Northern Cape Namaqualand Namaqua National Park – Coastal 4x4 Trail

Namaqua National Park – Coastal 4x4 Trail Hot

December 04, 2011

The coastal section of the Namaqua National Park lies between the Groen and Spoeg River estuaries and traverses rugged yet picturesque coastline that requires the use of a 4x4 vehicle.

Numerous small bays, boulder outcrops and white beaches dot this landscape making it an extremely worthwhile photographic destination. Heaviside’s Dolphin which are endemic occur in small pods that regularly leap out of the backs of waves with Korringkorrel Baai being one of the best locations to view these small dolphins. In springtime, fields of colourful flowers occur right up to the edge of the beach and provide tremendous opportunity for attractive landscape images. Limpet beds of various species provide the worlds densest concentrations of grazers and make challenging photographic subjects and the Cape Fur Seal colony is one of the few that occurs within a protected area.

Location

Address

Namaqua National Park

Closest Town

Springbok

Getting There

Follow the N7 between Cape Town and Springbok. At Garies turn westwards towards the coastline and follow the signage for approximately 60 – 70kms to the Groen River estuary. The entrance to the park is well signposted.

Photography

Best Time to Photograph

Early mornings and late evenings are best for landscape photography while timing visits to coincide with spring and neap tides is best for intertidal photography. Bird photography is best undertaken from early to mid morning.

Type of Photography

Birds
Beachscapes
Flowers
Landscapes
Intertidal Organism's

Best Time of Year

Spring

Photographic Tips

When photographing on the coast always be aware of rogue waves. This is a rough stretch of coastline where seas are large and dangerous if not watched. The Cape Fur Seal colony, although lying right next to the road, is still very sensitive to any disturbance. All movements must be made very slowly and should not approach the colony beyond the ridge that drops to the beach.

Recommended Gear

Protective covers for all your photographic gear is suggested when photographing on the coast, as there is often a wind blowing that brings a fine salt mist with it. Good zoom lenses are useful when photographing on the intertidal platforms as this limits gear that needs to be carried on often-slippery rocks.

Footnotes

Season and Weather

Although the area is generally hot and dry, cold winds and mist can blow off the seas at any time necessitating warm weather gear that is also wind and waterproof.

Habitats