Namaqualand can be roughly divided into two very different regions. Inland lies a mountainous area, dominated by imposing granitic domes and jumbles of boulders. The N7 national road cuts northwards through these mountains, linking the string of small towns that serve the region. Between the uplands and the fog-shrouded Atlantic coastline lie the shrublands of the sandy lowland plains. The Orange River, bringing much-needed fresh water from the interior of South Africa, delineates Namaqualand’s and South Africa’s northern border with Namibia as it winds through the moonscape of the parched Richtersveld before spilling into the Atlantic Ocean.

Namaqualand is best visited during August and September, when the floral displays are at their peak (see box opposite). Overall, birding is best in spring and winter, and poorest in late summer. A visit is well combined with a loop through Bushmanland. Take the N7 national road from Cape Town, travelling north to Vanrhynsdorp (p.88). From here, you can follow a loop through Bushmanland (p.86), ultimately linking to Springbok from Pofadder, and continuing southwards through Namaqualand. Alternatively, you may choose to continue north from the Knersvlakte to Springbok.