Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

07 March 2026

4-minute read

The Northern Cape is South Africa’s largest and most sparsely populated province, renowned for its vast landscapes, striking natural beauty, and rich history. From the dramatic vistas of the Kalahari Desert to the vibrant wildflower displays of Namaqualand, stargazing in Sutherland to the history of diamonds in Kimberley, the region offers a unique blend of adventure, tranquillity, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re seeking rugged outdoor activities or peaceful escapes, the Northern Cape promises unforgettable moments for every traveller.

Louis Clark, a tour organiser, certified South African travel expert, and registered tourist guide at Abundant Adventures, a company that offers unique and intimate all-inclusive tours across South Africa, says that the best time to visit this region is during Autumn and Spring.

There are two major road routes to reach the Northern Cape, the first being the N14 that runs from Pretoria to Upington. While it is advisable to travel the region in a 44, especially if you’re venturing further into the Kalahari, Louis says that any ordinary sedan or other vehicle can also withstand a drive along the major routes.

Passing through Kuruman, visitors can see the Eye of Kuruman, a spring that sends out millions of litres of water per day or take a mining tour or visit the Raptor Centre. The town of Kathu has a highly ranked golf course and a Meerkat centre that is interesting for wildlife lovers.

The other route to get there is the N12 via Kimberley and then the R64 to Upington. In Kimbereley, tourists can visit the Big Hole viewing platform and old-town museum, immerse themselves in diamond exhibitions and or take an underground mining tour. William Humphrey’s Art Gallery in the town boasts some South African masterpieces, and the Macgregor Museum, previously a sanitorium, gives a glimpse into Kimberley in the olden days. About 50 kilometres from the city is the Mokala National Park that offers wildlife viewing.

Sutherland, a world-renowned astronomical centre in South Africa, chosen because of its colder weather and minimal light pollution from surrounding towns, is a wondrous place to immerse oneself in stargazing.  Besides the ever-so-charming and sparse Upper Karoo, here you’ll find The Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) situated on a mountain top, 14km out of town. The South African Astronomical Observatory, based just outside Sutherland, offering 90-minute tours on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays take place at a cost of R120 per person, is ideal for a star-gazing experience. The Sterland Guest House and the Sterland Planetarium are also excellent choices for star viewing and include tours and presentations.

At the Augrabies Falls National Park, the main attraction is the magnificent 70metre waterfall on the Orange River, the largest river in South Africa. There is also the Klipspringer hiking trail, a 3-day, 35km trail that takes hikers through the National Park or the shorter 8km trail that can be done in a day. Other activities in the park include a 44 trail, birding, game viewing, camping and mountain biking.

The Namaqualand wildflowers are a spectacle of nature and are at their best after a good rainfall. The best time to enjoy the beauty of this display are when they start blooming further North towards the Springbok area in August and then on Southwards near Nieuwoudtville in September every year.

Louis says that there is ample accommodation in the Northern Cape, particularly along the tourist routes. Halal food is not as easily available in the smaller towns as is it in the larger ones, so he advises packing some padkos to take along.

So, if you’re one for big open spaces and vast starlit skies, Louis says “go to the Northern Cape, it is beautiful!”

Listen to the full interview with Ml Ibrahim Daya and Louis Clark here.