Namaqua National Park
Namaqua National Park is a vast landscape of semi-desert dotted with bursts of colorful flowers during springtime. It has some of the richest bulb flora of any arid region in the world, with around 3 500 plant species found in the park. The park was proclaimed in 1999 to conserve the rich diversity of succulent plants in the Namaqua region.
The best known, and at this stage most popular part of this beautiful park, is the 5 km Skilpad circular route, especially in the springtime flower season. A great way to explore Skilpad is by mountain bike. Besides, there are also another 220 km of roads that includes roads to an unspoilt coastline and a 25 km route, with lovely vistas, to Soebatsfontein.
Outside the park, Nourivier (29 km) offers a moderately easy circular route. Leliefontein lies 30 km to the south-east of Kamieskroon, and reached via a series of picturesque mountain passes offers a short 8.2 km ride perfect for the whole family.
Caracal 4x4 Trail
The Namaqua Caracal 4x4 Trail lies right in the heart of the Namaqua, where arid landscapes and quiet roads await you. The trail is a one-way route located just outside of Kamieskroon that extends from Skilpad to Groenriviersmond for some 176 km. It takes around 6 to 8 hours to complete depending on the driver’s pace. The route is made up of steep inclines and declines, dongas, gravel, rocks and plenty of slippery sand.
The local vegetation makes for a scenic drive, especially during springtime when wild flowers erupt into colour. The route takes you along stretches of coastline, past quiver trees and granite outcrops that all add to the beauty of the drive.