Namaqualand is an area in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, situated about 500 km from Cape Town. Located between the Wild Coast on the Atlantic Ocean in the west and the Orange River which divides the area into two parts – Little Namaqualand in South Africa, and in the north Greater Namaqualand in Namibia.
This vast dry and arid semi-desert area covers 440,00 sq km but after the winter rains, an unbelievable occurrence takes place and the whole area erupts into a wonderland of flowers in a myriad of colours. This floral delight lasts during the spring which is between August and September.
Every spring, thousands of visitors come to South Africa for the sole purpose of viewing the wondrous sight of the wild flowers in Namaqualand. The fields of flowers are easily accessible and visitors can arrange trips from Cape Town. It is a good idea to arrange at least a couple of overnight stays in different areas to really appreciate what is on offer and the variety of floral regions and have the opportunity to visit the Skilpad Wild Flower Reserve and the Goegap Nature reserve.
Goegap Nature reserve is only a few km from Springbok, the capital of Namaqualand and the name of the town comes as a result of the numerous herds of springbok which in days gone by would pass by on their way to drink water from the spring in the valley. The springbok slowly disappeared after copper started being mined in the area and in order to transport the ore a railway was built to the coast.
Springbok is the centre of the wildflower region and there is a variety of accommodation available in the area as well as in Port Nolloth and other areas of Namaqualand.
