Namaqualand
Northern Cape

Namaqualand in the very north-west of South Africa is part of the Northern Cape province. Its northern boundary, the Orange River, is also the border to the neighbouring country Namibia.

Namaqualand is - due to the low rainfalls of less than 300 millimetres per annum - classified as semi-desert. At the coast it rains even less because of the cold Benguela current that frequently brings dense sea-fogs to this coastal desert region as well as to the Namibian coast.

Those who look for the quiet, wide landscapes and the intense colours of the desert, should not miss a trip through Namaqualand. Particularly enthralling is springtime after the short rainy season, when suddenly the arid land is covered in a lush carpet of wildflowers.

Explore Namaqualand with its sleepy fishing villages on the Atlantic coast, the Richtersveld National Park in the remote desert and its capital Springbok. You will find the area broken up into subjects and destinations on the bar below and on the map. Or click on "Next" at the top to learn about the topics and locations in this travel area in a sequence.

Travel Advice: Springbok is also the gate to the Kalahari region, which forms part of the Northern Cape Province. Leave the N7 and and take the National Road N14 through a wide semi-desert landscape to Upington, a nice and proper little town on the Orange River. From here the route continues to the spectacular Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park within the Kalahari Desert. Further information on this travel destination to be found in the Travel Area 6.

Namaqualand Northern Cape

Namaqualand
Northern Cape