Tour Features: Namaqualand! 100% big sky country. Extending from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the small town of Pofadder in the east, north from the great Orange River and south beyond Garies, Namaqualand is indeed a vast and varied region. During the arid summer months it is difficult for the visitor to imagine the phenomenon of the yearly wild flower appearance. After the winter rainfall, Namaqualand dons her coat of many colours and for a brief moment, the wildflowers invade the countryside. Countless poems, novels, paintings and prose have been dedicated to this annual shower of God's colour. Spektakelberg was so named by Simon van der Stel when he expressed his amazement at this miracle of nature and exclaimed: "What a spectacle!"
Simon van der Stel, Governor of the Cape of Good Hope, discovered the rich copper deposits of Namaqualand during 1685, although, long before any ship docked at Table Bay the local Nama people had fine tuned the art of smelting copper and using it for domestic and decorative use. Copper and diamond mining brought a diversity of people to the area and thus created economic stability. In Namaqualand the visitor will find indescribable treasures amongst the wide selection of remarkable fauna and flora.
Tour Details:
Day 1 09h00
Springbok Area: Naries Guesthouse: (BD)
The tour starts in Cape Town from your waterfront hotel. Travel via Clanwilliam, Vanrhynsdorp and Garies to the Springbok area. Lunch is en-route for your own expense. Also en-route you stop at the Skilpad Wildflower Reserve, 20km west of the town of Kamieskroon (70 km before Springbok). Surrounded by high granite mountains Springbok is the commercial and administrative centre for the mining area and is regarded as the capital of Namaqualand. Accommodation is in a guest house outside of town (Naries Guest House or similar) or in town subject to availability.
Dinner is a traditional meal taken at the guest house.
Accommodation:
Naries Guest House or similar
Distance:
Cape Town to Springbok - 560km
Day 2
Springbok Area: Naries Guesthouse: (BD)
A full day to explore the wild flowers that are in bloom in the area (nature willing!) and this would include a visit to the Goegap Nature Reserve.
Accommodation:
Naries Guest House or similar
Distance:
Springbok Area - 150km
Day 3
Clanwilliam: Clanwilliam Hotel: (BD)
A leisurely breakfast at Naries before checking out and making our way south with visits to flower spots (dependent on flowers!). In the afternoon travel through to Clanwilliam which lies at the foot of the Cedarberg Mountains. Established in early 1800 the town is one of the 10 oldest in South Africa. The town is also the centre of the Rooibos tea growing industry. There are seven national monuments in the town, including the museum. You overnight in the Clanwilliam Hotel and dinner is taken in the restaurant.
Accommodation:
Clanwilliam Hotel or similar
Distance:
Springbok to Clanwilliam - 360km
Day 4
West Coast: The Farmhouse: (BD)
A visit to the Ramskop Wildflower Garden which borders the Clanwilliam Dam and boasts 400 species of indigenous wild flowers. Depart from Clanwilliam and travel to the West Coast National Park with the possibility of visiting the Geelbek Homestead and the bird hide on the lagoon. Just inland from the secluded harbour of Saldanha Bay one finds the azure waters of the Langebaan Lagoon, focal point of the West Coast National Park. Thousands of seabird's roost on sheltered islands, pristine golden beaches stretch endlessly into the early morning mist and brooding salt marshes are home to vast concentrations of migrant waders from the northern hemisphere. During the spring the Strandveld is embroidered with a tapestry of multi-hued flowers, while in the Postberg section many antelope are to be seen in a setting that is as unique as it is idyllic. In the afternoon check into the Farmhouse Guest House or similar with dinner taken in the restaurant.
Accommodation:
The Farm House or similar
Distance:
Clanwilliam to West Coast - 300km
Day 5
Return to Cape Town (BL)
After a leisurely breakfast in the restaurant we return to Cape Town travelling via Darling looking at flowers in the area. En-route we stop for a light lunch at Evita Se Peron, Café Mosaic or one of the other great restaurants in town. Darling is a wild flower gem, a little village nestled in the hills, 75 km north of Cape Town. A kaleidoscope of wheat fields, vineyards and the immense beauty of the wild flowers makes Darling a scenically spectacular environment. It is also the home of 15 local artists including the famous Mrs Evita Bezuidenhout (faithfully portrayed by Pieter Dirk-Uys). In the afternoon visit the 800 Ha Rondeberg Private Nature Reserve which is situated on the east side of the R27 West coast Road, 63kms north of Cape town. Visitors may expect to view and be introduced to up to 100 different flowers on a casual 90 minute stroll through the veld in spring. At the low point at the end of summer this will reduce to some 20 to 30, but each will have a fascination of its own. Unless you walk in the veld, only the privileged few will ever experience these jewels. In the afternoon you reach Cape Town V&A City Lodge.
Distance
West Coast to Cape Town - 200km
Passenger Information:
Tour Code
NAM
Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Starts
07h30 Cape Town Waterfront Hotels
Vehicle
Air-conditioned vehicle to suite group size
Minimum
5 passengers
Price
R11565.00 per person sharing R14140.00 Single
Included
SATOUR Registered Guide, transportation as per itinerary, accommodation, entrance fees, information pack.
Excluded
Gratuities, drinks, laundry and items of a personal nature.
Meals
As per itinerary.
Accommodation
Naries Guest House, Clanwilliam Hotel, The Farmhouse or similar should accommodation need to be amended.
Comments
Flowers are not guaranteed but alternative activities will be arranged if there are no flowers in the area.
