling Wildflower Show. It’s been an annual tradition since 1917.

If you’d rather wander through the  wildflower reserves , here are a few to add to your itinerary:

• Contreberg Nature Reserve
• Darling Renosterveld Reserve
• Darling Groenkloof Reserve
• Oudepost Wildflower Reserve
• Tienie Versfeld Nature Reserve
• Waylands Wildflower Reserve
• Yzerfontein Urban Conservancy 

Another little town you should add to your wildflower itinerary is Clanwilliam.

It’s 2h 30min from Cape Town , and you squeeze in a visit here while on your way back from Nieuwoudtville.

Clanwilliam’s crowning gem is the Ramskop Wildflower Garden . It houses a staggering 350+ species of wildflowers!

As you wander from one flower to the next, you’ll have spectacular views of Clanwilliam Dam and the mesmerising Cederberg Mountains in the distance.

If you plan your visit for August, you can also attend the Clanwilliam Flower Show! It exhibits over 400 species giving you the chance to see virtually every wildflower species in one area.

P.S. Clanwilliam is close to Biedou Valley. You can base yourself there and explore both areas.

Want all these flower spots in one convenient spot on all your devices? Here’s the ONLY map you need to track down those daisies and photograph them in all their rainbow glory!

Mistakes to Avoid When Seeing the Namaqualand flowers

Wildflower season in Namaqualand is an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience IF you plan properly and avoid these newbie mistakes.

There’s a common misconception out there that you can see the endless sea of wildflowers as soon as the sun pops over the horizon. 

This is not the case at all!

You need clear skies as well as dry, sunny weather. The day temperature needs to be around 18°C minimum, and the flowers only open from 10:30 am to 16:00 (the warmest part of the day).

If it’s rainy or overcast, you’ll need to scrap your flower hunting plans for another day.

This is a rookie mistake I made way back in 2017 when I drove up the West Coast.

The flowers LOVE the sun and will follow it as it moves across the sky.

So if you’re driving with the sun in the wrong direction, there’s a good chance you “won’t see” the flowers because they aren’t facing you.

When planning your route, try to travel in a westerly direction in the morning. During mid-day travel south and then switch to an easterly route for the afternoon.

The northern section of Namaqualand starts blooming as early as late July/early August.

If you have your heart set on visiting Namaqua National Park, you might miss all the flower action if you leave it for late September.

To avoid driving all that way to see an arid desert, start with the northern early in the season. Then take your time travelling south towards Nieuwoudville, Cedarberg and the West Coast.

The southerly section is usually a show-stopper from late August/early September.

Don’t pick the flowers mkay. 

Don’t walk on them either.

You’re only ruining the magical display for yourself, everyone else and South Africa’s biodiversity.

Do you really want to be that d*ck responsible for ruining our endemic flower species found NOWHERE else on Earth?

Keep on the paths and leave the flowers to see another day.

Want to camp in the south section of Namaqua National Park? Don’t leave reception without a map.

The cellphone signal isn’t great and if your GPS decides to peace out, you’ll need to rely on your internal navigation skills to get out of the park.

Another option is to download the Tracks4Africa app. It works even when you have zero bars on your phone, and we used it more than once during our Namaqualand road trip.

Without mincing words, Namaqualand is the greatest wildflower show on Earth.

With a title like that, you can bet it attracts flower-hungry travellers of every age, size and nationality.

Don’t leave your trip planning to the last minute. You’ll get left with the crappy accommodation or possibly none at all.

Some peeps are so serious about their flower-hunting, camp spots inside Namaqua National Park book out six months to a year in advance!

On a sunny day, the temperatures in Namaqualand can reach a scorching 40°C.

Meanwhile, in Cape Town or Johannesburg, we are shivering our butts off as the final cold front of winter keeps us glued to our heaters.

The key to exploring Namaqualand (and not overheating or shivering once the sun sunsets) is layers. You want to pack warm layers for the cool mornings and evenings and your best, breathable fabrics for the sweltering heat of the day.

Oh, and don’t leave your flip flops at home. Your feet will thank you.

Think a road trip to Namaqualand is expensive?

I’m here to tell you, nay-nay. You’re wrong, my friend.

It’s cheaper than some return tickets between Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Here’s a breakdown of our coasts for our week-long road trip through Namaqualand:

Accommodation:  We spent R6319.00 for three people on hotels and campsites. Each of us spent R2,106 for seven nights of lodging.

Food:  A total of R2,629 was spent feeding us for the week. That comes to R876.33 per person.

Petrol:  Our Ford Everest used Diesel, and that massive tank went along way! In total, we spent R3832.30 on petrol and split the cost three ways. We each paid R1,277.00.

Activities:  From museum visits to national park fees, we spent R504.00 in total on activities. That comes to a measly R 168.00 per person!

In total, our week-long Namaqualand road trip cost us R13,284.30!

Which means the three of us only paid R4428.00 each! Not bad at all.

Got any questions about visiting the Namaqualand flowers for the first time? Hit ya gurl up in the comments below!

? If you like it, then you should put a pin on it! ?

About Lauren Melnick

Lauren Melnick is the founder of Wanderlust Movement, Wander to Here and is a South Africa travel blogger. She's been travelling the world as a full-time freelance writer since 2016 and has visited over 40 countries.

When she isn't typing up a storm, you can find her conquering overnight hikes around the Western Cape, rock climbing, and hosting sold out group travel trips around South Africa, Namibia and Morocco.

Reader Interactions

May 4, 2021 at 11:10 pm

I just stumbled upon your blog for the first time, and WOW I am in love! Instant subscriber! I’ve always wanted to explore Namaqualand and I just never knew where to start, this post is so extremely helpful to me. After some intense stalking of your blog and socials I just knew I had to reach out and let you know that I love it so much!

I am in fact, a fellow Jozi girl, and I am so inspired by your story. I recently completed my Bachelors degree in architecture, and then I worked in corporate for a year, and then I decided to take a massive leap of faith and say NOPE. I was tired of the long hours, the restrictions and just the general feeling that I was missing out on something. I’m now working remotely for a Canadian company, and I LOVE IT. I love being able to run errands or see my friends and family during the week. And I love having time for my hobbies and for myself!

I have just started my journey with the “laptop lifestyle” and I am so glad I found your blog. I will be here for both a good time, and a long time!

Tons of love already, Ariann

May 7, 2021 at 9:20 am

Hi Ariann! Thank you so much for this message! You have made my day 🥰 I’m so stoked to hear that your leap of faith worked out and you’re working remotely 😀 Wishing you all the best and plenty of rad adventures abroad when it’s possible to travel normally again 🙂

May 13, 2021 at 6:12 pm

Hi! Great blog post- I especially appreciate the “what not to do” section. My husband and I did the Southern part of this trip (West Coast National Park, up to Laangebaan, Eland’s Bay, Citrusdaal, a bit of Clanwilliam, Darling) late August/early September a few years ago, this year we’re going to do the northern part (Caracal 4×4 eco drive, Kamieskroon, Springbok, Port Nolloth) in early August. May I ask what time you were in the Northern section (Namaqualand)?

May 15, 2021 at 2:01 pm

Hi Kate! We started this Namaqualand trip at the beginning of September.

August 5, 2021 at 7:05 pm

Please suggest a route from Klerskdorp to the flowers – van Rhynsdorp ? We only have 5 days and own a 4×4 No camping:(

August 5, 2021 at 9:08 pm

Hey! Unfortunately, I can’t as I haven’t personally done that route before. We did a 10-day road trip from Johannesburg and went to all the places I’ve listed on this post. You don’t need to camp. There’s lots of hotels and BnB in these towns 🙂

September 15, 2021 at 10:29 am

We planning this trip in 2022. The same route from Klerksdorp/Johannesburg to view the flowers approx 10-14 day trip. Would you please forward me the list of places you visited in that time aswell as the BnB you can recommend. This will be highly appreciated. Kind Regards

September 15, 2021 at 10:31 am

Hey Johan! This blog post is a list of all the places I visited xx.

September 1, 2022 at 1:24 pm

Any chance to hire a chopper ?

September 20, 2022 at 8:10 am

I am not sure!

July 29, 2023 at 2:46 pm

Very helpful info, thanks!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Love The Content?

Namaqualand Flower Tours

Experience the wild flowers of namaqualand, namaqualand.

The area is best known for the profusion of wildflowers that burst into colour during the Spring months of August and September. Normally a drab colourless desert during the remainder of the year, the annual Spring rainfall is enough to germinate millions of flowers turning the desert into a mass of brilliant colour. The Skilpad Wild Flower Reserve has recently been incorporated into the Namaqua National Park. Skilpad is situated in a mountainous area about 25 kilometres from Kamieskroon. The reserve sits on shrubland and abandoned wheatlands and is a site that should not be missed by visitors to the area.

The largest and most important town in the Namaqualand region of the Northern Cape is Alexander Bay. Diamonds were discovered along the West coast of South Africa and Namibia in 1925 and Alexander Bay became well known for its mining activities. Situated at the mouth of the Orange River, the town is no longer a high-security area and permits are no longer needed. The town takes its name from Sir James Alexander, who shipped copper ore that was mined in the Richtersveld and transported in barges down the Orange River for export from the town. On the Orange River estuary there is a bird sanctuary renowned for its numerous species, and on a hilltop to the East of the town is the world’s largest lichen-field where 26 species of lichen can be found.

The Namaqualand region town of Springbok (formally Springbokfontein) is set in a narrow valley that bisects the granite hills of the Klein Kopperberge (small copper mountains). The town gets its name from the vast herds of springbok that used to drink at the waterholes in the area. There are plentiful reminders of the early days when copper was mined in this area, including the original shaft sunk by the Cape Governor Simon van der Stel in1685. Just a few kilometers outside the town is the Goegap Nature Reserve, a wildflower reserve of more than 12000 hectares. During the Anglo-Boer War the British built a fort on the hillock in the centre of town. The fort was later destroyed by dynamite planted by a commando led by General Jan Smuts. Across the town square, at the famous Springbok Lodge, photographs adorn the walls and there is a fascinating collection of mineral samples and semiprecious stones. Springbok is an important stopover for any visitor to Namaqualand.

A few kilometers to the South of Alexander Bay lies the small holiday resort of Port Nolloth. Port Nolloth has a small harbour with an entrance too small for ore carriers. The town has developed into a small centre for small-scale diamond recovery and crayfishing industries and is the only holiday resort on the Diamond Coast. There is good line-fishing to be enjoyed here, and fish and crayfish can be bought from the factory in season.

At the southern extreme of Namaqualand lies the town of Nieuwoudtville and its adjacent nature reserve. Nieuwoudtville lies on the bokkeveld Escarpment and is another area famous for its unique vegetation. The small town is full of charisma and has colourful sandstone buildings. Close to the town is the impressive Nieuwoudtville Waterfall. The sight is an interesting example of river capture, the Doring River being one that originally flowed inland and was captured after the breakup of Gondwanaland some 195 million years ago. The main waterfall is over 90 metres high, and Black Eagles have been seen nesting there.