A Guide to Exploring the Northern Cape of South Africa
When you think of South Africa, often what springs to mind is the cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg, but the country has so much more to offer.
Nestled between these two tourist hotspots you can find the vast Northern Cape province that encompasses a multitude of natural wonders.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history lover or a wildlife enthusiast, this region offers a holiday for everyone.
In this guide, we take you through four of our must-visit locations within this often-overlooked breathtaking province.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Located in the heart of the Kalahari Desert, you can find the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
The park spans across the borders of South Africa and Botswana, and is home to an incredibly diverse range of wildlife.
From lions and cheetahs to leopards and meerkats, the park presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness these creatures in their natural habitats.
A popular way to explore the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is by car, and you can even drive the vehicle yourself.
Not to worry though, there are established roads to follow that allow visitors to navigate the park safely and at their own pace.
Kimberley
Kimberly is the capital city of the Northern Cape province.
Known as the ‘Diamond City’, Kimberly was home to the great diamond rush which has forever impacted the landscape.
Even today, visitors can explore the remnants of the diamond mining era and learn more about its fascinating history.
What’s more, Kimberly is home to the famous Big Hole.
It gets its name from the large abandoned mining pit which would’ve once been a large diamond mine, but now is a popular tourist attraction.
Partially filled with luscious turquoise waters, it’s a surprisingly beautiful sight to behold.
Augrabies Falls National Park
For beautiful cascading waterfalls and rugged rock faces, make sure to visit Augrabies Falls.
South Africa’s Orange River runs down across the park’s granite cliffs, creating a view that is sure to take your breath away.
To reach the best viewing point, you’ll have a variety of different options. The park is home to a range of hiking paths, but also offers canoeing, kayaking and even 4×4 trails for the more adventurous.
Whichever method you choose, make sure to keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that inhabit the area, such as the African wild cat and the bat-eared fox.
Namaqua National Park
For those who prefer flora to fauna, take a trip to Namaqua National Park. Situated in the heart of the Namaqualand region, this park is known for its spectacular spring flower display.
While the landscape may seem rather lacklustre for most of the year, during the months of August and September, millions of wildflowers come out to bloom.
There are plenty of trails to choose from that wind through its floral landscape, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the wildflowers as far as the eye can see.
The Northern Cape of South Africa should not be overlooked.
It’s a destination that has everything you could want – diverse wildlife, captivating landscapes, adrenaline-fuelled activities and a historically rich culture.
