Colourful flowers and endless blue skies along South Africa’s deserted West Coast.
The beauty of the flowers that line the western coast of Southern Africa are breathtaking. Standing in the fields, I felt completely overwhelmed by the immense natural landscape coloured with the brightest flowers I’ve ever seen in nature. The vast emptiness accompanied dirt roads that led to other dirt roads and small towns with just a handful of people.
Every afternoon I couldn’t wait to drive and see the flowers, that, just like me, only enjoy getting up at 10 and hanging out in the sun until 4.
We started in Clanwilliam (the prequel to this story) and drove north on the N7 towards Garies; and ate a pretty great chicken burger at Garies Farm Stall, where they have the coolest Garies swag. Heading away from civilization (with a full tank of petrol – there was no where to refuel ahead), the road turned into gravel all the way to Hondeklipbaai, where the road was still unpaved. Passing other more equipped cars, SUV’s and trucks reminded me that the best way to do this road trip is in one of them and not in our, inconveniently low to the ground Golf.
Our little car slowly trudged along all the way to Namaqua National Park. Up there, there is even less, with an even greater reward of nearly painted landscapes. The pinks were hot pink on flowers that had ribbons for petals. The radiant yellow daisies were sturdy little things that could withstand the ocean breeze. The endless fields looked snow covered with white petals. It was unreal.
I would do this trip again in a heartbeat and if you are in South Africa late August, early September you should try to make it happen.
Pondokkes in Hondeklip Bay. Click here for the Hondeklipbaai website that lists all of the accommodation in town.
Red sand beach in Hondeklipbaai just outside the town.
Everyone in this town has a sea view.
A view of the entire town.
The namesake ‘dog stone’.
The Aristea Shipwreck:
A dangerous playground of metal, the very cool Aristea was a fishing boat that apparently tipped over because the captain was a little too drunk in 1945.
Namaqua National Park, South Africa:
The actual park is only accessible by a regular car from a few places. Hondeklipbaai to the coastal extension is just about 30 minutes away. Skilpad is much closer to the N7 and much further from Hondekilpbaai, better to reach when coming from the highway side.
During flower season there are special luxury tented camps set up, where you can wake up among the flowers, they will also provide meals and warm heated beds. Throughout the year you can contact Namaqua National Park and ask about their chalets and camping sites.
There isn’t a lot of cell phone service so a map is very helpful or at least a picture of one on your phone. For South African residents the entrance to the park is much cheaper.
Helpful contacts:
Namaqua National Park –
Park phone number: +27 (0)27 672 1948
Website: http://www.sanparks.co.za/parks/namaqua
Email: elanza.vanlente@sanparks.org
About park accommodation: http://www.sanparks.co.za/parks/namaqua/tourism/accommodation.php
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