Good rains in the Namaqualand have resulted in a spectacular Namaqua daisy spectacle this year – a far cry from last year’s dismal show. Rains in the area have certainly made up for last year’s drought. Tourists are already flocking to the Namaqualand, to catch the flowers in bloom.
The Namaqualand is well-known for its colourful, wild flowers that sprawl and cover large areas of the region. They normally appear between mid-August and October but this year, they have bloomed early.
The flowers are a draw-card for tourists, who bring much needed economic benefits to the area. Witnessing the beautiful sight brings peace to the mind.
Tourist guide, Ricardo Saaiman, says they are expecting more from Mother Nature. “I’m not impressed with the scenery that we looking at right now. I would say if we invite more rain we will get more results, and we received requests from Sweden, someone saying that you need to be honest with us, so at this stage I have to say we have received some flowers, but not to the standard which we are comfortable with.”
However, locals and other tourists are excited. “The flowers this year are by far the best that we’ve seen in a very long time, it is Namaqualand’s pride, “says one of the locals.
It is expected that the flowers will not be around for an extended period this year because of the early bloom. Tourists are encouraged to visit the area a little earlier this year.
Pictures by Ulrich Hendriks, SABC News.
