Top Spots to explore in Northern Cape

Augrabies

At the Augrabies Falls National Park in the Northern Cape, the waterfall is only the beginning. Exploring the region reveals many other attractions nearby, including a wide variety of flowers, animals and the unique Moon Rock.

If you’re looking for adventure, then look no further than Augrabies. Want to take to the skies in a hot air balloon? No problem. How about a bit of river rafting or canoeing down the Orange River? They’ve got you covered. At Augrabies Falls National Park, adventure is the name of the game with plenty of adrenaline rushing and soul soothing activities to make any getaway one to remember.

OOrange River

Canoeing, rafting and fly-fishing are just three adventure opportunities offered along the 2200km-long Orange River which is South Africa's longest. Serious outdoor enthusiasts can take guided tours that involve sleeping under the stars for several nights while exploring the river and enjoying its surroundings during the day.

Stargazing

On a hilltop outside the Karoo hamlet of Sutherland, the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) focusses its giant African eye on our universe. You cannot visit the Northern Cape without going on a stargazing safari! If you enjoy planets, stars and all things space-related then you are in luck. Tourists who visit SALT during the day can book a guided tour of the interpretive visitor centre and a selection of the research telescopes, including SALT, located on an elevated plateau overlooking a vast expanse of the Karoo.

WWalk the Tankwa

Deep in the Great Karoo, you’ll find the Tankwa Karoo National Park. Here you can spend hours gazing across the plains, marvelling at the plant life that has adapted to this hostile environment, and hunting for sightings of long-legged secretary-birds and the cryptically coloured Burchell’s courser. At night, the stars will make you gasp.

In the reserve there is a life-changing walk that will test your endurance and sense of humour (or loss thereof); but also enrich your mind, body and soul, the Tankwa Camino.

Visit the flowers

Roadtripping is the best way to see the Wildflower Route in the Northern Cape, a vision of flowers that will colour your imagination for the rest of your days. If you are a lover of nature and outdoor activities, then a visit to see the flowers of South Africa is a must.

One of the most popular places is Papkuilsfontein Guest Farm near the bulb capital of Nieuwoudtville, which is about four hours from Cape Town. The best time to go is in spring, which is in August and early September.

TTake a Sho’t Left in the Northern Cape. No matter what kind of adventure gets you going and inspires your wanderlust, check out our Northern Cape deals. There's one that’s just for you!