Kamieskroon, Namaqualand
Kamieskroon, just off the N7 between Garies and Springbok and 20 km west of the Namaqua National Park, lies in the midst of the Northern Cape's flower route, resting in amongst a series of huge, angular granite hills and distinctive kopjies that make up the Kamiesberg.
Its size classifies it as a 'dorp' – almost too small to be a town or village, but cute enough to warrant a visit, if nothing else a drive through to catch a glimpse of its quaint church and hotel.
The origin of the village's name comes directly from the rock formations, although nobody can quite agree on the exact derivation. Some say that 'kam' means two, for the two distinctive peaks of the mountain, while others claim that 'kamies' comes from the Nama name 'th'amies' meaning 'jumble'. Others still refer to the Nama word 'tkimmie', meaning 'to gather'.
What they can agree on is the word 'kroon', which refers to the 'crown' – a rather obvious peak, called Kardoukop, just outside town – one of three unmistable peaks that feature in the landscape. The other two are Sneeukop (snow in evidence during winter) and Boesmankop.
Being situated on a rise does ease the arid and fierce temperatures during summer somewhat (down to a meagre 35 degrees Celsius).
There are those bike fans who swear Kamieskroon is the country's best-kept mountain-biking secret – four routes cross the Kamiesberg area to the east of the village linking the villages of Leliefontein (interestingly the highest inhabited village in the Kamiesberg), Vissersplaat and Nourivier.
And few people know of the secret quiver tree forest 50 km from Kamieskroon - a drive east towards Rooifontein.
The period between August and October (depending on the rains this can start as early as mid July and end as late as November) is when Kamieskroon is at its loveliest and a wonderful base from which to explore the flowers.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Thys'e Kombuis & Guest Farm
Come and experience a relaxing getaway at Thys'e Kombuis & Guest Farm, perfect for couples wanting to get away or family needing a break. The far...
Namaqua Flower Beach Camp
Experience the luxury and convenience of an elegant private mobile tented camp, right on the beach, under skies that seem to stretch as far as th...
Kamieskroon Cosy Cottage
Kamieskroon Cosy Cottage is located in Kamieskroon, the soul of Namaqualand. Experience a semi-desert region transforming into a rainbow-colored ...
Things to do in the area
Hondeklipbaai Lighthouse
Described by some as a 'rickety lighthouse on stilts', Hondeklipbaai lighthouse, like quite a few of the more remote lighthouses in South Africa,...
Silver Sands Trail
Start: Namaqua National Park, HondeklipbaaiFinish: base campDuration: 55 km over five daysFitness: moderateOur tip: enjoy the total lack of cell ...
Namaqua Caracal 4x4 Trail
Right in the heart of the Namaqualand, where wild flowers erupt into colour every spring, is the Namaqua Caracal 4x4 Trail. This part of the Nort...
Shipwreck 4x4 Trail
This 4x4 route is a one-way drive along sandy, under-used roadways between Koingnaas and Kleinzee on the north-west part of South Africa's coastl...
Strandveld 4x4 Trail
The Northern Cape is home to a number of 4x4 trails, thanks to its varied topography and rugged landscapes. The local vegetation is somewhat spar...
Namaqualand MTB Trail
Where: Kamieskroon, 30 minutes south of SpringbokLevel: intermediateType of route: four routes across the Kamiesberg. Note: the Leliefontein, Vis...
Caracal Eco Route
The Caracal Eco Route is a 4x4 mountain to ocean experience in the yet-to-become-famous Namaqualand National Park. Some describe it as a wilder, ...
Hondeklipbaai Beach
Your Northern Cape accommodation is sure to be all about celebrating the untainted beauty of the beaches and fishing villages along this stretch ...
Noteworthy attractions
Richtersveld National Park
The Richtersveld is a unique mountain desert wilderness of great beauty, tucked in the far north-western corner of the Northern Cape in South Afr...
Goegap Nature Reserve
The Goegap Nature Reserve with its granite peaks and sandy plains are dominated by Carolusberg, the highest point in the area. Goegap's wild flow...
Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape
Inscribed in 2007 as the eighth World Heritage Site in South Africa, the Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape is a remarkable mountainou...
Namaqua National Park
Say Namaqua National Park and people immediately think carpets of spring wild flowers. And they would not be wrong - Namaqualand not only has som...
Namaqualand Flower Route
The spring wild flowers are a phenomenon that never ceases to amaze and delight, even for those who live in what is considered South Africa's "ou...
Skilpad Wildflower Reserve
The Skilpad Wildflower Reserve was established by the WWF in 1988 to raise awareness of the floral kingdom of the Namaqualand. Mainly shrubland a...
Akkedis Pass
The Richtersveld is usually described by the adjectives 'rugged', 'desolate' and 'forbidding'. It's a dry, unforgiving landscape that is at once ...
Messelpad Pass
Messelpad Pass lies on the 104 km gravel road between Springbok and Hondeklip Bay in the Northern Cape, one of two passes through the Tigerkloof....
Wildeperdehoek Pass
Almost inextricably linked to Messelpad Pass (the two are part of the 'Copper Route' between Springbok and Hondeklip Bay) Wildeperdehoek Pass is ...
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