All roads lead to Sandhof's lily field

A highlight on the annual Namibian travel calendar, following moderate rainfall in the South, is a visit to Sandhof farm when the pink and white lilies bloom in the clay pan. Sandhof has announced that the lilies will bloom soon, and the gates will open tomorrow for visitors wishing to visit the pan and close again on Sunday. Visitors can view the breathtaking natural phenomenon of the lush lily field daily between 07:00 and 19:00. No lilies may be picked or destroyed, and driving is prohibited in the pan or among the lilies, with orange flags and signs to be followed.The Sandhof lilies bloom in their hundreds of thousands only when enough rain has fallen to fill the pan. The plants need approximately 15 to 30 cm of water to bloom, which occurs only every few years. When the lilies do bloom, they do so for only six to eight days. Due to the short period and remote location of the farm, it is extremely rare to witness. Once the plants have finished blooming, the farm animals are allowed into the pen to eat the lily heads and stalks.Camping is not allowed, and there are no ablution facilities. However, food and drinks are available at the entrance gate, and for anyone who wishes to braai, fires are only permitted in portable braais. Dustbins are provided, and no litter may be left behind.Sandhof is located on the D861 gravel road, about 37 kilometres outside Maltahöhe, and sedan vehicles can drive on the 40 km gravel road.It is advised that the road from Maltahöhe to Sandhof will be busy over the weekend, and drivers should proceed with caution.Rare display of natureThe Sandhof lilies are examples of the bushveld vlei lily (Crinum paludosum).“This stunning bulbous plant is known for its tall, slender stem and large, trumpet-shaped flowers. However, what makes this lily truly unique is its rare blooming behaviour, which occurs only after significant rainfall in the region,” Kyle Goetsch wrote in an article for the Tracks For Africa blog.“This is an extremely arid area and does not receive sufficient rainfall every rainy season to allow the bulbs to blossom. Thus, every year the pan does turn into a field of lilies, is a very special, rare occurrence, and there is only room for six to eight days of viewing before the lilies wither."

All roads lead to Sandhof's lily field

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-26

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All roads lead to Sandhof's lily field

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-26

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