As if by magic a tapestry of brilliant colours unfold enticingly along the winding roads of the Namaqua National Park. Butterflies, birds and long-tongued flies dart around among the flowers, seemingly overwhelmed by the abundance and diversity. Every turn in the road paints an unforgettable picture: valleys filled with Namaqualand daisies and other spring flowers that pulse with sheer energy and joy.

Next to some eye-catching succulents, a porcupine and a tall aloe pay witness to a baboon overturning a rock and pouncing on a scorpion. During early August and September, seemingly overnight, the dusty valleys of Namaqualand are transformed into a wonderland, carpeted with wildflowers. With its winter rainfall, Namaqualand is home to the richest bulb flora of any arid region in the world and more than a 1 000 of its estimated 3 500 plant species are found nowhere else on earth.

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.

Namaqua National Park Accommodation

Skilpad Rest Camp provides 4 chalets, each with 2 single beds in the bedroom and a ?-sleeper couch (suitable for 1 adult or 2 children) in the open plan living room / kitchen. A dining area is available on the enclosed veranda and an indoor fireplace and an outside braai area is also provided. The units come equipped with ceiling fans and 220V electricity. One unit (#3) has been adapted for use by guests with challenged mobility. The kitchen is fully equipped with crockery and cutlery, cooking utensils, glassware, a 4-plate stove, microwave, fridge / freezer combo, kettle and toaster.

The Namaqua National Park is situated near Kamieskroon (22km from the Park offices) in the Northern Cape Province

Travel/How to get there

The topography is characterized by granite outcrops with large round or flat exposed rock separated by sandy alluvial valleys. It is situated some 495 km from Cape Town off the N7 route to Namibia, and 67 km from the town of Springbok in the north. The nearest town is Kamieskroon, which is some 22 km from the reserve and park offices.

The Park gates are open from 08:00 to 17:00. At present the Park has only a limited road network available to sedan vehicles. No shop, restaurant or fuel is available in Namaqua National Park and guests must take along their own firewood.

Climate

Namaqualand falls within the winter rainfall region of South Africa. The highest rainfall period is between June to August. Average winter temperatures vary between 7 degrees and 19 degrees Celsius, while summer temperatures vary between 20 degrees and 32 degrees Celsius.