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 The Northern Cape is a vast terrain that changes texture and hue at every mile. It is an outdoor enthusiasts haven, with teeming wildlife, unique flora and endless horizons. It is also a land of many diverse cultures, frontier history and brave missionaries. It has countless challenges for the adrenaline junkies, hikers, hunters and 4x4 adventurers. Much of life and adventure is dependent on the sweeping tide of the Orange River, a 2000 km stretch of natural magnificence. Add to this, the Kalahari. This red desert is like a colossal river of another kind, supporting flora and fauna rarely seen or recreated anywhere else on the planet.
 Sutherland, the coldest town in South Africa, is well known as the star gazing capital with the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) recently opened at the South African Astronomical Observatory. There are also many 4x4 routes, walks, a museum, an Anglo Boer War graveyard and much more.
From Cape Town, pass through the town of Citrusdal and Clanwilliam to Vanrhynsdorp, where one can get advice on the best areas for wild flowers.
The most spectacular event in Namaqualand is the transformation of the drab veld in a blaze of colour when the spring flowers bloom during years when the winter rains and other weather conditions have been favourable. The orange-coloured Namaqualand daisy, dimorphotheca predominates, but splashes of white, yellow, purple and red reflect a wide range of species. The flowers may bloom at any time from August to September, depending on the rainfall.
Springbok situated between granite hills, is the 'capital' of Namaqualand and the centre of the coastal diamond mining areas as well as of the copper mining activities of Okiep and Nababiep. The stone oven in which copper was first smelted, dating back to 1866, is a national monument and can be seen in town.
Further north is the Richtersveld National Park, an area managed jointly by the local Nama people and South African National Parks. It is South Africa’s only mountain desert. This is a harsh and unpredictable land that depends on the scarce waterand life-sustaining moisture that comes in the form of an early morning fog, called ‘Ihuries’ by the local people. The park has the largest concentration of succulents.
The Augrabies Falls National Park - The name is derived from the Hottentot word "Aukoerebis", appropriately meaning 'the place of the big noise'. Here, the Orange River plunges 148m in one leap and cascades a further 43m to constitute the fifth highest waterfall in the world. A foot-bridge has been erectedacross the ravine at the main fall. From April to December the river is low and there is a clear view of the grandeur of the gorge which the Orange River has excavated for a distance of 18km over a period of millions of years. Accommodation is in self-contained huts and camping is allowed.
 Upington on the banks of the Orange River, is the main town in this intensively cultivated, irrigated area of the lower Orange River Valley, yielding rich harvests of lucerne, cotton, sultanas, peaches, oranges, grapes and dates. The patchwork pattern of these irrigated lands contrast strongly with the aridity of the semi-desert which stretches in both directions. The longest palm avenue (1 041 m) in the world can be seen here. The municipal library houses a fine collection of semi-precious stones.
Kgalagadi transfrontier Park – 260 kms from Upington, the Kgalagadi transfrontier Park, one of the largest conservation areas in the world, is the result of a vision shared by South Africa and Botswana. With no surface water and an annual rainfall of only 200 mm, wildlife often have to rely on waterholes and tsamma melons as their sole water supply.
Kimberley, home to the Kimberley Mine or the Big Hole, the most famous diamond mine in the world. Around the hole a shanty town sprang up, and the new town, New Rush, was born. In 1873 the mushrooming town’s name was changed to Kimberley, in honour of the Earl of Kimberley, British Secretary of State for the Colonies. With the discovery of diamonds, Kimberley was created and with it the great wealth of the empires of this diamond era.
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