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National park · Kamieskroon, Cabo Setentrional
Namaqua National Park - Skilpad
Area of Namaqua National Park about 22 km from Kamieskroon, with former wheat fields that become covered in orange daisies during the flower season.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Namaqua National Park - Skilpad
Namaqua National Park protects a strip of Namaqualand that stretches from the Kamiesberg mountains to the Atlantic coast. The park core began as the Skilpad reserve, created in 1993 to protect the region's vegetation, and later expanded by purchasing neighboring farms.
The Skilpad area lies in the mountains, about 22 km from Kamieskroon. The granite hills trap moisture coming from the Atlantic, which is why flowering is often strong there even in drier years. In the old abandoned wheat fields, orange daisies (Ursinia) form continuous carpets during the season, together with gazanias, vygies, felicias and bulbs.
A car loop, driveable with a regular car, goes through the best-known fields. The Skilpad trail, about 5 km, crosses the flower carpets; the Korhaan, about 3 km, goes through more shrubby vegetation and usually shows greater variety.
There are park chalets in Skilpad. The coastal part of the park, with beaches and campsites, is reachable only with a 4x4 vehicle.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From half a day to a full day.
Best time
In August and September, from late morning to mid-afternoon on sunny days, when the flowers open. On cloudy days they remain closed.
How to get there
It is about 22 km northwest of Kamieskroon via dirt road, and about 495 km from Cape Town. Entrance is paid at the park office in Skilpad.
Tip
The flowers turn toward the sun: drive and photograph with the sun at your back. Do not walk on the fields outside the trails. There is no fuel station or shop in the park; refuel in Kamieskroon or Springbok.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Namaqua National Park - Skilpad
Where is the Skilpad area located?
In Namaqua National Park, about 22 km northwest of Kamieskroon.
Do you need a 4x4 in Skilpad?
No, the Skilpad area accepts regular cars. The coastal part of the park requires a 4x4.
How to see the flowers open in Skilpad?
Go on a sunny day, from late morning to mid-afternoon, with the sun at your back.
Is there anywhere to eat in Namaqua National Park?
There is no shop or restaurant in the park. Bring food and refuel beforehand.