19.....Namaqualand

a carpet of colour

Namaqualand is a winter-rainfall desert of some 50 000 km², located in north-western South Africa. For a desert ecosystem, the region is characterized by a unique selective regime, namely highly predictable annual rainfall and a moderate temperature regime throughout the year. This is responsible for regular and spectacular spring fowering displays. It is the only site in the world where a vast dry area annually transforms into a lush orange fowerbed, but only for a few short weeks. The best time of year to visit is early August–mid-September. During this time, the desert explodes with no fewer than 4000 species of fowers, 1000 unique to the region, painting the desert in colours that astound and amaze visitors without fail.

Namaqualand daisies never cease to delight residents and visitors of the region. Normally, it’s a rare occasion to fnd a desert abloom. Arid areas transform into a fowering garden only once in a while. But Namaqualand is the world’s only exception that fourishes every spring. With just 150 mm of rain per year, this large arid area turns into a lush fowering feld. From a distance, one might presume these are the same orange daisies all over, but when you take a closer look, you’ll discover an endless variety of fowers. Not only daisies themselves occur in various shapes and shades of orange, but also other rare fowers pop out amongst the prevailing daisies: lilies, aloes, and perennial herbs.

Owing to such a unique natural phenomenon, the area has been protected as the Namaqua National Park. Locals make a living from tourism based on the fowering desert. Hence, it’s often mistakenly assumed that the keepers plant the fowers themselves in order to draw tourists and maintain business. But in fact, it’s all attributed to bees and other insects that perfectly perform their pollinating duties. In fact, every year the area seems to bear different fowers, and it’s always a sort of intrigue and surprise for the keepers themselves.

For more information, contact Namaqua National Park on: 027 672 1948.

The Namaqualand fower season is relatively short: it usually begins in the second week of August and is over by the second week of September, yet it varies from year to year, depending on the amount of rainfall and temperatures. Also, fower season depends on the location: the further north, the earlier the blooming starts.

The fowers open up in the morning and close in the afternoon, at about 4 pm. So you have to get up early not to miss the orange nature show. Generally, local tour operators suggest arriving with an attitude of acceptance as the fowers are elusive and might not be as abundant as one expects One of the most popular options is a car rental combined with local tour operator recommendations and accommodation

Another option is a private fower tour for about fve days. These tours usually gather small groups of like-minded enthusiasts led by a knowledgeable guide. It takes some stress off from the planning and gives a chance to fnd the best fower-viewing spots

The Namaqualand Flower Route is a stretch of about 800 km that connects cities and national parks, taking visitors through South Africa’s most impressive wildfower displays. The top fower areas are scattered around the towns of Garies, Springbok and Port Nolloth, along the N7 route.

Visitor tips Namaqualand accommodation

• Check the weather forecast in advance to make sure you are at the peak blooming season in Namaqualand. • Make sure to book early as lots of people want to witness the beauty of the Namaqualand fowers, and most offcial tours are booked a few months in advance. • When planning a road trip, start your journey up north and then make your way to Cape Town. • The best time to view the fowers is between 12:00 and 15:00 when the temperature has increased and the fowers have opened. They don’t open on wet and very cold days. • Walk or drive with the sun at your back so that the fowers will face you. • Get off the beaten track. Look for side roads and explore the countryside. Enjoy being completely surrounded by this magical landscape After a long day of driving and hiking along the Namaqualand Flower Route, you can stay in any of the towns along the route. One of the best places to stay overnight is Port Nolloth. From there, you may explore Richtersveld National Park at the Namibian border with its rich fauna and fora.

The Namaqualand region offers several country lodge options: self-catering cottages on the beach, guesthouses with patios and terraces offering ocean views, and beach houses. Staying overnight at Namaqua Flower Beach Camp or Skilpad Flower Camp promises a vast landscape dotted with wildfowers and starry skies. For information on accommodation in Namaqualand, see https://www. namakwa-info.co.za/region/accommodation.