Things to do in Northern Cape, South Africa: The Best Nature & Parks

March 22, 2022 Velvet Mowry

The Northern Cape (Afrikaans: Noord-Kaap; Tswana: Kapa Bokone) is the largest and most sparsely populated province of South Africa. It was created in 1994 when the Cape Province was split up. Its capital is Kimberley. It includes the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park, part of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, an international park shared with Botswana. It also includes the Augrabies Falls and the diamond mining regions in Kimberley and Alexander Bay. The Namaqualand region in the west is famous for its Namaqualand daisies. The southern towns of De Aar and Colesberg, in the Great Karoo, are major transport nodes between Johannesburg, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. In the northeast, Kuruman is known as a mission station and also for its artesian spring, the Eye of Kuruman. The Orange River flows through the province, forming the borders with the Free State in the southeast and with Namibia to the northwest. The river is also used to irrigate the many vineyards in the arid region near Upington.
Restaurants in Northern Cape

1. Felidae Centre

Bloemfontein road, Kimberley South Africa +27 82 900 0567 [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/Felidae-Centre-216869621676248/
Excellent
84%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 37 reviews

Felidae Centre

Pradator park which protect animals and give people a great opportunity to be close to the animals on a natural manner and support the animals in a way which can make their lives better. Learn animals close up and see lions where they eat and protect their territory

Reviewed By dazmufc77

felidae centre is a amazing place run by a lovely family who dedicate there lives to rescuing and looking after animals.its a must place to visit if your in kimberley

2. Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve

Nieuwoudtville South Africa +27 27 218 1150 http://www.facebook.com/Oorlogskloof-Nature-Reserve-586040018185524/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 6 reviews

Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve

3. Orange River

Groblershoop South Africa +27 21 975 9727 http://amanzitrails.co.za/orange-river-rafting
Excellent
66%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 32 reviews

Orange River

Reviewed By SandraG1278 - Chester, United Kingdom

Our safari was with " on the go " the first stop was Cape Town , after that we stayed by the Orange river and went canoeing , it was fabulous

4. Namaqualand

South Africa +27 27 712 2820 http://www.namaqualand.com
Excellent
69%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 48 reviews

Namaqualand

The home of the Nama people, Namaqualand draws thousands of visitors every year to watch buds turn into yellow, orange and purple blooms.

Reviewed By jmaison - Santa Fe, United States

We saw Namaqualand with Toere Namakwa/Namakwa Tours and they were fantastic! We would NEVER have seen what we saw on our own -- and perhaps not with other tour companies. Mike and Marne, the tour owners, are very knowledgeable about the flowers -- and where to find them -- as well as all the other flora and the fauna, tool. Visiting a quiver tree forest was a highlight -- I really want a quiver tree! We learned about all sorts of things on the tour, from how to produce roobos tea to prehistoric pictographs, from pollinators to poets -- it was ALL FABULOUS! Our hotel accommodations were wonderful and the food! Oh, the food, so, so delicious. Sumptuous picnics everyday were a great delight. I cannot say enough good things about Namaqualand, toruing with Namakwa Tours and everyone who made our trip special and spectacular.

5. Augrabies Falls National Park

Augrabies Falls National Park South Africa +27 54 452 9200 http://www.sanparks.org/parks/augrabies/
Excellent
48%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 497 reviews

Augrabies Falls National Park

Reviewed By KLNature - Le Havre, France

So much more than just a waterfall! Strolling amongst the rocks provides excellent photo opportunities of flat lizards and the drive to the quiver tree area have some superb views.

6. Rooipoort Nature Reserve

Kimberley South Africa +27 53 839 4455
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

Rooipoort Nature Reserve

7. Richtersveld National Park

South Africa [email protected] https://www.sanparks.org/parks/richtersveld/
Excellent
70%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 44 reviews

Richtersveld National Park

This remote nature reserve in northern Namaqualand is characterized by mountainous wilderness, rugged kloofs and dramatic landscapes bordering the Orange River.

Reviewed By mrtoerien - Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Having just returned from a guided 4x4 tour of Namaqualand/Richtersveld, I have nothing but praise and admiration for the leaders/organisers of this unforgettable experience. From the minute we assembled with the members in the group at Pofadder, on 9 September, we were welcomed, put at ease and nurtured through an unknown and challenging adventure. Three mature ladies, with no experience of this type of travel or terrain, set out bravely, but blindly, in a small, fully-laden Jeep, to join 17 other vehicles, with very experienced 4x4 enthusiasts, on an unforgettable 1400km journey to observe the beauty of the wildflowers and conquer the challenges of the stark, ever-changing landscape. Each of our guides, leaders, chefs and assistants was amazingly knowledgeable, capable, patient and helpful. We stopped in the most unlikely places and were shown the most well-concealed specimens, all the while hearing interesting anecdotes and stories. Damaged tyres were replaced, vehicles were refuelled and punctures were fixed with quiet efficiency and speed. We dined in style each day, and were even blessed with hot showers, en route! Our dinner and stay in Pofadder and accommodation and meals in van Rhynsdorp were exceptionally good and we all headed home a little rounder than we were before.(This despite the physical effort of pitching and dismantling the tent, each day.) The camaraderie between the tour members was delightful and, despite the fact that we three (dubbed "The Britte" ) often required some TLC from our Afrikaans companions, we felt quite at home and are proud to have completed the adventure, with their help and support. This tour certainly catered for both the flower fundis and the more feisty 4x4 fellas! Thank you, one and all. Merle Toerien, Dianne Horwitz and Odette Vosloo

8. Mokala National Park

Kimberley South Africa +27 53 204 0158 http://www.sanparks.org/parks/mokala/
Excellent
53%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 165 reviews

Mokala National Park

Reviewed By brentr382 - Stellenbosch, South Africa

Very pleasantly surprised by this park. Great sightings of rare game (Sable and Roan antelope, Rhinos). Stayed at the Motswedi campsite which was amazing. Only 6 sites surrounding a watering hole providing a constant stream of game. For a short stay, I suggest the southern section of the park (Motswedi Campsite or Most Lodge), nicer scenery and all of our game sightings were in the Southern section. Well worth 2 or 3 nights!

9. Namaqua National Park

South Africa +27 84 299 5777 http://www.sanparks.org/parks/namaqua/
Excellent
70%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 97 reviews

Namaqua National Park

Reviewed By kobusvolschenk55 - George, South Africa

Flowers galore, beautiful rock formations, stunning gravel road pass to Soebatsfontein with a return trip vai Grootvlei pass. Weather permitting you can see flower from as early as 10h00 until about 16h00, no cold wind or clouds, makes a beautiful display. They had some good rains and in certain places the road was not in a very good condition. This is dirt road country and you say thank you for the rain and drive a bit slower to avoid the wash ways.

10. Tankwa Karoo National Park

Calvinia South Africa +27 27 341 1927 http://www.sanparks.org/parks/tankwa/
Excellent
52%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 97 reviews

Tankwa Karoo National Park

Reviewed By JoeV131 - Cape Town, South Africa

Fantastically rustic experience riding though on Dual Purpose motorcycles. Would be difficult with a sedan car due to rutted road and high road clearance required on sections, especially the Gannaga Pass. Overall a fantastic experience with a great lodge at the pass summit for an overnight.

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