|
|
|
|
|
Karoo Desert Botanical Garden
The first thing likely to strike you when you are inside the Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden is the sight of the Quiver tree as it soars into the air, dwarfing all other succulent species around it. This beautiful desert tree is in its natural habitat here. Taste one of its young buds and you will immediately recognise the taste of asparagus. If you would like to grow one in your garden, seeds are available at the garden's shop. The Botanical Garden in the Karoo is situated 3 km north of the town of Worcester, some 120 km from Cape Town. To experience the best of the Karoo Desert Botanical Garden, make sure you are here in spring (August to end of October), when the multitudes of vygies (mesembs) are flowering. The scenery is dazzlingly colorful as these small plants show off their best colors. The Khoisan Kookskern inside the garden will acquaint you with the various plants used by the Namakwaland people, whether for medicine, cooking or other uses. For a taste of the entire legendary Karoo, follow the Karoo Trail and experience each illustrated region. Apart from the nearly 70 species of birds around, you will be able to spot the Cape Grey duiker, among other mammals.
Namaqualand's Desert Flowers
Namaqualand's desert flowers are one of the most incredible spectacles in the world. This arid desert area bursts into a spectacular and seemingly endless carpet of flowers come spring this vast bloom happens roughly between August and October, depending on weather patterns due to dormant seeds that lie in the dry earth for months waiting for the rains to descend. The area stretches for approximately 500 kilometres north up the Cape coast and for 100 kilometres inland, and for most of the year it seems to be a dusty, flat and bleak semi-desert with diamonds as its only jewels. But then, seemingly overnight, it becomes a veritable ocean of colour and scent. Approximately 4 000 species of plants can be found here amongst the desert flowers of Namaqualand. Strange plants, such as the Namaqua Halfmens, dot the landscape, adding to its drama, while parks, like the Goegap and Hester Malan nature reserves, protect this unique and gorgeous landscape where more than 30 of South Africa's succulent plant species grow.
Central Karoo
The Central Karoo may seem bleak to many who drive through it on the long stretch between Cape Town and Johannesburg, but this arid environment holds many natural and archaeological treasures. This fascinating area lies between the Upper Karoo and the Klein Karoo and is home to some of the most important Stone Age sites and Khoisan petroglyths in the world. Most of these sites can be found near Nelspoort and Beaufort West in the Central Karoo of South Africa and are utterly fascinating. South Africa's first mountain pass, the small but impressive Molteno Pass, can also be found outside the charming town of Beaufort West and was built by the master of mountain passes, Thomas Bain. Beaufort West is the oldest town in the area, proclaimed in 1818. The Central Karoo is dotted with many small and charming towns that are famed for their hospitality and historical significance. Prince Albert, for example, has its own special character focused on unique architecture and excellent traditional food. Guided tours through the Swartberg Pass at Prince Albert are also available, as are visits to Gamkaskloof. The Central Karoo climate is generally arid and gets little rain; what does raind falls does so mainly in summer. Winters are dry and cold while summers can get blazing hot
|