Top nature reserves & national parks in the Northern Cape
Top nature reserves & national parks in the Northern Cape
Top nature reserves & national parks in the Northern Cape : The Northern Cape is the largest and most sparsely populated province of South Africa, hosting a number of must-see sites, from the thunderous Augrablies Falls to the serene expanses of the Kalahari Desert.
The Northern Cape has a network of beautiful diverse landscapes to admire. From the gently undulating hills of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, surrounded by red dunes and large open grasslands alive with wildlife, to the winding Orange River that passes through Augrabies Falls National Park, Northern Cape Nature Reserves and National Park deliver adventure.
In this beautiful region there is a kaleidoscope of sceneries to explore, the nature reserves of this province are a fantastic way to drink in its natural wonders in a controlled setting.
While on your South Africa Safari, here are the nature reserves worth visiting in the Northern Cape.
Namaqua National Park
The impressive Namaqua National Park is features an exciting and expansive landscape near Springbok, and a perfect choice for visitors looking for a wide variety of outdoor activities. The park lies within this vast landscape, 495 kilometers from Cape Town, and close to the little town of Kamieskroon, just off theN7 route to Namibia.
Whilst for most of the year Namaqualand is a semi-desert, July to September sees a burst of color after the rains resulting in literally millions of flowers that literally transform the landscape of the Namaqua National Park into a show that easily rivals the natural wonders on earth.
Namaqualand is an area of striking contrasts and a harsh climate that has meant that flora and fauna have to adopt or die.
The park’s landscape is dotted not only with fields of brightly colored daises in spring, but there are also quiver trees, massive granite outcrops, quartz patches, and a sky so vast, it has to be seen to be believed, a small wonder that it has been coined “big sky country”.
Namaqualand includes the Atlantic Ocean, from where it extends all the way to the small town of pofadder in the east, the Orange River to the north and beyond the little village of Garies to the South.
In Namaqua National Park, there is a circular drive perfect for the spring flower season with viewpoints along the route, a number of short nature trails, picnic sites, and a chance to see the world’s smallest tortoise.
The park is known for housing the world’s largest number of succulent species in arid region. The succulent Karoo biome is an epic way to experience the extremes and complexities nature can provide within proximity, such as desert landscapes with carpets of wildflowers nearby. From August to September, you can experience flower season and frolic between the sand and flora.
Goegap Nature Reserve
Goegap Nature Reserve lies about 15 kilometers east from Springbok, on your visit in this park you will encounter the sandy landscape with a variety of hikes to complete in the semi-desert environment. Wildlife lovers will enjoy this reserve as this Northern Cape gem has various animal species known to wander in this setting.
Goegap Nature Reserve boasts a recorded 45 mammalian species including springbok, gemsbok, the endangered Hartman’s zebra and the aardwolf among others. Bird lovers will enjoy more than 92 recorded South African bird species which can be viewed in the park including ostriches, black eagles, spotted dikkops and ground woodpeckers.
For those looking for hiking and other outdoor activities, you will be pleased to know that the reserve is home to the Myers hiking trail which is an excellent option for spotting a wide variety of wildlife. A few other hikes are laid out in the reserve varying in length (from 2 to 8 kilometers) and suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Augrabies Falls National Park
Located near the majestic Orange River, The Augrables Falls National Park is the ultimate option if you are looking to experience the wonders of a waterfall up close. The Khoi people have dubbed these falls “Aukoerebis” which translates to “place of great noise” because of the roaring surge of water that plunders down.
Picturesque names such as Moon Rock, Ararat and Echo Corner are descriptive of this rocky region, characterized by the 18 kilometer abyss of the Orange River Gorge and craggy outcrops dominating scrub-dotted plains. Klipspringer and Kokerboom (quiver trees) stand in stark silhouette against the African sky, silent sentinels in a strangely unique environment where only those that are able to adopt ultimately survive.
The 28000 hectares on both the northern and southern sides of the Orange River provide sanctuary to a diversity of species, from the very smallest succulents, birds and reptiles to springbok, gemsbok and the endangered black rhino.
The ancestors of modern history have inhabited the area surrounding the Orange River since the Early Stone Ag. During this time, there is evidence that early man had developed weapons for hunting animal like hippos. They know to establish themselves near good water sources like the Orange River.
The animals in Augrabies Falls National Park can survive in extreme high and low temperatures. Smaller animals make use of whatever shade is available as well as burrows, rock crevices and fallen trees. The types of animals that have made these adaptations are the slender mongoose, the yellow mongoose, and rock dassies. The cape clawless otter is an interesting mammal found in the Augrabies, their presence in the park indicates that the river ecosystem is relatively healthy.
The giraffes found in Augrabies are lighter in color than those found in the regions of the east, as a counter measure for the extreme heat. One of the most often seen antelopes is the Klipspringer which are often seen in pairs. Other antelope found in the park are steenbok, springbok, gemsbok, Kudu and elands.
Predators found in Augrabies Falls National Park include leopard, black backed jackals, caracal, the bat-eared fox, and the African wild cat.
