Resource Mobilisation To Revamp Addo’s Hapoor Dam
Addo Elephant National Park’s (AENP) well-known Hapoor Dam is the biggest in the Park. It is frequented by dozens of elephants and other species d...
South African National Parks (SANParks) would like to update guests 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 in bloom.
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. It is very difficult to predict how the season will actually turn out towards September, but hopefully with the current good rains it could last a while”.
A constant soft rain has fallen the past few days and more rain is predicted, interspersed with sunny days.
Orange daisies (Ursinia sp.) are still the dominant species at Skilpad. Varkiesknol (Herria elongata) in particular are blooming in big patches. Cattails (Bulbinella latifolia) are now at their peak in the small section in the park. Other species appearing are Meidesterte ((Lapeirosia sp.); Sporries (Heliophila sp) and Bobbejaantjies (Babiana sp).
The N7 all the way from Van Rhyns Dorp to Steinkopf has some very good patches on the roadside and adjacent land, particularly purple vygies.
The road to Skilpad from Kamieskroon was graded but has some slight rain damage.
“For those guests with a 4×4 vehicle the coastal section from the Spoeg river to the Groen river is really a must-see for a variety of species and colours. We expect the coastal flowers to last quite a while,” said Van Lente.
Rainfall, Skilpad section, Namaqua National Park:
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
Email: [email protected]