KALAHARI MEERKATS & NAMAQUALAND WILDFLOWERS, 4-18 SEPT, 2025

Pre-tour Arrival 3 Sept, 2025—Arrive Johannesburg
This tour starts in Johannesburg and ends in Cape Town. 

Arrival Hotel in Johannesburg
The tour starts after breakfast on 4 Sept, 2025. 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.

O/N City Lodge, OR Tambo International Airport (not included)

Day 1: 4 Sept—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.

O/N Kuruman Lodge (B)

Day 2, 3, 4 & 5: 30 5-8 Sept —Kuruman | Van Zylsrus (169 km)
Leaving Kuruman, we head northwest towards Van Zylsrus. We've gained special permission to spend the next four nights at the Kalahari Research Center, located another 30km west along a gravel road. Here, we’ll have the unique opportunity to photograph meerkats in the wild for four days. These meerkat colonies have been studied extensively and are quite accustomed to human presence, allowing us to capture some excellent images of these charming creatures. We'll also learn about the research that has been ongoing at the center since 2001. Each day, we’ll enjoy three delicious home-cooked meals.

O/N Kalahari Research Center (4 Nights) (B,L,D)

Day 6: 9 Sept—Van Zylsrus | Augrabies Falls (352 km)
After an early breakfast, we head west towards Augrabies National Park. The highlight of the park is the impressive 56-meter-high waterfall, where the Gariep (Orange) River roars through a deep ravine. Nearby, the Bridal Veil Falls cascade 75 meters into the gorge below.

O/N Augrabies Falls Lodge & Camp (B)

Day 7: 10 Sept—Augrabies | Springbok (314 km)
After a sunrise shoot at the falls, we will head to Springbok, the largest town in Namaqualand. Originally named Springbokfontein until 1911, it was later shortened to Springbok. Our day includes a visit to the stunning Goegap Nature Reserve, where we’ll have the chance to photograph a variety of wildlife species. The reserve also offers expansive fields of vibrant wildflowers, providing beautiful opportunities for nature photography. This blend of wildlife and colorful flora makes Goegap a must-see destination for photographers and nature lovers alike.

O/N Mountain View Guesthouse, Springbok (B)

Day 8: 11 Sept—Springbok | Port Nolloth | Springbok
Depending on the wildflower conditions and the day's temperatures, we may spend the entire day exploring the Springbok area in search of the best floral displays. Alternatively, we may take a side trip to Port Nolloth on the west coast, renowned for its rugged beauty, dramatic landscapes, and scenic coastal charm. Port Nolloth, though small, has an active fishing industry, and its economy has long been linked to fishing and maritime activities.

O/N Mountain View Guesthouse, Springbok (B)

Day 9: 12 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 kilometer from the village. 

O/N Kamieskroon Hotel (B,D)

Day 10 & 11: 13-14 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

O/N Kamieskroon Hotel (B,D) (2 Nights)

Day 12: 15 Sept—Kamieskroon | Nieuwoudville | Clanwilliam (419 km)
Leaving Kamieskroon, we will continue driving south towards Nieuwoudtville, taking back roads through the Namaqua National Park. Our final destination is the town of Clanwilliam, and it will take us the better part of the day to get there. Along the way, we’ll have plenty of opportunities to photograph the stunning scenery and wildflowers.

In a good year, the wildflowers around Clanwilliam put on a breathtaking display of color and variety. Nestled in South Africa’s Cederberg region, the area blooms spectacularly from late August to September. Fields and hills become a vibrant tapestry of daisies, lilies, proteas, and many other species. 

O/N Clanwilliam Hotel (B)

Day 13: 16 Sept—Clanwilliam | Lambert's Bay | Biedouw Valley (180 km)
After breakfast, we will drive to the coastal town of Lambert's Bay (60km), home to Bird Island, a small island located just off the shore and accessible via a concrete groyne. Bird Island is a vital bird breeding area, hosting one of the largest colonies of Cape gannets in the world. It offers us a rare opportunity to see the blue-eyed Cape gannet up close. Bird Island is one of only six sites worldwide where Cape gannets breed, and it is the only breeding site easily accessible to the public. After spending an hour or more honing our skills at photographing birds in flight, we will return to Clanwilliam.

We will then drive to the Biedouw Valley, around 50km from Clanwilliam, which transforms into a wildflower paradise during September. Following the winter rains, the valley bursts into life with carpets of daisies, gazanias, and indigenous flora, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers seeking springtime beauty.

O/N Clanwilliam Hotel (B)

Day 14: 17 Sept—Clanwillian | Cape Town (230km)
After breakfast and check out, we will visit the Ramskop Nature Reserve in town, 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.

We then begin our 230 km scenic journey through South Africa’s Western Cape. Leaving Clanwilliam, we 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.

O/N City Lodge Hotel V&A Waterfront (B)

Day 15: 18 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. Those of you continuing on to Zambia for the "Slow Safari®" in the Luangwa Valley will catch a flight to Lusaka (details to follow).