Background Information
Namaqua National Park is a South African national park situated approximately 495 km north of Cape Town and 22 km northwest of Kamieskroon. The park is part of Namaqualand located within the semi-desert Succulent Karoo biome. This biome is a biodiversity hotspot with the largest concentration of succulent plants in the world.[2] Namaqua National Park is located in Northern Cape Province, near South Africa's border with Namibia.
Whilst for most of the year Namaqualand is a semi-desert, July to September sees a burst of colour after the rains resulting in literally millions of flowers that literally transform the landscape of the Namaqua National Park into a show that easily rivals the natural wonders on Earth. The landscape in the reserve is dotted not only with fields of brightly coloured daisies in spring, but there are also quiver trees, massive granite outcrops, quartz patches, and a sky so vast, it has to be seen to be believed - small wonder that it has been coined 'big sky country'. There is a circular drive perfect for the spring flower season with viewpoints along the route, a number of short nature trails, picnic sites, and the chance to see the world’s smallest tortoise - the Namaqua Speckled Padloper.
The flowers' blooms are dependent on the amount of rainfall that the area receives. The flowers are sensitive to sunlight and many will only open when there is bright sunshine. The flowers face the sun, and they generally open completely from about 10 am to 4 pm. Hot winds can cause the blooms to quickly shrivel. Many insect species are attracted to the flowers. The Speckled Padloper, the smallest tortoise in the world, can be found in the park.
By Road: Located in the Northern Cape, 67 kilometres (41.5 miles) south of Springbok, the Namaqua National Park is an easy 5 hour drive from Cape Town on the N7 national road. After passing through Garies turn right off of the N7 towards Kamieskroon and then pass under the N7 turning on to a gravel road for the final 17 kilometres (10.5 miles) of the drive.
By Air: Cape Town International Airport is the closest airport to the national park.