Northern Cape

The Orange River provides the lifeblood of this province when it irrigates the lush green fields and vineyards. The province is known for its San rock art, diamond excavations, and four-wheel drive safari vehicles. Wildlife Sanctuaries ensure that the animals get another chance to be put back in nature.

A recent development is the establishment of the Kgalagadi ('land of thirst ") Transfrontier Park in the north of the province. It connects South Africa's Kalahari Gemsbok National Park with Botswana's Gemsbok National Park and is the first transboundary reserve in southern Africa. In the new 38,000 km2 park live large herds of antelope, including Springbok slender and the majestic long sword-horned gemsbok, and the Kalahari lion, with its distinctive black manes.

Other highlights of the Northern Cape include the Augrabies Falls National Park and Namaqualand, an arid region that is transformed into a vast carpet of flowers when the spring rains of August fall.