Namaqualand and the West Coast transforms into a kaleidoscope of colour which is brought on by the wildflowers of the area after the winter rains. The trips are real speciality trips, designed to visit many of these wonderful sights.
Day 1: Red Sands Country Lodge, Northern Cape (Sat, 29 August)
We depart early morning from Johannesburg. On route to Kuruman, we travel via Ventersdorp, Coligny, Sannieshof towards Vryburg. Then we continue towards Kuruman. Overnight stay at Red Sands Country Lodge.
Overnight: Red Sands Country Lodge
Located in the Northern Cape, South Africa, Red Sands Country Lodge offers accommodation amidst the tranquil Kuruman Hills. The establishment features self-catering and standard units which all come equipped with air-conditioning, TVs with satellite channels and other conveniences.
Day 2: Augrabies Falls National Park (Sun, 30 August)
Augrabies Falls National Park
Located in South Africa’s Northern Cape Province, the Augrabies Falls National Park encircles the mighty Augrabies Falls. The Orange River plunges down 60 metres in absolute splendour, through the 18-kilometre ravine of the Orange River Gorge. The landscapes are characterised by rocky outcrops, scrub-dotted plains, and clusters of 'kokerboom', also known as quiver trees. This sanctuary provides a home for an array of animals including springbok, gemsbok, klipspringer, various bird species and the endangered black rhino. Other commonly spotted species include giraffe, steenbok, kudu, eland, leopard, African wild cat, jackal, and caracal.
After breakfast, we depart towards Kakamas. On route we have rest stops at Olifantshoek and Upington. After lunch in Upington, we travel via Keimoes, exploring the Green Kalahari before arriving in Kakamas. This afternoon we will visit the spectacular Augrabies Waterfall on the outskirts of the town. Overnight in Kakamas
Day 3: Guest House, Springbok (Mon, 31 Aug)
Springbok
Nestled amongst rugged mountains, Springbok is Namaqualand's commercial and cultural centre. Springbok is also close to the beautiful Namaqualand wildflower reserves, the secluded Richtersveld National Park.
We depart for Springbok, with a rest stop at Pofadder, and on route we start seeing the first of the wild flowers. We visit the Goegap nature reserve in the afternoon, together with the Hester Malan Wildflower Garden. Overnight stay at Mountain View Guesthouse in Springbok
Guest House
Day 4: Guesthouse, Namaqualand (Tues, 1 Sept)
Namaqualand
Stretching for over 1000 kilometres along South Africa’s scenic West Coast, the Namaqualand is known for its stark, arid beauty. Once a year in early Spring, the Namaqualand landscape explodes into a kaleidoscope of colour. The dusty plains are transformed into a blanket of thousands of flowering wildflowers. International and local visitors flock here to see this seasonal natural splendour.
After breakfast we travel slowly southwards towards Kamieskroon. This is where we visit the famous Skilpad Wildflower Reserve with its spectacular display of Namaqualand daisies. We spend quality time in this spectacular reserve before we travel south, through the well-known “Knersvlakte”. The overnight stay for the next two nights is in VanRhynsdorp
Day 5: Guesthouse, Namaqualand (Wed, 2 September)
Today is set out to view the flowers of the Nieuwoudville area, visiting the Nieuwoudville Waterfall and the Hantam national botanical gardens. Enjoy the variety of bulb and plant species found in the area. Enjoy lunch in town. Return late afternoon to VanRhynsdorp
Day 6: Lambertsbay (Thur, 3 September)
Lambert's Bay
Set along South Africa's rugged and beautiful west coast, the small seaside fishing village of Lambert’s Bay is best known for Bird Island, delicious seafood, white-sand beaches and rolling dunes. Keep an eye out for dolphins, whales and seals frolicking in the surrounding waters.
After a leisurely breakfast we travel to Clanwilliam to visit the town and the beautiful Ramskop Wildflower Garden. After spending quality time in these magnificent gardens, it is time for lunch in town and a visit to the Strassberger leather shop. In the afternoon travel onwards to Lamberts Bay. Overnight stay for the next 1 night is in Lambertsbay
Day 7: Guest House, Langebaan (Fri, 4 September)
Langebaan
Set on the banks of the magnificent Langebaan Lagoon, the popular resort town of Langebaan is conveniently located only 120 kilometres from Cape Town, in the Western Cape province. This lovely little town is renowned for its pristine white sand beaches and turquoise lagoon. The lagoon also features tidal mudflats - a habitat for an impressive variety of local and migratory birds.
Today we continue to explore the wonders of the West Coast, travelling along the coastline towards Saldanha Bay and Langebaan. We stay over for the last 2 nights in Langebaan.
Day 8: Guest House, Langebaan (Sat, 5 September)
The West Coast area offers a large and different variety of fauna and flora. Enjoy the day exploring the area, including a visit to Darling with its various wildflower reserves in and around town, the Tienie Versveld Wildflower Reserve. We end the day by visiting the West Coast National Park
Day 9: End of Itinerary (Sun, 6 September)
Depart after breakfast so that you are in time for your flight departure from Cape Town to Johannesburg. On arrival in Johannesburg, you will be met by a colleague and transferred back home.
