Discovering the Northern Cape, South Africa

The Northern Cape is South Africa’s largest and most sparsely populated province, situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namibian border. While only a few travelers choose to venture here, those who do will find themselves exhilarated by the expansive landscapes, spectacular natural phenomena, and rich history that the region offers.

See the Namakwa Desert in Full Bloom

Experience a rare natural spectacle in the Namakwa desert when it bursts into bloom. This eye-catching tapestry of orange, yellow, white, and purple wildflowers seems to cascade from distant valleys, flooding the landscape for miles. Most of these blooms belong to the daisy family (Asteraceae), and surprisingly, the most impressive displays often appear on recently disturbed grounds such as fallow farmland rather than in pristine nature reserves. The flowers, being true sun-worshippers, only open between 11 am and 4 pm on sunny days and turn towards the sun. Therefore, you’ll achieve the best views (and photographs) with the sun at your back.

Experiencing this natural show at its peak relies significantly on luck. Namakwa’s flower season typically peaks in August but can shift between July and September. The exact timing and intensity of the blooms depend on the preceding winter rains. The flush of flowers begins in the north near the Namibian border and moves south toward Cape Town. Key areas to seek out blooms include the Goegap Nature Reserve near Springbok and the Namaqua National Park near Kamieskroon. It’s advisable to get timely local advice by reaching out to the Flower Hotline.

Strange Succulents and Quiver Tree Forests

Moreover, the Northern Cape features a unique biodiversity hotspot full of fascinating succulent plants. Unlike the showy fields of daisies, these unique succulents shine when examined closely. A huge variety is on display, from tough little ‘rock plants’ that cluster close to the ground to the vibrant red flowers of ‘ostrich vygies’, characterized by their wispy petals. Many plants even have anthropomorphic features, such as tongue-shaped leaves with glistening bumps resembling taste buds, or the ‘bandaged-finger plant’ which looks like an Egyptian mummy’s hand clawing its way out of the earth.

The king of the succulents is undoubtedly the quiver tree. Resembling an oversized aloe vera, its spiky bulbous leaves reach skyward while its papery bark peels off in sheets. The San bushmen historically used the branches to craft quivers for their arrows, hollowing out the branches’ spongy insides. This rare tree predominantly grows in this part of southern Africa, and the most impressive quiver tree forests can be found where numerous trees, some centuries old, cluster together in areas with a better water supply than the surrounding desert.

Going Off-Road on the Shipwreck Trail

The northern stretch of South Africa’s Atlantic coast is wild and desolate. Massive waves crashing against the shore have left the coastline between Kleinsee and Koingnaas dotted with shipwrecks. These rusting hulks lie beached on the rocks like decaying remnants, their immense innards scattered on the white sand. The beaches are also littered with fascinating items thrown up from the ocean, including strands of kelp, bleached whale bones, and heaps of large silver mussel shells that crunch underfoot.

Visitors can expect to see marine animals in this area; cape fur seals frequently lounge on the rocks, while Heaviside’s dolphins glide through the surf and humpback whales migrate along the coast in June and September. Terrestrial wildlife sightings are common as well, with ostriches, meerkats, springbok, steinbok, and numerous lizard species roaming the dunes.

One thrilling way to explore this coastal region is by taking part in the Shipwreck Tour through the dunes. This adventurous, 4-5 hour guided drive presents challenges due to deep sand in certain areas, requiring riders to navigate wild terrain, reminiscent of a roller coaster. At the same time, the vehicle may judder and bounce up rocky inclines or shake on corrugated roads. Alternatively, for those preferring a slower pace, the Diamond Coast Trail offers a lovely hiking experience over 3-5 days, with bag transfer services available between campsites along the route.

Diamond Miners and Golden Sunsets

The northwest coast of South Africa remains largely undeveloped due to the diamond mining industry. Over the ages, diamonds formed deep in the earth have eroded and washed downstream into the sea. Courageous diamond divers would wait weeks for calm weather before diving into the icy waters beneath the crashing waves to hunt for precious stones.

At Noup, visitors can stay in one of nine basic huts built by diamond divers along the seafront. While the experience is rustic—with heat sourced from an open fire and limited electricity—this authenticity, combined with stunning sea views, greatly enhances the experience. The constant sound of rolling waves crashing against granite boulders provides a soothing backdrop, while the sunsets, made even more striking by the west-facing views, create a golden glow across the landscape. As the sun descends, it casts brilliant orange hues, illuminating the rocks and soil, creating vibrant clouds edged with molten colors against the backdrop of the dusky sky.

Orange River Rafting and Augrabies Falls

The Orange River, South Africa’s longest waterway, flows nearly the entire width of the country, from the Drakensberg mountains in Lesotho to the Atlantic. It is vital for the inland Northern Cape, providing irrigation to support agriculture, allowing the growth of table grapes, oranges, and pomegranates in the desert.

One unparalleled method for visitors to fully immerse themselves in the river experience is by taking a raft trip along its waters. The river enchants with its tranquil beauty, bordered by tall reeds and grasses, while white egrets and herons flit into the air if rafts venture too close to the banks. The khaki waters alternate between serene and swift-flowing, and the rapids create exciting moments that provoke laughter and excitement among passengers.

Just downstream, the river cascades over a rocky precipice at Augrabies Falls, plunging 56 meters into a narrow gorge. The falls earned the title ‘place of great noise’ for a reason; their roar is particularly thunderous during the rainy season. Wildlife abounds within the surrounding national park, featuring baboons and dassies (rock hyrax) perched around viewing platforms, while elusive creatures such as giraffes and leopards may also be spotted on game drives.

Anna Tyler traveled to the Northern Cape with support from South African Tourism and South African Airways. GoTravelDaily contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.