2 Best Sights in The Northern Cape, South Africa

A 29-km (18-mile) detour from Kamieskroon brings you to this old Methodist mission station at the top of the Kamiesberg, which has spectacular views across the desert to the sea. The church, a national monument, was finished in 1855, but the adjacent parsonage is much older. The wildflowers in Leliefontein bloom much later than those on the coast, often lasting as late as the end of October. Even if there are no flowers, it's a beautiful drive back down the Kamiesberg to Garies, 72 km (45 miles) away.

During its flower season (early-August through September), Namaqua National Park can usually be counted on for superb wildflower displays, even when there are no flowers anywhere else. Covering an area of almost 200,000 acres and located 21 km (11 miles) west of Kamieskroon, the park is the world's only arid biodiversity hot spot. Look for Namaqua daisies in oranges and yellows as well as succulents, such as the many-colored vygies in hues of purple, magenta, and orange.

Park roads are good, though the nearest gas station is in Springbok, 87 km (54 miles) away. Driving from Soebatsfontein toward Springbok yields spectacular views over the coast from the top of the Wildeperdehoek Pass. Two short hiking trails take a few hours each, and you can ride bikes and make use of various picnic sites throughout the park. Recent upgrades include new routes and rest camps, and the reintroduction of game (tsessebe, oryx, springbok, and eland). There's a seasonal visitor center at the Skilpad entrance.