NORTHERN CAPE FLORAL FIESTA IN FULL SWING
Experience the colourful kaleidoscope of the Northern Cape flower season in technicolour – a truly unique must-see experience that leaves visitors breathless. The annual flower season has kicked off early with brilliant floral displays already being reported throughout the Namakwa region. A visit to this vast province during spring, when the normally arid landscape is transformed into a sea of flowers should beon the wish list of any nature lover or outdoor enthusiastand now is a perfect time to experience this incredible natural phenomenon.
The official flower season runs from July until late October, but peak viewing periods and blooming areas are weather dependent. Normally, the first floral displays can be seen in the northern parts of the region with the spread of flowers moving southwards as the season continues.
According to Bernard van Lente, park manager of the Namaqua National Park, the extent of flowers this early in the season is definitely surprising. “We had good rain early in March and April with a relatively hot May, which has had a positive influence on the first blooms. There are already a surprising number of flowers in the Skilpad region and 4×4 drivers can also spot a good variety of species and colours along the coastal section from the Spoegriver to the Groen river. Between Garien and Groen River as well as along the road between Garies and Hondeklip Bay, the beetle daisies or Gorteriadiffusa are blooming prolifically,” explains Van Lente.
The amazing floral display of the Namakwa has earned itself a place as a global botanical wonder. As part of the Succulent Karoo, the Namakwa is considered to be the richest bulb flora arid region in the world as well as the most diverse, arid environment on the planet. Visitors to the region can experience the greatest flower show on earth with an estimated 3000 plant species of which more than 50% are indigenous to the region. The wild flowers of the Namakwa are an unforgettable natural phenomenon and best discovered on foot, which makes it ultimately appealing to keen photographers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Experience the Namakwa in all its floral finery as the landscape is covered with a flamboyant spread of wild flowers. Popular flower spots include the Goegap Nature Reserve in Springbok, the Namakwa National Park near Kamieskroon and the world’s bulb capital in Nieuwoudtville.
Bloom hunters are advised to contact the various tourism offices in the region to keep track of the peak blooming areas or to visit www.wordpress-813851-4521567.cloudwaysapps.com for the latest flower updates. For details on the latest flower displays and flower hotspots, call the Namakwa flower hotline on 079 294 7260.