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Western and Northern Cape

Venture beyond Cape Town and the Winelands to discover these hidden gems

Overview
Western and Northern Cape
Namaqualand flowers blooming during august

Beyond the prevailing Mediterranean climate that cocoons Cape Town and its environs lie South Africa’s Western and Northern Capes.

At first glance they’re a flat, arid expanse of not a great deal, however, those who know where to look will find impossibly isolated, luxury retreats. Some occupy other-worldly landscapes teeming with wildlife. Others nestle among seasonal carpets of vivid wildflowers.

If you think you know South Africa, it may be time to think again.

Overview
Western and Northern Cape
Meerkat on patrol Northern Cape South Africa
Quiver tree in the Northern Cape South Africa
Where are the Western and Northern Cape?

The Western and Northern Cape of South Africa account for nearly half of the entire country, to the north and east of Cape Town.

Extending to the north as far as the border with Botswana, the landscapes eventually begin to take on the earthy reds of the Kalahari Desert.

The Western Cape can comfortably be explored using Cape Town as your starting point. The Northern Cape requires either a scheduled domestic flight, or why not board a luxury light aircraft and arrive in style.

Huge black rhino female feeding Western Cape South Africa
What to do?

The appeal of the Western and Northern Cape is undoubtedly getting off the beaten track. Most leave Cape Town heading to the east. Head north and you may just stumble across Bushman’s Kloof, a luxury spa retreat set amidst rocky outcrops decked with millenia old Bushman rock art.

Further north still, the private Tswalu Game Reserve’s red earth and abundant wildlife would not be out of place just over the border in Botswana. A conservation success story, the reserve offers unique wildlife, myriad activities as well as some of the darkest skies you’re ever likely to encounter on a South Africa family safari holiday.

Skilpad Namaqua flowers northern Cape South Africa
Best time to visit?

The Western Cape mirrors the weather patterns of Cape Town. Warm and dry between October and May and more unsettled between June and September. Conversely the Northern Cape’s continental climate sees drier, more comfortable temperatures between May and September. The summer months of November to March can be exceptionally hot but this is the time when the desert bursts into life with the seasonal rains.

In August the Namaqualand region, between Cape Town and the Namibian border, undergoes a spectacular transformation. Seasonal rains see a seemingly barren expanse of emptiness brought to life in an apparently endless patchwork of colourful wildflowers.

Oryx in early morning light, Kalahari, Northern Cape, South Africa
Who should visit?

All our favourite lodges in the Western and Northern Cape offer exceptional comfort and seclusion.

They also welcome families and their staff delight in enthusing younger visitors about their very special corner of South Africa.

Start planning
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Talk to us about your next big adventure.
Call: +44 (0) 1242 908 720  or   Request a quote
Mike-and-Tess-portrait-cropped.jpg?w=188&h=200&scale
Talk to us about your next big adventure.
Call: +44 (0) 1242 908 720  or   Request a quote

Why travel with Coral Tree?

We are the specialists in luxury Africa family safari holidays

We are Africa experts and also parents. We understand what makes a memorable family adventure.

Our knowledge and connections are unsurpassed

We have been living and working in African tourism for over two decades.

Every journey is tailored with your specific wishes in mind

No off-the-shelf packages or cookie-cutter itineraries. Unique family safaris.

Each trip funds grassroots conservation and girls education projects

You pay no more for the privilege, we support causes close to our hearts.

Get in touch
Talk to Tess & Mike about your next big adventure
Call: +44 (0) 1242 908 720
Begin your adventure
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