Visit Namaqualand & Cederberg when visiting South Africa

NAMAQUALAND & CEDERBERG

- Namaqualand & Cederberg -

Namaqualand is a barren, sun-scorched and semi-arid flatland during the summer. While it still possesses a singular beauty all year round not unlike Namibia, it is following the winter rains, around August or September, that the vast sandy plains come alive. Millions (no, we are not exaggerating!) of wildflowers appear overnight, carpetting the landscape with hues of orange, purple, white and yellow as far as the eye can see. Spotting zebras, springbok and gemsbok leisurely grazing in these colourful surroundings, is one of the most spectacular things you will ever see.

A visit to Namaqualand is beautifully combined with the Cederberg Mountains, which sends you on a visual journey to a different world. Once you drive over the Piekenierskloof Pass, the scenery dramatically changes into wilder, raw, dramatic beauty, with the towering Cederberg mountains radiating with striking shades of orange and purple in the late afternoon light. The Cederberg is spectacularly beautiful with otherworldly rock formations and giant fissures that rip the mountains open which can be explored on one of the dozens of hiking trails. This is South Africa’s rock-climbing Shangri-La, with climbing routes ranging from beginner-easy to challenging enough that even the most skilled climber will be put through their paces.

Nowhere in South Africa has been more richly blessed with ancient San rock paintings than the Cederberg, with some sites dating back more than 30,000 years! These rock painting sites are often easily accessible by foot along trails within the Cederberg Wilderness Nature Reserve. Afterwards enjoy a dip in refreshing rock pools or under a cascading waterfall, and feel the surge of energy in your body.

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Itineraries to South Africa

The Essentials in SA- 15 Nights - Comfort 3* itinerary

Johannesburg - Kruger - Cape Town

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- Best time to go to Namaqualand & Cederberg-

Spring (August-September): The best time to visit Namaqualand and the Cederberg is in the spring months, when the flower season is in full bloom. Temperatures are pleasant and mild as the months progress into summer with maximum daytime temperatures around 25°C / 77°F.

Autumn ( April-May): Autumn may not have the beautiful spring flowers, but the weather is just as lovely with the same temperatures making it ideal for hiking and outdoor activity.

Summer (November - March): Summer can be scorching hot and arid, and not our favourite time to go to Namaqualand and the Cederberg. You can easily expect temperatures to soar to maximums of 40°C / 105°F or more. If you have activities planned like hiking, mountain biking or rock climbing, it is better to plan these for the earlier hours of the morning before the midday heat kicks in.

Winter (June - September): Winter is when Namaqualand and the Cederberg receive the majority of its rainfall, though in a semi-desert area like this that still doesn’t amount to much. Evening and mornings can be very chilly, with minimum temperatures around 0°C / 32°F.