News

South African National Parks (SANParks) would like to inform guest about the flowers in Namaqua National Park this season. The Flower season usually starts in July and lasts until September. This is a great opportunity for photographers to get some beautiful shots of nature at her best.

According to Park Manager, Bernard van Lente, we had very early, good rains in March and April, and then a hot dry spell in May. “It seems as if the flowers are earlier than normal for Skilpad and some sections of the park”.

Currently the Skilpad area in particular looks almost like it would in peak season. The Orange daisies (Ursinia Speciosa.) are the dominant species with patches of blue and white Sporrie (Heliophila sp) in between. The first Cattails (Bulbinella latifolia) have also started to bloom.

The Soebatsfontein area of the park is spectacular in places. The road from Skilpad to Soebatsfontein is a worthwhile trip for high ground clearance vehicles only. The road from Garies to Groen river, as well as the road from Garies to Hondeklip bay around the Wallekraal area have very nice carpets of Beetle daisies (Gorteria diffusa). The Caracal Eco-trial (4×4 only) is also already worth the drive.

“For those guest with a 4×4 vehicle the coastal section from the Spoeg river to the Groen river is, as usual, good for a variety of species and colours,” said Van Lente.

Rainfall, Skilpad section, Namaqua National Park:

• March 2013: 38.09mm (most of it on 29-31 March)
• April 2013: 46.74mm
• May 2013: 12.69mm
• June 2013: 76.71mm
• July 2013: 17.02mm (to date)

Flowers from the Skilpad section of Namaqua National Park.

NNP Groenrivier: Flowers from the coastal section of Namaqua National Park.

Issued By

South African National Parks (SANParks) Corporate Communications
Tel: 012 426 5065

Enquiries

Gabrielle “Gabby” Venter
Acting Regional Communications Manager: Arid, SANParks
Tel: 012 426 5065; Cell: 083 825 9435
Email: [email protected]

Tourist enquiries:
Namaqua National Park, Skilpad Office
Tel: 027 672 1948