Namaqua National Park
Caracal Eco Route
- Parent Category: Namaqua National Park
- Category: Namaqua National Park Activities
Description: This is an easy to moderate, with occasional sandy sections along the coast. Some sections are steep with dongas and a 4x4 vehicle is essential.
Distances: The distances range from 176km - 200km, depending on which tracks you select. The complete route can take 6-8 hours. Add another 2 hours from Groen river back to Skilpad if you are a chalet resident. The route can either be done in sections or completely.
Contact: Tel: (027) 672 1948, Elanza van Lente: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Best time of year: All year. In wet season/ flower season certain sections may be closed.
Route may be closed or changed after heavy rains. Please contact the park in advance during the wet season (June- September)
The route allows you to experience a wide range of Namaqua habitats, from mountains to coast. The route starts at the world famous Skilpad Wildflower Reserve– now part of the Namaqua National Park-, where the parks’ offices are situated. The road then descents down the Soebatsfontein pass, before turning north to the Wildeperdehoek grass plains. An interesting detour is possible to include the Wildeperdehoek pass. From here the road goes through the Namaqua flatlands. This area is renowned for its ‘Riethuis quartz’ and the dune areas, which has a dry fynbos type growing here. Crossing the main Hondeklip bay road you will enter the Namakwa Coastal section of the park, which consists of 50km spectacular coastline, before ending at Groen river mouth.
Please note that the Namaqua National park is still in a development phase. SANParks are in the process of various rehabilitation tasks, such as the removal of unwanted structures and fences. Some farmers still have a few years of farming left as part of sales agreements, and farm gates are to be closed at all times.
