Naries Namakwa is a retreat in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa, that really stands out for its beautiful, secluded location.

For most of the year, the area is a semi-desert featuring mainly drought-resistant plants such as succulents and aloes. Between August and October, however, the unwelcoming landscape is completely transformed by… blooming wildflowers. The dry lands burst with millions of plants brought to life by winter rains. From humble daisies to stunning lilies, orchids, and irises, the Namaqualand region turns into a kaleidoscope of colors, becoming one of the most incredible nature shows on earth.

During the flower season, Naries Namakwa will organize a flower hunt for you to admire all the different species and shades of wildflowers. But there is still loads to explore during the rest of the year, too. The Orange River offers excellent rafting conditions, and a 4x4 jeep tour will take you to the Namaqualand Diamond Coast, where you will find pristine beaches and dramatic shipwrecks.

Last but not least, the retreat itself is a sight to behold. Especially the dome-shaped mountain suites that sit among the rocks and succulents almost blend into the landscape. They are round and built with the use of local materials, making for exceptional accommodation. From a suspended private terrace you get magnificent views of the area, and with almost zero light pollution at night you can really count all the stars in the sky. There are 3 mountain suites (seen in the photos below) with another 5 rooms in the comfy albeit more conventional Manor House.