Road tripping to Namaqualand? Where and when to go

There are many unique spots in South Africa that should be on your bucket list, one of which is Namaqualand.

This desert gem comes into full bloom once a year, with a spectacular array of daisies and other plants to delight the eyes and excite the senses.

If you are going to be road tripping to this spectacular destination, then there are some tips you can follow to make the trip fun and exciting, such as when to go, where to stay and what to do while you are there.

When to go

The Namaqualand Flower Route can take up to three days to complete, which means that you need to time your travel right. The flowers are in bloom from early to late August, with many of them disappearing in mid-September. This is because the warmer conditions start earlier than the official date of Spring.

It is important to plan your trip early, as booking with lodges like the Springbok Inn might become difficult closer to the time the flowers start blooming. In order to avoid disappointment, you will need to book your rooms in advance, as well as set out your route in order to make it in time to see the daisies in all their glory. Going during the first week of August is your best option to see the flowers, but be warned that the roads can be busy during this time of year.

Where to go

The main part of the route, which is where you will see most of the stunning floral displays, extends along the western coastline of South Africa, including Namaqualand area, West Coast, and Olifants River Valley. It covers towns such as Springbok, Kamieskroon, Garies and Nieuwoudtville.

There are three unique parks that you can go to to see the full spectrum of the daisies and flowers in bloom, outlined below:

• Richtersveld National Park: This park looks desolate and has a desert landscape, but has an other-worldly beauty that shines through. You will see the gorgeous Namaqualand daisies, punctuated by giant Baster quiver trees, deep canyons and vibrantly coloured rock formations.

• Goegap Nature Reserve: This park is known for excellent 4×4 trails, perfect for the more adventurous families. It transforms from an arid retreat to a park carpeted in brightly coloured blooms during the flowering season.

• Skilpad Wildflower Reserve: This reserve is an a more precipitous area of Namaqualand, which makes it a highly popular destination for flower viewing. Here you will spont local flora including hardy succulents and  beautiful small bulbous plants found among the rock outcrops.

If you want to visit all of these nature reserves, it is best to stay at a central location, such as the Springbok Inn by Country Hotels. From here you will be able to drive any location with ease.

What to do

One important thing to remember while traversing this unique landscape is to pack (and wear) sunscreen with a high SPF, as the sun in the Northern Cape area can be unforgiving for unprotected skin in warmer weather. Wear hats and long sleeved shirts and long trousers to ensure you do not get burnt or are susceptible to sunstroke.

There are numerous diverse and exciting things to do along the way to see the Namaqualand daisies, as well as when you arrive at your destination. Outlined below are just some of the fun activities you can take part in.

Visit the Aristea Shipwreck

This might sound strange but there is a shipwreck to be seen by adventurous families. The Aristea Shipwreck served as a minesweeper in the Second World War and ran aground on the 4th of July 1945 just south of Hondeklip Bay. You can access it on Hondeklip Bay via a path on the beach, but be sure to ask for guidance form locals so you do not become lost on the rocky stretch land it is resting on.

See the Pella mission station

If you are interested in cultural destinations, then the Pella mission station is ideal for you. It was built by two French missionaries, Brother Leo Wolf and Father Simon. Thye building material was carted out of the Oriverrange by donkeys and the building took seven years to complete. It is also home to the second largest date plantation in the Southern hemisphere.

Try your hand at the cycling trails

There are several diverse and stunning cycling trails to be found in and around the Namaqualand National Park. They cater to all levels of skill, whether you are a dab hand at cycling and enjoy the rush of mountain biking or prefer a slower pace, allowing you to capture the scenery with your camera.

Enjoy the splendour

Namaqualand has unique natural splendour to enjoy, from daisies to animals. Be sure that you book your accommodation ahead of time, and always remember to plan your route carefully before you leave. You will need to have as many stop offs as possible to avoid driving while fatigued. There are several stunning national parks and reserves to choose from to view the flowers, so circle them on your map and be ready to be blown away by beauty only nature can create.