Hotels in Northern Cape, South Africa

The Northern Cape is South Africa's largest and most arid province, famous for the diamond-studded Big Hole in Kimberley and the wildlife-rich Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Winters are mild (50-70°F / 10-21°C) and dry, making them perfect for spotting desert-adapted lions and cheetahs in Kgalagadi, while sweltering summers (80-104°F / 27-40°C) bring wildflower blooms and prime time for white-water rafting on the Orange River. If you visit between May and September, you'll avoid the heat and get the best game viewing; come October through March for cheaper rates and the chance to see the famous Namaqualand daisies carpet the desert.