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A wild flower colour explosion in spring
Goegap Nature Reserve
Gazanias flowering in the Goegap Nature Reserve
Did you know?
Goegap Nature Reserve also contains the succulent collection called the Hester Malan Wildflower Garden.
Life in the Goegap Nature Reserve offers a different world every spring. ‘I have been here since 2006 and each flower season is a surprise package,’ says Maxie Jonk, the manager of Goegap Nature Reserve.
‘In 2006 we had an “orange” year – where the veld was alive with all the orange species you find in the wild flowers of Namaqualand, such as the gazanias. The following year the veld was so thickly carpeted with white flowers it looked like it was covered in snow. The next year the veld was dominated by Namaqualand daisies…’
A combination of when the region gets rain and the temperature variations determines what flowers the veld produces each year.
In addition to its flowers this well-maintained reserve situated 15km from the town of Springbok offers some of the best wildlife and birding in the Northern Cape.
Over 45 species of mammals are found here, including the endangered Hartmann’s zebra (also known as the Hartmann's mountain zebra), the aardwolf and the honey badger, as well a wide variety of antelope. To date, 94 species of birds have been recorded here, including the Cape eagle owl, marsh harrier and the cinnamon-breasted warbler.
The Myers hiking trail (2-8km) is an excellent option for those wanting to see a wide variety of wildlife. Several hikes are offered – from 2km to 8km to accommodate all ages and fitness levels. A 72-year-old gentleman from Holland who completed the 7km trail hike with 2 walking sticks takes line honours at the Goegap Nature Reserve.
Hikers, mountain bikers and 4x4 enthusiasts have a choice of routes and trails marked out for them, and the Goegap Mountain Bike Challenge is a hotly contested annual event.
As Maxie Jonk puts it: ‘Whatever your interests, this area is absolutely fantastic. I don’t think anybody can come here and not be touched by it. As for the stargazing and the full moon … I can assure all visitors they have never experienced anything like this.’
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Goegap Nature Reserve
Manager: Maxie Jonk
Tel: +27 (0)27 718 9906
Email: maxiejonk@gmail.com
How to get here
Follow the N7 from Cape Town up the Cape West Coast to Springbok - the journey takes about 4-5 hours - or follow the N14 from Upington. Head 15km east from Springbok to find the Goegap Nature Reserve.
Around the area
The historic towns of Springbok and Loeriesfontein are worth a visit.
Get around
It's best to drive yourself or book a Namaqualand flower tour.
Length of stay
Plan to spend 3-5 days all together in your round trip, as distances are great and the flowers don't open if it is cloudy or raining.
What to pack
Clothing for hot days and cool nights. Binoculars, walking shoes, cameras, mountain bikes.
Where to stay
Goegap has 7 campsites without electricity (approximately R30 per site per day) as well as basic but clean and neat thatched roof bush huts (approximately R100 per bush hut per day) and a self-catering guesthouse (R240 for the first 2 people and R60 per person thereafter, with a maximum of 6 people).
What to eat
Goegap Nature Reserve has a kiosk in season - from August to mid-October - where breakfasts and lunches, cold drinks and snacks are available. Out of season or if you are staying overnight, you can purchase your food and drinks in Springbok. For a lunchtime picnic or braai, there are several superbly chosen rest spots.
What's happening
The Goegap Mountain Bike Challenge is a hotly contested annual event.