Top 3 Hikes in the Northern Cape

Northern Cape, the largest and most beautiful province in South Africa, is a natural tapestry. Its diverse landscape, ranging from the rocky Kalahari Desert to the vibrant Namaqualand flower region, offers nature enthusiasts a unique and unforgettable experience.

• A Floral Festival: July and August in the Northern Cape is a rainbow of colours as flowers in Namaqualand burst into bloom, colouring the desert landscape in a stunning floral display. Nature's miracle is stunning, and it draws visitors from across the globe.
• Wildlife Sanctuary: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, a South Africa-Botswana bilateral conservation park, hosts an exciting variety of wildlife. "Big Five" – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo – roam the grassland freely along with omnipresent antelope herds and the rare Kalahari lion. The park provides unparalleled game watching and animal photography.
• Hiking Paradise: The picturesque landscape and diverse ecosystems of the Northern Cape create a paradise for hiking and trekking. The area offers various hiking trails that you can pick from, so you can find the adventure that is most appropriate for your skills and interests.

Here are three of the Northern Cape's best hiking trails

Klipspringer Hiking Trail

The Klipspringer Hiking Trail, a challenging three-day hike, in the breathtaking Augrabies Falls National Park of the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. This harsh wilderness, sculpted by the relentless force of the Orange River, offers an unforgettable and unique hiking experience.

• The Augrabies Geologic Wonder of Augrabies Falls: For more than a million years, the magnificent Orange River, Africa's longest river, has carved its course through the old granite landscape to produce the majestic Augrabies Falls. The majestic waterfall cascading over a series of cliffs is a testament to nature's power. The vast catchment of the river, ranging from the Lesotho mountains, the Vaal River catchment, and the Free State and Gauteng parts, is responsible for the magnitude of the power.
• A Difficult Hike: Klipspringer Trail is designed for adults seeking physical and mental challenge. Moderately to difficult nature of the trail during May to October demands good physical fitness along with best-grade mental toughness. The trail is closed due to excessive heat from mid-October to late March.
• Three Days of Wilderness Adventure: Three-day Klipspringer Trail affords walkers a chance to get fully surrounded by the untouched beauty of Augrabies Falls National Park. The trail traverses varied landscapes from dry canyons to serene riverbanks, with sweeping views and partial sights of elusive flora and fauna.

Namaqua Flower Hunt Hike Trail

Flee to Jakkalswater Guestplaas, a hidden oasis in the depths of Namaqualand's outback. Only 13 kilometres from Springbok, the nature sanctuary will be in wait.

• Your Basecamp: Jakkalswater Guest Farm: Arrive at 2:00 PM, set up camp, and supper at 6:00 PM. All equipment can be found at Jakkalswater (you are welcome to bring your own tent and sleeping bag). Set out on a spine-tingling journey over Namaqualand's breathtaking landscape. Your journey begins at the serene getaway of Jakkalswater Gasteplaas in this floral wonderland.
• Day 1: Nababeep Natural Wonders: 12-16 km hike to Nababeep, multicoloured wildflower village. Gaze in awe at the natural treasure, the Glory Hole, and stroll through quaint Namaqua Rocky outcrops on the return journey.
• Day 2: Okiep Mountain Splendour: Walk 14 kilometers to the quaint old mining town of Okiep. Ascend the mountains using the old OCC road, keen eyes for the elusive Klipbok in the Copper Mountains.
• Day 3: Secrets of Modderfontein: Walk 12-16 kilometers to the nature lover's paradise of Modderfontein. Explore unusual rock formations, soak up the vibrant wildflowers, and discover natural springs teeming with birdlife.
• Days 4 & 5: Delights at the Beach and Historical Sites:
• Day 4 is about breaking camp and a brief hike at Komaggas, followed by arrival at Houthoop. Day 5 is about a 16 km hike along the coast to Kleinzee, then delving into the fascinating history of diamond prospecting and local mythology at the Kleinzee Museum. End the day with a cozy campfire night in Houthoop.
• Departure: Depart Houthoop at 11 AM, with memories of your Namaqualand adventure.

Diamond Coast Trail

The Diamond Discovery Trail is a three-day self-guided trail, along the beautiful Diamond Coast of Namaqualand in the Northern Cape. This approximately 50km trail winds its way through the private farming villages of Kleinzee, offering a unique opportunity to explore the rugged splendour of this out-of-the-way region.

• A Guided Adventure: Your adventure is led by a very experienced and expert guide, FGASA (Field Guides Association of South Africa) and DEAT (Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism) trained. Your safety is assured, and informed knowledge of the area's rich history, geology, and ecology will be given.
• A Physically Demanding Walk: The Diamond Discovery Trail is a physically demanding walk, and sufficient physical fitness is necessary. The walk includes soft sand, scrub, beach walking, harder ground, and rocky outcrops. Even though temperate sea climate and sea breezes moderate the climate, dress in seasonally appropriate clothing is recommended.
• Essential Precautions: Please note that along the trail, there is no drinking water, and thus one needs to carry sufficient water to stay hydrated. There are no toilets provided along the trail as well, and hence please use bush toilet precautions so that there is minimal damage caused to the environment.
• Potential Dangers: Although Diamond Discovery Trail is an experience to remember, one must always be aware of potential dangers. They are venomous snakes, spiders, and scorpions, and thorny plants and rough country. To minimize the dangers of heat stroke, wind, sun, and open-fire cooking of food, one must take proper precautions, e.g., wear protective gear, apply sunscreen, and consume water in copious amounts.

With proper planning and in the presence of your experienced guide, you will be able to make a worthwhile and safe trek along the Diamond Coast.

Northern Cape Trekking Rules

Plan ahead by reading through the specific trail that you intend to use, e.g., how difficult it is, how long, and what payment must be made.

• Pack Items: Pack sufficient water, sunscreen, hat, and necessary equipment.
• Respect Nature: No litter and follow park rules.
• Employ a Guide: You may hire a local guide familiar with the terrain to help you navigate your hike and provide security.
• Watch Out for Weather: Check weather patterns and avoid hiking when it's hot or the weather is poor.

If you stick to these guidelines and choose one of the many wonderful hiking trails of the Northern Cape, then you are free to go on a lifetime journey by this wonderful province.