Escape to the land of contrasts, where the rigorous climate has created a myriad of life forms superbly adapted to their specific habitat. Fields of flowers, star studded nights, quiver trees, enormous granite outcrops and the icy Atlantic are but a few wonders that await the visitor to what is truly the Creators’ playground.
The Namakwa National Park is situated west of the N7 national road in the heart of the succulent Karoo. The park has grown enormously and stretches from the well-known Skilpad section near Kamieskroon on the escarpment, westwards to the coast. The recently added ‘Groen-Spoeg’ coastal section is the only significant remaining untouched section of the Namaqualand coast.
With its winter rainfall, Namaqualand is home to the richest bulb flora of any arid region in the world. More than 1 000 of its estimated 3 500 plant species are found nowhere else on earth! Amphibians and reptiles are also well represented, with a number of endemic species. The mammals that have adapted to these harsh conditions include: gemsbok, springbok, red hartebeest, klipspringer, aardvark, baboon, steenbok, duiker, porcupine, black-backed jackal and leopard. Many bird species are also found in the dry arid western regions of the country.
The 5km Skilpad circular road is still the most popular part of the park, especially during the springtime flower season. Besides the famous spring flowers, the park is home to 134 different vegetation types, many small fauna species, amazing birdlife and a fascinating collection of reptiles.
