Flower season in the Western Cape is a magical time. Every year from August until the end of September, the West Coast is carpeted with an array of colours as flowers bloom. It really is the perfect occasion to celebrate Spring, but time is running out.
If you’re looking to take full advantage of Mother Nature’s dazzling display, here are a few tips:
The best time to go
Sometimes natural beauty can be a bit fickle and that certainly seems to be the case with these famous wildflowers. If you’re looking to take in all the beauty of this landscape, the best time to check out the flowers are in the late morning between 10am to 11am or late afternoon from 3pm to 5pm. However, keep an eye on the weather as they do well when temperatures are cooler. As the weather continues to heat up and we say hello to summer, we’ll have to say goodbye to the flowers as they officially disappear at the start of October.
An important tip to note is that the flowers will not open on rainy or overcast days, so try and avoid going on these days.
Where to go
The Renosterveld Reserve
Located an easy hour from Cape Town’s city centre, Darling’s Renosterveld Reserve provides 20 hectares of natural beauty and views as the reserve is located on top of a granite “koppie” which overlooks Darling. It’s also one of the few places you’ll have a chance to view the critically endangered Swartland Granite Renosterveld.
Fernkloof Nature Reserve
If you love a little seaside breeze with your flower-snapping session, then Fernkloof Nature Reserve is the place to be. This nature reserve covers 1800 hectares in the Kleinrivier Mountains and is nestled just above Hermanus, so expect breathtaking views.
West Coast National Park
While the West Coast National Park is a natural wonderland on any given day, it’s even more mesmerising when the wildflowers spring to life and blanket the entire landscape. It’s R70 to enter, but it’s so worth it! The Langebaan entrance of the park is said to have the most spectacular flowers, so make sure you start there. While the flowers are at their most beautiful around 10 am, make sure you head to the park before then as it can get quite busy.
A few other spots to view the flowers:
- Harold Porter Botanical Garden
- Karoo Desert National Botanical Gardens
- Tienie Versfeld Wildflower Reserve
- Agulhas National Park
- Cape Columbine Nature Reserve
Day trippers, towns for your casual viewing pleasure
Paternoster
Crayfish, stunning ocean views and wildflowers? Sign us up! The fresh smell of the ocean beautifully complements the assortment of wildflowers located throughout this town, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers.
Velddrif
Velddrif is a popular West Coast gem that attracts countless visitors looking to spot a few wildflowers and indigenous birds. If you’re heading this way, check out the famous Bokkomlaan is a must-see and offers a unique peek into this community, providing a rich display of historic buildings and jetties.
Aurora
Meander along the country roads located in and around this picturesque town for countless flower sightings and dramatic views of the mountains. If views and more views are what you are after, make sure you take a quick drive to the Danielshoogte Private Reserve for a mesmerising view of the valley.
Piketberg
Nestled on the foot of the Piketberg Mountain range, gorgeous views of the mountain, wheat farms, and fruit orchards are all on offer. Not to mention the indigenous fynbos that blooms in Spring. After snapping a few lekker pics of the gorgeous flower display, head into the town and dive into the history that makes this town so unique.
Respect Mother Nature
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to stop and smell the wildflowers, but please respect nature and do not pick them.
Bonus Tip:
While the flowers are a beautiful sight to behold, it’s not so great for those who suffer from pollen allergies. The tip? Don’t forget your allergy medication!
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Picture: Tails of a Mermaid
