Hi all, The flowers at Namaqua NP have suddenly exploded over the past week, particularly orange daisies and Gazanias. Other flowers starting to make a showing includes Conicosia (Varkiesknol) and Pelargoniums. The areas around Soebatsfontein have large patches of vygies and are looking better than last year. The town of Kamieskroon also has unbelievable flowers. Most roads had been repaired after the heavy rains and are generally suitable for a Sedan vehicle. The park did not receive any rain over the past 10 days. Recommended roads in and around the park: Access road to Skilpad from Kamieskroon The town of Kamieskroon The Skilpad-Soebatsfontein road (4×4 only!) Regards BERNARD VAN LENTE: PARK MANAGER: NAMAQUA NATIONAL PARK 027 672 1948

Dear All, After the last 55mm rain, we have had nothing more to date. The shrubs are still looking good but the opslag is weak. Some rain by the weekend will be extremely welcome! Regards, Hestelle Engelbrecht Sarrisam Farm Tel: 027 581 1021 sarrisam@telkomsa.net

Hi All, Whilst en-route from Cape Town to Kamieskroon last week, we encountered rain as far as Vanrhynsdorp. Between Vanrhynsdorp and Kamieskroon it was cold and cloudy subsequently the flowers did not open. One could see the potential though - the veld had fine colours all over. The Knersvlakte, Citrusdal and Clanwilliam should be spectacular this year. Since last week, Kamieskroon Village and Arkoep (about 10 km north of Kamieskroon), are tinted in a fine orange hue. Will send photos as soon as the sun appears. Regards, Helmut and Maryna Kohrs Kamieskroon Hotel Tel: +27 27 672 1614 Fax: + 27 27 672 1675 kamieshotel@kingsley.co.za www.kamieskroonhotel.com

Most of Namaqualand’s flora is derived from an ancient semi-arid stock. Before, about three million years ago, Namaqualand was covered in a woodland that included both fynbos plants and a tropical tree flora, remnants of which still grow in the regions upland vegetation. As the climate worsened, drying out and changing gradually from a summer-to a winter-rainfall regime, plant lineages that were biologically predisposed to exploiting the opportunities created by this creeping aridification began to diversify. From: Namaqualand - A succulent desert By:Richard Cowling and Shirley Pierce

Dearest, No rain since the previous report and no rain predicted for the next 7 days. All is not dire though, as we receive fairly heavy dewfall almost every morning. Some shrubs are starting to bloom but the “opslag” is scraggly and scarce. Thank goodness no severe easterly winds, yet…….. The days are sunny and mild and the nights cool to very cold. This is all good but obviously more rain will be extremely welcome. Yours truly is still predicting a fair to good show by about mid August. Unfortunately, the field reports still few and far in between but moi shall persevere and pester until they respond! Regards from Namaqualand, Daisy