The Kalahari Desert around Van Zylsrus features a semi-arid landscape characterized by red sand dunes, sparse vegetation, and a scarcity of surface water. The vegetation is well-adapted to the arid conditions. Thorny shrubs, acacia trees, and grasses that can withstand drought are common in the region. Despite its arid nature, the Kalahari supports a variety of wildlife adapted to desert life. This includes animals such as oryx, springbok, meerkats, and various species of birds.
Photograph Meerkats
Meet the stars of Meerkat Manor, a documentary drama series which follows a meerkat family in the Kalahari Desert in South Africa
The Northern Cape, where Namaqualand is located, is South Africa’s largest and most sparsely populated state, wedged between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namibian border. Not many travellers venture here, but the ones that do make the journey will be exhilarated by the expansive landscapes, spectacular natural phenomena and fascinating history.
See Namaqualand in full bloom
Rarely does the natural world put on such a spectacle as the Namaqualand desert in full bloom. An eye-popping patchwork of orange, yellow, white and purple wild flowers seems to cascade out of distant valleys and flood the landscape as far as the eye can see. The majority of the blooms belong to the daisy family (Asteraceae) and, somewhat surprisingly, the most impressive displays tend to appear not in pristine nature reserves, but on recently disturbed ground such as fallow farmland. The flowers are true sun-worshippers, only opening between 11am and 4pm on sunny days, and turning their faces towards the sun, so you’ll get the best views (and photographs) with the sun at your back.
There’s a large element of luck involved in getting to experience this natural show at its height. Namaqualand's flower season tends to peak during August, but can shift as early as July or late as September. The exact timing and intensity of the blooms depends on the winter rains in the preceding months. The flush of flowers starts in the north near the border with Namibia and moves south towards Cape Town.
Pre-tour Arrival 28 Aug, 2023—Arrive Johannesburg
This tour starts in Johannesburg and ends in Cape Town.
Arrival Hotel in Johannesburg
The tour starts after breakfast on 29 Aug, 2024. you will need to arrive at least a day before the tour starts. We will meet at the
City Lodge, OR Tambo International Airport. This stylish, comfortable hotel is conveniently located directly adjacent to Johannesburg’s International Airport. A number of Johannesburg’s most important business facilities, commercial hubs, shopping centres and restaurants are found nearby.
Day 1: 29 Aug—Johannesburg/Kuruman (553 km)
Leaving after breakfast, it will take us most of the day to reach our first stop, Kuruman, a historically significant town which is often referred to as the "Oasis of the Kalahari." This designation stems from the presence of the "Eye of Kuruman", a natural spring that has been a water source for thousands of years. The eye is a natural spring that delivers a constant flow of crystal-clear water, creating a small oasis in the arid landscape.
Day 2-4: 30 Aug - 1 Sept —Kuruman to Van Zylsrus (169 km)
Leaving Kuruman, we head northwest towards Van Zylsrus. We have gained special permission to spend the next 3 nights at the Kalahari Research Center where we will be able to photograph meerkats in the wild for 2 days. These colonies of meerkats have been studied intensively and are quite accustomed to having people around so you will have the opportunity to take some very good images of these endearing creatures and learn about some of the research that has been taking place at the centre since 2001.
Day 5: 2 Sept—Van Zylsrus/Augrabies Falls (352 km)
After an early breakfast we continue heading west to Augrabies National Park. The centrepiece of this park is the 56m-high waterfall created when the Gariep (Orange) River thunders through a ravine. The nearby Bridal Veil Falls drop 75m and most people simply follow the boardwalks past the falls and leave shortly afterwards, but there is plenty more to explore. Look out for dassies (cute, furry creatures that look like outsized gerbils) hopping across the rocks, tackle a day hike or take a wildlife drive deeper into the park.
Day 6: 3 Sept—Augrabies/Springbok (314 km)
After a sunrise shoot at the falls, we drive to Springbok, the largest town in the Namaqualand area in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. It was called Springbokfontein until 1911, when it was shortened to Springbok. We will visit the Goegap Nature Reserve where we should be able to photograph several wildlife species and expansive fields of wildflowers.
Day 7: 4 Sept—Springbok/Port Nolloth/Springbok
Depending on the state of the wildflowers and the temperatures during the day, we may spend the whole day in the Springbok area looking for the best displays. Alternatively, we may also make a side trip to the west coast to Port Nolloth, known for its rugged beauty and stark landscapes and scenic coastal beauty. Port Nolloth has a small but active fishing industry, and the town's economy has historically been tied to fishing and maritime activities.
Day 8: 5 Sept—Springbok/Kamieskroon (69 km)
Leaving Springbok, we drive south to Kamieskroon where we will spend the next 3 days exploring the area looking for wildflowers and visiting some of the local people in the surrounding towns.
Situated just South of Springbok, Kamieskroon is set among the granite rock formations of the Kamiesberg range in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. Kamies might derive from the Nama word ‘kam’, meaning two - referring to the twin peaks of the mountain. The ‘kroon’, a 330m peak crowned with a huge, cleft rock, is a kilometre from the village.
Day 9 - 10: 6-7 Sept—Kamieskroon
We spend the next 2 days exploring the area looking for wildflowers and visiting some of the local people. We will visit the Namaqua National Park famous for its unique biodiversity and succulents. Within the park, the Skilpad section, near the town of Kamieskroon, is particularly notable for its dense wildflower blooms. Skilpad offers well-maintained trails and viewpoints, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the stunning floral displays and dramatic landscapes that define this unique region
Day 11: 8 Sept—Kamieskroon/Gifberg (223 km)
Leaving Kamieskroon, we continue to drive south. We will visit Nieuwoudtville falls on the way, before we arrive at our lodging at Gifberg situated in the northern part of the Western Cape, near the town of Vanrhynsdorp. Gifberg is known for its scenic beauty, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and the area is characterized by rugged terrain, unique rock formations, and diverse flora.
Day 12: 9 Sept—Gifberg/Lambert's Bay/Clanwilliam (180 km)
Leaving Gifberg, we will head south before turning west towards the coastal town of Lambert's Bay. Lambert's Bay is home to Bird Island, a small island located a short distance from the shore. Bird Island is a vital bird breeding area, hosting one of the largest colonies of Cape gannets in the world. Visitors can take boat trips to see the birds, which is especially popular during the breeding season. Bird Island lies about 100 m off the shore of Lambert’s Bay on the Cape’s West Coast. It offers visitors a rare opportunity to see the blue-eyed Cape gannet up close. Bird Island is one of only six sites world-wide where Cape gannets breed, and it is the only breeding site easily accessible to the public.
In a good year, the wildflowers in the Clanwilliam area create a breathtaking display of vibrant colors and diverse species. Located in South Africa’s Western Cape, this region bursts into bloom from late August to September. The landscape transforms into a tapestry of vivid hues, with daisies, lilies, and proteas among the myriad flowers carpeting the fields and hills. The Ramskop Nature Reserve, in particular, showcases a stunning variety of indigenous flowers. The spectacle attracts nature enthusiasts and photographers, offering an unforgettable experience of natural beauty and biodiversity against the backdrop of the rugged Cederberg mountains.
Day 13: 10 Sept—Clanwilliam
We will spend the day in the Clanwilliam area checking with the locals to see where the best wildflower displays are. If the displays are reported to be good we will visit the Ramskop Nature Reserve, renowned for its spectacular wildflower displays, especially in spring. Covering diverse terrain, it showcases a rich variety of indigenous flowers, including vibrant daisies and proteas.
Day 14: 11 Sept—Clanwillian/Cape Town (230km)
Mid-morning we begin our 230 km scenic journey through South Africa’s Western Cape. We leave Clanwilliam and travel south on the N7 highway. The route winds through the rugged Cederberg mountains, offering stunning vistas of rocky landscapes and verdant valleys. As we approach Cape Town, the scenery transitions to rolling vineyards and fertile farmland. Finally, we are greeted by the iconic Table Mountain and the vibrant cityscape of Cape Town.
Day 15: 12 Sept—Departure
Drop off van at the airport and catch the morning flight back to JNB or return to the US direct from Cape Town.
Arrival, Departure & Visa
Arrival & Meeting Place
Pre-tour: 28 Aug, 2023—Arrive Johannesburg
Early Arrival Hotel in Johannesburg
We recommend that if you arrive the day before the tour starts that you stay at the City Lodge, OR Tambo International Airport. This stylish, comfortable hotel is conveniently located directly adjacent to Johannesburg’s International Airport. A numberof Johannesburg’s most important business facilities, commercial hubs, shopping centres and restaurants are found nearby.
Departure
Cape Town on 12 Sept, 2024
Visa
Not required
Weather
August is a transitional month, and temperatures in Namaqualand during this time can vary. Daytime temperatures typically range from cool to mild, with maximum temperatures often reaching between 15 to 25ºC (59 to 77ºF).
Nighttime temperatures can be colder, ranging from around 5 to 15ºC (41 to 59ºF).
Language
English and Afrikaans
Currency
The South African Rand