WELCOME TO NATURE’S TREASURE CHEST
Namaqua Coastal Route
The Namaqua Coastal Route meanders through the vastness of the great Namaqualand and its loosely defined boundaries run through Springbok, Okiep, Nababeep, Kleinzee, Koiingnaas, Hondeklip Bay, Garies, Kamieskroon and back to Springbok. The Route was founded in March 2016 and has grown from strength to strength since.
The Namaqua Coastal Route showcases all that there is to see and do within this region. Our members are committed to a code of conduct which promises to offer the best possible service to visitors, as well as to promote and support rural tourism development within the region. Moreover, we are committed to the conservation of our natural, cultural and historical heritage and we strive to promote this ethic in all our tourism promotion and development.
Springtime attracts hordes of visitors, both local and international, as people flock to Namaqualand to experience the spectacular fields of wildflowers that bloom throughout the area at this time of the year. The dry, dusty plains are transformed – almost overnight – into a kaleidoscope of colour, with millions of flowers coming alive to salute the sun.
However, don’t be fooled into thinking that spring is the only time that Namaqualand is worth a visit. When Namaqualand sheds her extravagant, spring coat and returns to rest and prepare for the next show, her real beauty is revealed. Magnificent mountains, crystal clear night skies ideal for stargazing, colourful lizards basking on ancient rocks – her real beauty that gets overshadowed by the crazy colours of spring – returns, in its own modest tranquillity.
Things to do on the Namaqua Coastal Route
There are kilometers of pristine coastline to explore, nature reserves, slow-living guest farms, retreats, 4×4 routes, specialist photographic and botanical tours, museums, local cuisine to be enjoyed, remote hiking trails, fantastic birding spots, surfing, angling, boat excursions and much, much more to experience.
Eat & Sleep
The Namaqua Coastal Route will offer you a wide variety of culinary delights. For the adventurous diner, order a traditional meal like roast “Skaapkop” (Sheep head – and often referred to as a Smiley) For the less brave, there are other wonderful treats such as straight-off-the-coals “Roosterkoek” (bread baked over an open fire). Along the coast, do try the catch of the day or even some oysters fresh from the sea from the oyster farm in Kleinzee. Crayfish is an enormous treat during season but be sure to familiarize yourself with the legislation regarding the catching and purchasing of crayfish. Venison is also often an option on the menu.Several establishments offer a real fine-dining experience. Because of the distances to fresh markets, be sure to alert your host of any special dietary requirements ahead of time so that they can give you the best possible experience
Culture & Leisure
Stargazers, history boffins and soul searchers will all feel welcome here. Go succulent sleuthing with a botanical guide or hike the Springbok Klipkoppie for a dose of Anglo- Boer War history. Visit the Blue Mine along the Kleinzee Road or look out for the traditional Matjieshuisies (directly translated to Houses of Mats) of the Nama people and book a stay in one of these unique homes.
Adventure & Adrenaline
Mountain bikes, hiking boots, binoculars, trail shoes, GPS, power kites and celestial scopes. You had better bring all your toys, because you will need them in this incredible outdoor arena. Hike the Silver Sands Trail on the edge of the icy Atlantic or pedal among oryx within the Goegap Nature Reserve. Just get out there and clear your mind!
