The Northern Cape

The Northern Cape is physically the largest of our regions, the most sparsely populated and also one of the most diverse geographically.

Dominating much of the north and east of the region is the mighty Kalahari Desert, symbolising the unexplored heart of the continent. As well as a plethora of wildlife, large and small are its most famous residents the black-maned Kalahari Lions.

On the western side of the region is Namaqualand, an area up the coast from Cape Town, to the Namibian border, and extending some way inland. Stark but beautiful, it is typically inhospitable, but once a year after the winter rains, there is an explosion of wildflowers in springtime.

The riot of colour that accompanies the coming of the Namaqua spring flowers does reach south into the Cederberg, although it is the stunning backdrop of dramatic mountains speckled with tenacious fynbos and cut through with tortuous passes that draws people here year-round.

The area was one of the last havens of the Bushmen, or San, and their prolific rock-art.

Some of our favourite places along the Northern Cape

Great places to stay along the Northern Cape