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21 August 2013

Namaqua National Park Flower Report

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 has since rained regularly and continuously during August, with constant soft rains. The rainy weather is not conducive for good flower watching but warmer weather is being predicted for the coming week, particularly the coming weekend.”

The recent rains seems to have extended the life of the flowers and currently Skilpad is as spectacular as ever, with large orange carpets covering the Skilpad section. Specific species coming into bloom are Varkiesknol (Herria elongata); Meidesterte ((Lapeirosia sp.); Sporries (Heliophila sp); (Babiana sp) and Gazanias.

The N7 from Van Rhyns Dorp to Steinkopf has some good patches on the roadside and adjacent land, particularly purple vygies. The access road to Skilpad also has flower carpets as you approach the park but the road to Skilpad from Kamieskroon has had some rain damage but can be driven (slowly) with a normal sedan vehicle.

“For those guest with a 4×4 vehicle the coastal section of Namaqua National Park from the Spoeg river to the Groen remains excellent. We expect the coastal flowers to last quite a while,” 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: 30.99mm
  • August 2013: 39.39mm (to date)

Please note that SANParks can only speak with authority on the National park and close surrounds, but there are reports of good flowers in most other areas of Namaqua.

Namaqua flowers
Skilpad, 18 August 2013: Flowers from the Skilpad section of Namaqua National Park.

Namaqua flowers
Skilpad, 18 August 2013: Flowers from the Skilpad section of Namaqua National Park.

Namaqua flowers
Skilpad, 18 August 2013: Close up of flowers from the Skilpad Section of Namaqua National Park

Issued By

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

Media 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