Escape to the land of contrasts, where the rigorous climate has created a myriad of life forms superbly adapted to their specific habitat.
Fields of flowers, star studded nights, quiver trees, enormous granite outcrops and the icy Atlantic are but a few wonders that await the visitor to what is truly the Creators’ playground.
During early August and September, seemingly overnight, the dusty valleys of Namaqualand are transformed into a wonderland, carpeted with wildflowers. With its winter rainfall, Namaqualand is home to the richest bulb flora of any arid region in the world and more than a 1 000 of its estimated 3 500 plant species are found nowhere else on earth.
It conserves the world's richest succulent flora and is home to the world's smallest tortoise, the Namaqua Speckled Padloper.
Amphibians and reptiles are well represented, with a number of endemic species. The mammal species that have adapted to these harsh conditions include klipspringer, aardvark, baboon, steenbok, duiker, porcupine, black-backed jackal and leopard.
Birds are typical of the dry arid western regions of the country. Look out for Black Harriers.
The Park is mostly visited by day-visitors, but please note there are limited toilet facilities.
Accommodation
Skilpad Rest Camp provides 4 chalets, each with 2 single beds in the bedroom and a ¾-sleeper couch (suitable for two adults) in the open plan living room / kitchen.
A dining area is available on the enclosed veranda and an indoor fireplace and an outside braai area is also provided. The units come equipped with ceiling fans and 220V electricity. One unit (#3) has been adapted for use by guests with challenged mobility.
The kitchen is fully equipped with crockery and cutlery, cooking utensils, glassware, a 4-plate stove, microwave, fridge / freezer combo, kettle and toaster.
No shop, restaurant or fuel is available in Namaqua National Park and guests must take along their own firewood. Vehicle repairs, post office and police services are available at Kamieskroon. Medical services only in Springbok, which is 67 km away.
Things To Seek
- Carpets of flower (in season)
- Quiver trees
- Klipspringer
- Black Harrier
- Quartz Patches
The park offers a circular drive with viewpoints during the spring flowering season, several short nature trails and picnic sites.
The Skilpad Wild Flower Reserve has been incorporated into the Park.
How to get there
It is situated some 495 km from Cape Town off the N7 route to Namibia, and 67 km from the town of Springbok in the north. The nearest town is Kamieskroon, which is some 22 km from the reserve and park offices.
The Park gates are open from 08:00 to 17:00. At present the Park has only a limited road network available to sedan vehicles.
Health & Climate
The highest rainfall period is between June to August.
Average winter temperatures vary between 7 degrees and 19 degrees Celsius, while summer temperatures vary between 20 degrees and 32 degrees Celsius.
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