Namaqualand - More than just Flowers

The Nama's ancestors were pastoral herdsmen from Namibia who arrived in these dusty lands some two thousand years ago. Unique among those older inhabitants of Southern Africa and unlike the San, the Nama of Namaqualand retain much of their cultural heritage.

Early written records of nineteenth century explorers describe the distinctive, convex 'matjieshuise' or mat houses that the Nama still build today. Traditional Nama 'matjieshuise' can be seen at Nourivier, near the mission station of Leliefontein. Or, stay overnight in Nama huts at Namastat, 2 kilometres from the centre of Springbok.

Okiep, Namaqualand

Some eight kilometres north of Springbok, the dusty hamlet of Okiep is an unlikely candidate for world's richest copper mine but until 1919, prosperity seemed assured. One of the few reminders of this lost industry is the incongruous smoke-stack next to the Okiep Hotel. It is unclear whether they charge extra for rooms with this view. The old cemetery remembers other pieces of the past with its memorials to Anglo-Boer war casualties.

Hiking, Okiep, Namaqualand

Nearby, there is two day hike down a canyon. It's a 'Bring your own water and build your own cooking fire' kind of affair.

Nababeep, Namaqualand.

The rhythmically named town that is the largest of Namaqualand's copper mining towns is of little interest to the visitor unless you're a railway enthusiast. Then, be sure not to miss Clara, the marrow-gauge steam locomotive that is on display at the mining museum.

Kamieskroon, Namaqualand

The Kamieskroon mountains form the backdrop to the dramatically situated village of Kamieskroon. Somewhat closer to Cape Town than the rest of the regions' flower routes, the so-called Garden Route of Namaqualand is cooler than the hinterland and you're more likely to find flowers here late in the season.

A drive through the wild rock formations and wildflower displays of Kamieskroon, Leliefontein, and Garies via the Kamiesberg Pass offers history and scenery in equal measure. A well-regarded Namaqualand photographer lives in the Kamieskroon area and conducts photography workshops in September and October, March and April.

Kamieskroon Trail, Namaqualand

The wild rock formations and wildflower displays make this a popular hiking destination in the Kamieskroon mountains which form the backdrop to the dramatically situated village of the same name.

Skilpad Wildflower Reserve, Kamieskroon, Namaqualand

When the rains have been plentiful and the warm wind has yet to blow, the spring flowers in this small reserve are as good as they get in Namaqualand. Walk or ride a bicycle through the hilly reserve which is only open during the flower season.