Namaqualand: A Dreamland of Flowers

Are you the type of person who is very adventurous and would love to see the rarities of what life has in store for you? Have you ever had a spectacular dream wherein you were surrounded by picturesque flowers you have never seen before? Dreams do come true! Namaqualand is probably haunting you in your imaginings. What is it? And where is it? Is it real?

Namaqualand is a vast dry and barren desert area in northwest South Africa, situated north of the fertile and flourishing Cape Peninsula. With a glimpse, it may seem to be just another wide semi-desert however first impressions aren’t always right. Wait until you see the magically rainbow colored flowers that bloom after a short winter’s rainy season. The annual springtime flower blast usually takes place between August and September. The arid desert transforms into an amazing colorful carpet of flowers that have yet to be seen by the naked eye. Cameras cannot capture nor can paintbrush replicate the amazing scene of the countryside which showcases a spectacle of beauty enriched with an immense array of diverse flower species in bizarre colors. The countless spread of flowers is what tourists want to witness in the area because the season change within two months and the area is back in its desert appearance once again. Although even outside the flower season, strips of purple, orange, and white daisies float up. In July, early rains are tremendously rare so don’t expect anything. The seeds of daisies, mesembryanthemums (vygies), aloes, gladioli and lilies are inactive under the soil during the ruthless droughts of summer eagerly waiting for the rain to come. Around 4,000 authentic flowers can be found in the area and a portion of it cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Diverse species react to different conditions. That is why flowers emerge at varied times a year to the next.

Some examples of the usual flora to be found are: namaqua daisy jakkalsblom dimorphotheca inuata, t’neitjie pelargonium incrassatum, bottergousblom arctotis gumbletoni, sambreeltjie felicia australis, geelkatstert bulbinella latifolia, viooltjie lachenalia carnosa and sandlelie antholyza plicata.

Because more and more people are getting acquainted with this awesome splendor, it is a wise decision to book your accommodation ahead of time like a year in advance. You should decide where you would like to stay, whether on the farm or in the main centre. If you don’t have your own car, you might consider staying in the farm. You can freely take a walk around the farms’ flower fields.

Some useful tips when you are there:

• Be conscious of the time because flowers are best sighted on a sunny day from 11:00 to 15:00. You can still enjoy a good breakfast. And besides, flowers scarcely open before 10am.
• If you are driving, it’s best to drive westwards in the daybreak, eastwards in the daylight and usually from north to south because the flowers accustom themselves to face the sun.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Don’t’ forget to protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun. Wear a hat and a sunscreen. You can also bring insect repellent if you want.
• Bring along your binoculars. You wouldn’t want to miss the breathtaking scenery.
• Take out your cameras too. You wouldn’t want to let pass the wonderland of beauty.
• Get out from your vehicle and appreciate some minute flowers. Namaqualand demands guests to retard, chill out and indulge their days trying to unveil its many wonders. Never mind the mud-spattered patches on your knees.
• Ask the flower guides or experts you know regarding the names of flowers you are most bewildered. You can even buy a book to serve as your guide.

According to a saying in Namaqualand: Once you arrive in Namaqualand, you cannot stop crying and upon leaving, because the attachment has gone so far, you can’t help but weep again.

The mass of flowers which extend as far as the eye can see is undoubtedly one of the most impressive natural shows in the world. Explore the hidden jewels of nature’s wonders! Visit Namaqualand with family and friends and for sure, you would want to keep coming back to meet again the unsurpassed feast of flowers.