Goegap Nature Reserve

The Goegap Nature Reserve is a semi-desert nature reserve in Northern Cape, South Africa and lies around 8 km (5.0 mi) east of Springbok.[1] The area was once used to graze livestock and was proclaimed in 1966 as a reserve then fenced in 1969 and wildlife introduced shortly afterward.[2] It was originally known as the Hester Malan Nature Reserve.[3]

Goegap Nature Reserve

After several extensions, the park currently covers an area of 150 km² (58 sq mi).[1][3] The name Goegap comes from the Khoekhoe word for "watering hole." Goegap is part of the Succulent Karoo transitioning into the Namaqualand Broken Veld,[3] with an average rainfall of 150 mm (5.9 in) per anum. The temperatures are extreme, including frost in the winter and temperatures over 40 °C (104 °F) in the summer.

The area includes mountains, the highest is Carolusberg at 1,345 m (4,413 ft), and wide, sandy plains. The main attraction is the desert bloom that covers the sand with flowers in the spring provided enough winter rain. August and September are the most popular months to visit. Around 600 known plant species have been found there along with 45 mammal species and 94 types of bird[1] including Ostrich. Megafauna such as oryx, klipspringer, duiker, and Hartmann's mountain zebras call the park home. Other wildlife include smaller mammals, 26 reptile species, and 3 amphibian species.

There are roads for normal cars and tracks for 4x4 in the reserve. The Hester Malan Wild Flower Garden has an information library with valuable resources on the succulent plants of Namaqualand, to accompany the planted, labeled examples of those succulents. Trails ranging in length from four to twelve km start from the parking lot.