South Africa

Namaqua National Park

Wild flowers by day. Stars as soon as it gets dark. Further on, the Atlantic Ocean pounds against the coast. Namaqua National Park is a landscape of strong contrasts.

View trips from the region

Discover everything about this location.

Where fields of flowers end at the ocean.

Namaqua National Park brings together landscapes that could hardly seem further apart. Fields of flowers, quiver trees and large granite rock formations stand opposite a cold, rugged Atlantic Ocean.

In early August and September the dusty valleys of Namaqualand change. Wild flowers then cover large parts of the landscape and draw travellers from home and abroad to the area.

The wildlife changes too as soon as you drive from the interior to the coast. At sea you may come across seals and dolphins. Inland live gemsbok, springbok and red hartebeest, among others.

From field of flowers to 4x4 track.

In the interior you can drive parts of Namaqua National Park in a sedan or 2x4. If you want to go further into the park, a 4x4 gives you more options.

For the Caracal 4x4 Trail you need a 4x4. The same applies when you drive to the coastal section and want to stay there. Here the road becomes part of the destination.

You will not find fuel or ATMs in the park itself. For those you can go to Springbok, 87 kilometres away. Something to take into account before you head for the coast.

View trips from the region

Here the landscape changes with every kilometre.

  • See the wild flowers during the flower season in early August and September.
  • Drive the Caracal 4x4 Trail.
  • Camp on the Atlantic coast.
  • Look out for seals and dolphins at sea.
  • Inland live gemsbok, springbok and red hartebeest.
  • Visit the northern part of the park around Skilpad Restcamp.
  • Travel on to the southern coastal section with Skuinsbaai Noord Campsite, among others.
  • Refuel and arrange cash beforehand in Springbok, 87 kilometres away.

Self-drive trips in the region

South Africa
Mozambique
eSwatini
South Africa, eSwatini and Mozambique Beach & Safari
22
days
from
1620
1620
p.p.
In Kruger, you scan the bush through your binoculars from your 4x4, searching for rhinos and lions. A few days later, you're looking through your diving mask at manta rays off the coast of Mozambique. On this 22-day self-drive journey, you explore three countries, each with its own distinct character. You drive through national parks at your own pace, camp by the sea and lace up your hiking boots again in eSwatini. From exciting game drives to relaxed beach days, there's no need to choose between adventure and relaxation.
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South Africa
Western Cape and Namaqualand Hiking & 4x4
14
days
from
1250
1250
p.p.
Hiking boots on, 4x4 parked. On this 14-day self-drive journey, you explore much of the Western Cape and Namaqualand on foot. You hike through gorges and past rock arches in the Cederberg, camp in complete solitude in the quiet of the Tankwa Karoo and walk to deserted beaches along the Atlantic coast. And in between? That's when you put your 4x4 to work, including on the sandy Caracal Trail. A journey for those who love being outdoors and exploring at their own pace.
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South Africa
Garden Route en Baviaanskloof Hiking & 4x4
14
days
from
1350
1350
p.p.
Spotting elephants from your 4x4. Tackling rugged tracks through Baviaanskloof. Then continuing on foot along cliffs, through forests and over mountain trails. On this 14-day self-drive journey from Gqeberha to Cape Town, you regularly swap the steering wheel for your hiking boots. You start with a safari before following the Garden Route past Storms River Mouth, Wilderness and the mountains around George. Plenty of variety, without having to cover long distances every day.
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