Cape West Coast
'Rock on'
'To dance beneath a diamond sky' - Bob Dylan
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The arid wind blown wastes of Namaqualand, pampered by the meagre rains of
late winter explode in a frenzy of growth as literally millions of wild flowers
carpet the land in one of the world’s great botanical extravaganzas. As if
grateful for the cooling relief after months of drought these flowers spring
from the ground with remarkable haste-creating rolling seas, floral oceans
ablaze with a kaleidoscope of colour.
Acknowledged as one of the great natural wonders of the world I have had the
great privilege of being there on several occasions
neither words nor
photographs do it justice-mind blowing isn’t even close. The spring flowers
[August-October] should be viewed as part of a
tour of some truly amazing
mountains-the Cedarberg which also have their own spring flower
celebrations.
The Magic of the Cedarberg
Sculptured rock formations tumble down into a wilderness of unspoilt valleys
washed by crystal clear streams. Spectacular rock formations eroded by wind and
rain rise up out of the craggy mountains of the Cedarberg. Pinnacles, pillars,
arches, halls, caves and even lofty crosses have been carved out of the quartz
sandstone of the region-an unspoiled wilderness bisected by deep valleys
dominated by tall peaks. Outstanding formations are the Wolfberg Arch, the
Maltese Cross and the Stadsaal [town hall] a mass of rock
honeycombed.
The area is rich in rock art and tours led by experts can be
included in your itinerary. I have had a humble home in the southern part of
this area [two hours drive from Cape Town and take great delight in sharing this
special experience with my guests-minds flourish in tranquillity!
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