Namaqualand - More than just Flowers

Port Nolloth, Namaqualand

The intriguing title, 'Where the water took the old man away' was the original Nama name for Port Nolloth whose present name commemorates one Commander Nolloth. Unfortunately, 'the man who determined the depth of the bay' just doesn't have the same ring.

The coastal town's main industry is rock lobster and this may have something to do with its status as the only holiday resort on the Diamond Coast. Good angling and fine beaches also play a part. And every self-respecting seaside resort has to have a lighthouse.

Lekkersing, Namaqualand

60 kilometres east of Port Nolloth in the north-western heart of the Richtersveld., this village was named for a small natural fountain that must have been music to the ears of thirsty adventurers. The village of 'Fine Singing' retain some of its age-old Nama heritage. There are also numerous outdoor activities on offer including horse-riding, hiking and guided tours to Skurwehoog cave.

Alexander Bay, Namaqualand

Named for Prince William of Orange rather than the colour of its silt-rich waters, the Orange, like an African Nile, cuts a green swathe through the desert, some two thousand kilometres long. It gathers diamonds in its surging wake and spits them into the sea at its mouth.

Here, diamonds can be found on the barren surface along with a host of other minerals. The security fences around Alexander Bay surround a bird-rich estuary and a diamond-rich industry. Permits are needed to visit and the mine tour must be pre-booked.

Rafting and Canoeing on the lower Orange, Namaqualand

Several private operators in Cape Town run water adventures of varying duration on the lower Orange. Unlike the upper Orange at Augrabies, this stretch of the river is more docile. However, with some grade 2 and 3 rapids, you'll have a splash as well as a paddle whether by raft or canoe.

Summer is usually a scorcher in the desert and the winter nights are correspondingly cold. Don't forget to pack the sunscreen, whatever the time of year. But, if you're looking for peace and quiet avoid the Christmas, Easter and Cape school holidays.

Richtersveld National Park, Namaqualand

Upriver and inland from the Orange River Mouth lies the Richtersveld National Park which borders on Namibia. Here the 'Great River' shoulders its way through mountain desert, occasionally stirring rapids to raise the pulse but not tip the ship.

This wild and lonely park allows rafting, swimming, canoeing, and fishing in the Orange River. Mountain biking and bird-watching take up the slack out of flower season which falls sometime between June and October.