Discover the Northern Cape by visiting these scenic natural attractions in the Northern Cape of South Africa.
Orange River
It is not really a conventional swimming spot, but a boating trip down any section of the Orange River, from Douglas to the Richtersveld, is really one long swimming holiday. The river is mainly flat and wide, punctuated by riffles, rapids and the occasional heart-pumping white-water obstacle.
When you're not negotiating the rapids, most of the time you paddle, then float, and then paddle a bit more. And when it gets too hot, you hop out of the boat in your nappy (using your inverted life jacket as a floating costume), and just go with the flow.
Nossob River
In the land of rivers that flow with sand, Nossob is king, but don't discount its standing as a watercourse just because it flows with water only a few times a decade - when it does, it is an event of international significance. The source of the Nossob is in Namibia, northeast of Windhoek, therefore, if it were taken a little more seriously as a river, it would outrank most others in Southern Africa.
It runs for 500 km in Namibia, and another 200 in South Africa, before joining the also mostly dry Molopo. But it is in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park that it is best loved as the principal artery and a linear oasis for birds and beasts in an otherwise dry Kalahari sand sea. The large camel thorn acacias that grow along the watercourse attest to strong underground flow, which is ultimately the life-blood of the park.
Springtime Displays
When springtime rolls around, it’s time to pack the car and head for nature’s great displays in the Northern Cape. Finding the right spot is not always easy and the blooms are weather dependent. August tends to be the best month, but some blooms start in July and many continue deep into September. Check with local tourism authorities to find out which areas are at their best.
Plan your journey so the sun is behind you when you drive through flower-rich terrain. If you don’t, colourful fields actually appear grey as flowers all face the sun. Better still, ditch the car and tackle the many hiking and mountain-biking routes through flower country. Here’s our pick of the best spots.