Namaqua National Park is host to the most dramatic wild flowers

As if by magic a tapestry of brilliant colours unfold enticingly along the winding roads of the Namaqua National Park. Butterflies, birds and long-tongued flies dart around among the flowers, seemingly overwhelmed by the abundance and diversity. Every turn in the road paints an unforgettable picture: valleys filled with Namaqualand daisies and other spring flowers that pulse with sheer energy and joy. Next to some eye-catching succulents, a porcupine and a tall aloe pay witness to a baboon overturning a rock and pouncing on a scorpion. During early August and September, seemingly overnight, the dusty valleys of Namaqualand are transformed into a wonderland, carpeted with wildflowers. With its winter rainfall, Namaqualand is home to the richest bulb flora of any arid region in the world and more than a 1 000 of its estimated 3 500 plant species are found nowhere else on earth.

Escape to the land of contrasts, where the rigorous climate has created a myriad of life forms superbly adapted to their specific habitat. Fields of flowers, star studded nights, quiver trees, enormous granite outcrops and the icy Atlantic are but a few wonders that await the visitor to what is truly the Creators’ playground.

Attractions Of the Namaqua National Park

• Carpets of flower (in season)
• Quiver trees
• Klipspringer
• Black Harrier
• Quartz Patches

Namaqua National Park Facts

• Namaqua National Park is situated in the worlds only arid biodiversity hotspot?
• It is home to the worlds smallest tortoise, the Namaqua Speckled Padloper?
• It conserves the worlds richest succulent flora?
• It is world renowned for its spectacular spring flower displays?

The Skilpad Wild Flower Reserve reserve has recently been incorporated into the Namaqua National Park (proclaimed on 4 August 1999).

Skilpad Wild Flower Reserve

Situated in a mountainous area 25 km Kamieskroon. Namaqualand, a winter rainfall desert region of some 50 000 km², is recognized as a significant and threatened global centre of diversity and endemism for plants, reptiles and many invertebrates. It is home to the world’s largest and most charismatic succulent flora and is internationally renowned for it’s annual spring flower display. This unique ecosystem is seriously threatened by mining and overgrazing.

The Reserve

Skilpad Wildflower Reserve, established in 1988 by WWF South Africa (World Wide Fund for Nature), consists predominantly of shrubland and abandoned wheatlands. It is these old fields that offer a spectacular display (normally July to September). This 930 ha reserve is situated 700 m above sea level and catches much of the rain blowing in from the sea. Thus, even in years when the surrounding areas do not have great flower displays. Skilpad’s is often magnificent.

Skilpad’s Purpose

Skilpad has been established to increase public awareness of the floral heritage of Namaqualand and to conserve the indigenous flora and fauna of the area.

Name of the Reserve

During the summer months, many tortoises are seen at a seepage area close to the homestead, thus the Afrikaans name ‘Skilpad’. The original name was Skilpadsyferwater i.e. ‘Tortoise seepage water.’

Fauna

Over 150 bird species possibly occur in the area of which 89 have been confirmed. Bird lists can be purchased on the reserve. Some mammals that occur on Skilpad include steenbok, bat eared fox, dassie, baboon, mongooses, hares and many other small mammals.

Entry

The reserve is open during the flower season from 08:00 – 17:00. The flowers are at their best between 10:30 – 16:00. A fee, which is required to cover the reserve’s expenses, is payable at the start of the 5 km circular route.

Facilities

No camping or overnight facilities. Limited toilet facilities. Litter bags are provided at entrance gate. Farmstall (adjacent farm) offers light meals, refreshments, souvenirs and braai facilities