Travel tips for the Northern Cape of South Africa

Northern Cape is the largest of South Africa’s provinces and the least populated. Despite this, the Northern Cape has much to offer visitors, whether their interests lie in the origins of the diamond industry, the Anglo-Boer War, wildlife, the brilliant spring flowers of Namaqualand, sailing canoe down the mighty Orange River or enjoy the clear skies. and Hantam and Upper Karoo open spaces.

WEATHER: The Northern Cape experiences a wide range of weather conditions due to the respective regions and altitudes. The North Cape enjoys a summer rain, but this is rare. The summer months have long, hot summer days and cool nights. Winter days are mild, but nights are bitterly cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Snow in winter and severe frosts at night are common.

SHOPPING: There are many shopping centers, craft shops and many ethical vendors on the beach. Good buys include mohair products like sweaters, rugs, and blankets; the famous Karoo Lamb, nuts, diamonds, jewels and gems.

TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS:

The diamond field:

This area is known as the grassland country of southern Africa, with sun-kissed plains covered in grass and thorny acacia trees. For geologists, this is a bewildering delight, and for the tourist, the “Diamond Road” is an exciting journey that takes one back in time.

Kimberly:

Today, the city is a prosperous and prosperous metropolis that deserves the title of “the diamond capital of the world”. The city is primed for tourists, with much to offer in terms of accommodation, restaurants, shopping malls, and attractions. See a replica of the city during the greatest diamond run the world has ever seen, as well as ‘Eureka’, the world’s first recorded diamond find at the Big Hole museum and Kimberley Mine.

Groenriviersmond:

The coastal estuary of Groenriviersmond (Mouth of the Green River) lies to the south-west of Garies and offers excellent opportunities for fishing and diving with crayfish.

Namaqualand:

Spring sees this region transform from a desert landscape into a carpet of colorful wildflowers, attracting many visitors. Also a playground for the adventure tourist, the region offers hiking, canoeing and 4×4 trails. The coast is popular with fishermen and is home to a thriving crayfish industry. Diamonds are also mined from the sea and copper is also mined. The world famous Richtersveld National Park is located in this region.

Hantam Karoo:

Millions of years ago, this area was an inland sea and over time it has been transformed into an arid and rugged landscape with wide plains and open mountains. This region is known to astronomers for its remarkable night skies and is home to the South African Astronomical Observatory. The region is also known for its spring wildflowers and is home to the rare Sterboom.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park:

Africa’s first transboundary park, Kgalagadi, the ‘land of thirst’, is shared and crosses the border into Botswana to facilitate wildlife migration and the movement of predators in the wild; Red sand dunes, sparse vegetation, and dry Nossob and Auob riverbeds ensure excellent wildlife viewing and photography opportunities. Fifty-eight mammal species and more than 400 plant species share the desert and dry savannah, while approx. 260 species of birds, including at least 20 species of large raptors, share the sky.

Richtersveld National Park:

Richtersveld, the largest mountainous desert park in southern Africa, is 160,000 hectares of lava mountains and sandy plains situated in the north-western bend of the Orange River. It is also one of the most precious and fragile ecosystems in the world. Its strange rock formations shaped and sculpted by the wind and the sun, it is a land for those willing to ‘rough it up’. Visitors can explore the area from the comfort of a 4×4 or by paddling along stretches of the river.

Green Kalahari:

Dominating this region are lush vineyards and the mighty Orange River, winding its way through a giant valley. Not to be missed are the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and the Augrabies Falls National Park, with its famous Black Rhino Adventure.

Augrabies Falls National Park:

Augrabies Falls, which is one of the five largest waterfalls in the world, plunges 56m into a turbulent, rippling whirlpool of foam, mist and rainbows that is said to contain untold riches of diamonds and a river monster. This is where the black rhino can be found and visitors can also go on game drives.

Kalahari:

The sun-kissed Kalahari, with its ancient, rolling landscape and endless horizons, evokes memories of a land before time. This region is home to “El Ojo”, a permanent and abundant source of daily water. Hunting in the area is popular and the Kalahari is home to over 40 species of raptors and vultures and 7 species of owls.

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