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afri-explore the Namaqua people are indeed very special. Please invite me when the direct translations are done. I could not agree more with your statement that “The unique character of Namaqualand and its inhabitants gave us a rich culture that should be preserved.” May what you said be taken seriously evermore. The Northern Cape Province is the most sparsely populated province in South Africa, yet there are 6 National Parks in that province and if Groen Spoeg is proclaimed it will be 7. If my calculation is correct currently 32% of all South African National Parks are in the Northern Cape Province and if Groen Spoeg is added it will be 35%.

The mind boggles......

Does anyone know the origin of Groen Spoeg.

I hope it has nothing to do with the rather off putting throaty sniffs I experience daily on the train to work......

AI, being in Amish country, Intercourse is probably very appropriate, ROFLMAO, have you seen how many wives & kids.

But Groenspoeg, AKA Gwel, AKA booger, sheeeeessss, thats gross.

I can only speculate about the origins of the names.

Remember it refers to the area between two separate rivers.

Groenrivier - "Green River" - most probably because seeing anything green in this aea calls for it to be named. Sometimes the environment looks gray and dry, but the moment you go that 3 meters into the 'normally dry' river bed you are suddenly in this deep green oasis. In the southern parts of Namibia you need to experience the area by foot or on horseback to really understand arid regions.

Spoegrivier - "spit? river". Maybe more like referring to the scarecity of water like 'spit in a pan/pot' May have been patches of water more than any stream., but you never know, it may also because of spitting cobras or anything.

I love driving through these areas and reading the names of settlements and rivers - absolutely unique.

Onderbroeksrivier - "under pants river" - wonder what the story is behind a name like that?

Just thinking a-e, maybe there were green 'spit' spots in the dry river bed when it was 'discovered'.

Onderbroeksrivier? I am sure there is some k**storie to it (cock and bull story).

Having spent a long weekend along this coastal section of the park, I thought I would share a little updated information. There are 8 campsites, 5 of which have 2 Enviro toilets each. R100 per site plus conservation fees.
Delwerskamp - 6 camps , no toilets
Kwass se baai - 4 camps , 2 toilets
Varswater – 4 camps, 2 toilets
Mosselbank (hikers only)
Bamboeskamp - 4 camps, 2 toilets
Skuinsklip – 2 camps, no toilets
Koringkorrelbaai – 5 camps, 2 toilets
Skuinsbaai Noord – camp with no facilities
Boulderbaai – 6 camps – 2 toilets
The distance between Delwerskamp and Boulderbaai is 43 km

Hope these pics give you a slight idea of the beauty of this park!




Reception


Yes, a 4 x 4 is required for these soft sandy roads


Still some pretty flowers around




Our campsite at Kwass se Baai




The stone lapa's built for some protection from bad weather, each of these have a stoned and cement demarcated braai area


This is how they have enclosed the enviro toilets


Sunsets are beautiful


I think due to the number of pics already I will need to wait a bit before I post the rest. Hopefully the page turns soon and I will continue.

Fantastic photos Dreamer, thank you for sharing.

I really need to learn how to drive a 4x4...

Stunning photos Dreamer ,and so nice to see some up todate news Thank you

All I can say is WOW!!!!!

Dreamer, thanks for sharing with us.

Just a question: Where is the office located on this route and do one just pay at the office and then choose any site along the route or must you specify in which camp you want to overnight?

I am planning to come down this route from Hondeklip Bay towards Koekenaap when returning from Kgalagadi in April 2011 and will appreciate any info you can share that might assist me.

Blackie

Hi Blackie
You need to book through a SANParks office, same procedure as for other National Parks. You book a specific camp and you will be allocated or you request a specific sight in that camp. The sight no will be on your booking form.
The reception area I showed is at the Groen Rivier side but by April they will also have a small office on the Sproeg Rivier side. You get issued with a permit as you enter.
The web availability site is not up and running yet but I believe that should appear shortly, Namaqua have requested for it be done so I am sure very soon you will be able to access it
Hope this helps Feel free to ask any more questions, if I know the answer I will assist.

Thanks for the feedback, Dreamer. I will keep an eye on their website.

Just a last question: Did you perhaps come across any vehicles towing an offroad trailer along this route. I am interested to know if the thick sandy patches will be manageable with an offroad trailer in tow?

Blackie

Lovely pics Dreamer, here's to speeding up the next load of pics

Needn't be the last question Blackie
This weekend was bliss!!! Not another vehicle or person was seen or heard in the 3 nights we were there. However, last year we saw a chap towing an offroad caravan with no problem at all. With low tyre pressures and a little more momentum you will manage just fine!! (well, so my SO tells me )

Some wildlife seen
Steenbok





This puffadder was not happy they we wanted to disturb him sunning himself. Of course as I lifted my camera he decided it time to move along


We took a drive to go and see the caves





As we approached a rock kestrel came flying out of the caves and this is the reason why she was in there Two gorgeous little chicks.


I can go on and on showing beautiful views of the bays but the idea here was just to give a short update on the progress of the Coastal section of Namaqua.
I will post a couple of sundowner pics but lets first make sure there are not too many on this page.


Pleased this has been helpful to some , we love this park and can't wait to go back. Just a pity its just a bit too far for a normal weekend. Its about 5 hours travelling from CT.