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Imagine Africa  >  Destinations  >  South Africa  >  Northern Cape
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Northern Cape

From the open savannahs and rolling red dunes of the Kalahari Desert, to the beautiful carpet of vibrant flowers that cover Namaqualand each year, the Northern Cape is an alluring destination. The largest of South Africa’s provinces, visitors come here to experience the magic of the wilderness; to see the black-maned lion; the spectacular display of wild flowers and the iconic red desert sands.

The Northern Cape is equivalent to the size of Germany, covering almost a third of South Africa, but with only 2% of the country’s population. Bordering both Namibia and Botswana, the province incorporates South Africa’s longest river, the Orange River, which rises in the Drakensberg Mountains, flowing westwards, all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. Added to that, the river basin extends to both neighbouring countries.

One of the area’s biggest attractions is the wild flowers that blanket the usually arid dusty plains of Namaqualand during late August and early September. The riot of red, orange, purple and yellow flowers is a sight that never ceases to amaze, whether you drive, hike or bike, through this spectacular floral display. With over 3,500 different plant species, watching the butterflies skip and dance through this miracle of nature is one of our favourite sights.

The busy little town of Springbok lies at the heart of Namaqualand and we think it makes a great base from which to explore the area. There is plenty of scope to experience a range of activities here, including discovering the nature trails by 4x4, on foot, or mountain bikes. Or, for those that prefer to relax on the water, we’d suggest a rafting trip, or a spot of fishing on the Orange River. The area also has some atmospheric ancient Bushman rock art and a guided visit is the perfect way to discover more about the area’s first hunter-gatherers, the San people.

But for those looking to experience South Africa’s last great wilderness, we recommend immersing yourself in the Kalahari dunes. This southern part of the desert, is green desert, containing semi-arid grassland with open savannahs, which is rich in a diverse array of habitats. Sheltered by the Korannaberg Mountains, the land supports 80 species of mammal and over 240 species of birds. The area is also malaria-free, making this a great option for a family safari. You will see plenty of plains game, including zebra, buffalo, giraffe and many different types of antelope. These attract all the large predators, including the famous black-maned lion. This is also one of the best places in the country to see the excitable meerkat, along with rarer species, such as aardvark, pangolin, honey badger and African wild cat.

We would recommend staying on a private reserve for an intimate safari experience, where the number of people and vehicles on a game drive is strictly controlled. With a range of children’s activities, as well as the opportunity to experience guided walks, horseback safaris and hot air ballooning over the Kalahari, we think the personal approach offered by a private reserve makes for a truly unforgettable experience.

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Northern Cape, South Africa

Lying on the edge of the Kalahari, Tswalu offers luxurious accommodation in two camps, The Motse and Tarkuni, which can accommodate up to 16 and 10 guests respectively. Both camps are a great option for families and children are well looked after.

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa

Located on the 91st dune within the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, !Xaus Lodge sits on raised decks with a magnificent view overlooking a huge salt pan. This community run lodge offers complete seclusion in a beautiful park in South Africa.

!Xaus Lodge

Upington, Northern Cape

Located just outside of Upington, African Vineyard is a guest house and wellness spa that offers a relaxing stay amongst lush vineyards. Guests can enjoy being pampered in the guest house, or can explore some of the beautiful area.

African Vineyard

Northern Cape, South Africa

Situated in the tranquil surrounds at the gateway of the Northern Cape, Papkuilsfontein Guest Farm is a collection of charming cottages in a beautiful setting. The idyllic location lends itself to a magnificent canyon close by and a stunning landscape.

Papkuilsfontein Guest Farm

Northern Cape

Sitting just outside of Kakamas, Vergelegen Country Guesthouse is surrounded by lush green vineyards and is nestled within the Orange River Valley. Close to the Augrabies Falls National Park Vergelegen is a great base from which to explore.

Vergelegen Country Guesthouse

Northern Cape, South Africa

Naries Namakwa is a romantic hideaway on the edge of the Spektakelberg between Springbok and Kleinzee. Its unique mountain suites, cosy cottages and manor house provide guests with scenic surrounds for anyone wishing to enjoy this famed flower region.

Naries Namakwa Retreat

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Cape Town, Western Cape, Namakwaland & Northern Cape

Perfect for self-drivers looking for stunning scenery, incredible flowers and plenty of outdoor activities, this trip offers something completely different from the rest of South Africa.

14 nights from $4906 per person Spectacular scenery, Beach, Walking & Trekking

South Africa in Bloom

Kalahari & Grootbos Reserve, South Africa

This luxurious itinerary is an absolute must for any nature and wildlife enthusiasts, with opportunities to see the lesser spotted nocturnal species of the Kalahari such as pangolins and aardvarks, before enjoying a floral paradise where whales migrate along the coast line.

7 nights from $10693 per person Food & Drink, Luxury, Beach

Wildlife of South Africa - Pangolins to Whales

South Africa, Namibia, Victoria Falls

This epic trip across southern Africa offers some of the highlights of what South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe have to offer. Almost completely self-drive, you'll have the independence to see some of the most incredible African landscapes on offer, find some big game and experience new cultures.

31 nights from $9435 per person Off the beaten track, Spectacular scenery, Highlights

Epic Southern Africa & Falls

Northern Cape, South Africa

Get off the beaten track in South Africa to explore the vast and uninterrupted landscape and scenery of the lesser visited Northern Cape. Perfect for self-drivers, this trip offers everything from beautiful scenery, blossoming flowers, and even animals.

14 nights from $4806 per person Off the beaten track, Spectacular scenery, Walking & Trekking

Off The Beaten Track South Africa

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Northern Cape, South Africa

Spend your days exploring and relaxing in the peaceful surrounds of the Papkuilsfontein Farm. With never ending views and lush fauna and flora, the farm is perfect for those who love to get out and about and back to nature.

Activities at Papkuilsfontein

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa

Spend your time at !Xaus Lodge trying out a range of activities designed to take you out and about exploring the dunes of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, learning about how the bushman once lived in the area and marvelling at the bright night sky.

Activities at !Xaus Lodge

Augrabies, Northern Cape

Visit the Augrabies Falls National Park to experience the impressive Augrabies Falls and to try out some of the hiking trails around the park.

Visit Augrabies Falls

Madikwe, South Africa

Madikwe is a 'Big Five' safari destination, teeming with wildlife. Whilst on a drive, you should keep an eye out for lion, elephant, black & white rhino, buffalo, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, spotted & brown hyena, and a whole array of plains game.

Game Drives in Madikwe

Madikwe, South Africa

Bush Walking is the closest you get to the essence of the African wilderness. No car engine, no interruptions, just you and nature. With professional guides reading spore on the ground and teaching you the way of the wild this experience is captivating.

Guided Bush Walks in Madikwe

Northern Cape, South Africa

Enjoy a scenic drive through Namaqualand and take in the incredible scenery of the Northern Cape. Divided by the Orange River and covering around 440,000 sq km, this area is both vast and beautiful, especially if travelling during the flower season.

Explore Namaqualand

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We want to be really clear about this. We offer amazing value. Tailor-made does not have to mean expensive, it simply means attention to every detail of your trip that will be designed by a true expert.

Here at Imagine Africa, we are so confident that we offer the best value on the market that we have a price promise. If you find the exact same holiday cheaper with another UK tour operator, then we promise to beat their price by £50.

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Rest assured that all our holidays are 100% financially protected. Our ATOL bond protects holidays booked in the UK with flights. Our ABTOT bond protects holidays which are booked without flights or those booked outside the UK, either with or without flights.

Protection means that in the unlikely event that we become insolvent; your holiday will be refunded or you will be repatriated if already travelling or have flights with us.

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