This lowland expanse at the southern edge of Namaqualand, which consists of a mosaic of quartz-strewn plains and sandy dunes, is perhaps best known for the diversity of miniature succulent plants which survive on the seemingly barren, rocky plains. It is definitely worth a brief roadside stop to see these bizarre succulents, large numbers of which can be observed adjacent to the N7 national road — for example, opposite the ‘Douse-the-Glim’ sign (22.6 km north of Vanrhynsdorp). The name Knersvlakte, or ‘gnashing plains’, probably refers to the crunching noise made by pioneers’ wagon wheels as they crossed the expanses littered with quartz stones.

Greater Kestrel and Black Crow are regularly seen at the roadside in this area, their untidy stick nests conspicuously perched on telephone poles. Few birds are present on the stony plains, and the sandy areas offer the best birding. To reach an especially rewarding spot, travel along the N7 and, 14 km north of Vanrhynsdorp, take the road to the west signposted ‘Soutfontein’ (just before the Varsch River). Continue for 3.6 km. Among the more interesting birds you should see are Namaqua Sandgrouse, European Bee-eater (spring and summer), Clapper Lark (p.116*), Karoo Lark, Spike-heeled Lark, Cape Penduline Tit (see p.81), Ant-eating Chat and Rufous-eared Warbler. Check for Pririt Batis (p.85*) in the denser vegetation along the Varsch River. Note that from Vanrhynsdorp you can visit Nieuwoudtville (p.87) and, beyond that, Bushmanland (p.86).