Namaqua National Park

Afrikaans name: Namaqua Nasionale Park

Namaqua National Park

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Northern Cape

The Namaqua National Park was founded to protect the rich diversity of plants that are found in the area. In face, it has the biggest concentration of succulents in the world. It is also covered in flowers when the wildflowers bloom in spring. Normally the best months to visit are in August and September.

It covers an area of 700 square kilometres and is located near the town of Kamieskroon. The area is semi-arid and has hot summers and cold winters.

There is not much too see in the way of animal life but the Namaqua National Park is home to the Speckled Padloper which is the smallest species of tortoise in the world.

The Namaqua National Park does not have much in the way of facilities for visitors. There is a limited road network and two short trails to walk. There is also a picnic site. A few chalets are available for overnight visitors.

Information centre

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Namaqua National Park information centre

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Beautiful carpet of flowers

Photo © Johan van Zyl

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References and further reading

Atlas of National Parks and Reserves of South Africa - Author: Marielle Renssen - Year Published: 2006 - Page: 46

Caravan & Outdoor Life - Issue 646 - Author: - Year Published: 2016 - Page: 24

Country Life - Issue 182 - Author: - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 42

go! - Issue 133 - Author: - Year Published: 2017 - Page: 40

Wild Issue 22 - Author: - Year Published: 2013 - Page: 75

Wild Issue 24 - Author: - Year Published: 2013 - Page: 60

Wild Issue 27 - Author: - Year Published: 2014 - Page: 24

Wild Issue 30 - Author: - Year Published: 2015 - Page: 24

Wild Issue 34 - Author: - Year Published: 2016 - Page: 35

Wild Issue 36 - Author: - Year Published: 2016 - Page: 52

Wild Issue 43 - Author: - Year Published: 2018 - Page: 14

Wild Issue 43 - Author: - Year Published: 2018 - Page: 24