Dazzling floral displays are synonymous with Namaqualand: for a short period in spring, the region is carpeted with some of the world’s most impressive shows. These usually occur from about the end of August to mid-September, but can be remarkably local and susceptible to rapid wilting, so contact Flowerline (Tel: 083 9101028) for the most up-to-date information. Rather ironically, these resplendent carpets are made up of annual species, which are in fact indicators of a disturbed environment. Discerning visitors might well take some time to wander away from the masses and examine the less abundant but just as impressive selection of flowering bulbs and succulents. Indeed, Namaqua-land holds the world’s greatest diversity of succulent species, spanning a mind-boggling array of growth forms, from the minute ‘stone plants’ (a quick look on the Knersvlakte, p.104, is recom-mended), to the giant kokerbooms.

(Aloe dichotoma) whose peculiarly geometrical silhouettes characterize the skylines of northern Namaqualand.