Travel Guide Northern Cape

The hot and dry Northern Cape, South Africa's largest province, hugs the Atlantic Ocean to the west and borders Namibia and Botswana to the north. Often referred to as the "Land of Contrasts", the Northern Cape is home to Ai-Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Conservation Park, Augrabies Falls National Park and the wildlife-rich Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park which is a transnational park shared with Botswana.

Highlights

Tranquil, uncrowded game-viewing experience in malaria-free Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Private, luxurious and exclusive Big Five safari experience in Tswalu Kalahari Game Reserve on the southernmost edge of the Kalahari Desert
Visit the Namaqualand in spring when its barren plains transform into a vibrant tapestry of colourful wildflowers
Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Nama people
Some of the clearest and most spectacular views of the night sky make it a haven for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts
Visit the Augrabies Falls
Home of the Big Hole, the largest hand-dug excavation site in the world, in the historic diamond mining town of Kimberley
A landscape made for road trips, with loads of quirky towns and villages separated by endless stretches of road

The Northern Cape is characterized by a diverse range of landscapes. From the vast expanse of the Kalahari Desert to the rugged mountains of the Richtersveld, the region is home to abundant wildlife, including the famous Kalahari lions, cheetahs, meerkats, and a variety of antelope species. The summers are scorching hot and the winters are cool and each season has its own charm, offering different opportunities for exploration

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Spanning the border between South Africa and Botswana, the Kgadagadi Transfrontier Park is a vast wilderness haven for wildlife enthusiasts hoping to spot iconic African animals such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wildebeests against the backdrop of sweeping sand dunes.

Augrabies Falls National Park

Augrabies Falls National Park offers visitors hiking trails, viewpoints and bird-watching opportunities but the rugged and picturesque park is perhaps best known for the powerful waterfall cascading down the Orange River.

Namaqualand

In spring, the arid plains of Namaqualand transform into a vibrant tapestry of colourful wildflowers. This natural phenomenon attracts visitors from around the world who come to witness the astonishing display of blossoms in an otherwise barren landscape.

Tswalu Kalahari Game Reserve

Tswalu offers some of the most exclusive privately guided safaris in South Africa. Located in a vast and dramatic landscape that transitions from arid savannah to true Kalahari, Tswalu Kalahari is home to a unique range of wildlife, including many rare animal species.

Northern Cape South Africa Travel Guide Collage 4

Kimberley

Kimberley is a historic town with a rich mining heritage known as the "Diamond City". Explore the Big Hole, the largest hand-dug excavation site in the world, and visit the Kimberley Mine Museum to learn about the town's bygone diamond rush history.

Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Richtersveld is a mountainous desert region known for its unique flora and the traditional lifestyle of the Nama people. Embark on a scenic 4x4 drive, hike through otherworldly landscapes, and interact with the local community to gain insights into their rich cultural heritage.

The best place in South Africa to go stargazing

Sterland, on the road out of Sutherland towards Matjiesfontein in the Upper Karoo, has stargazing sessions of the Milky Way every night. The show starts at 20h00 and runs for approximately two hours. An indoor presentation that explains the constellations of the universe is followed by a visit to the Muisbos Amphitheatre. Sutherland's icy temperatures, crisp and unpolluted air, lack of ambient light and elevation above sea level give its night skies breathtaking brilliance and clarity.

Getting there

By air - The most convenient way to reach the Northern Cape from Cape Town is by air. Kimberley and Upington are the two major airports in the region, with regular flights from Cape Town International Airport. The flight duration is approximately two hours.

By car - If you prefer a scenic road trip, you can drive from Cape Town to the Northern Cape. The journey takes approximately 7 to 8 hours, depending on the route and stops along the way. The N1 and N12 highways connect Cape Town to Kimberley, while the N7 leads to Upington. Consider renting a 4x4 vehicle if you plan to venture into more remote areas.