Spring is in the air, and September in Cape Town is the perfect time to enjoy all the excitement and scenery the Mother City has to offer.
Also read: 15 of the best places to see wildflowers in the Western Cape
With the proteas and fynbos in full bloom, warmer days and blue skies, it is the time of year when Capetonians can trade those fluffy slippers for hiking boots to enjoy the best of the Western Cape before the tourist season sees a major influx of visitors.
Apart from the mountains, trails, gardens, parks and beaches, Cape Town and its surrounding areas have so much to offer, and now is the perfect time for a staycation or a weekend away.
In short, this is arguably the best time of year to get the most out of the Mother City.
Flowers are in full bloom as the rainy winter season turns the city into a lush, green oasis.
With an average of only eight days of sporadic showers and 11 hours of sunlight per day, it’s the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the peace and serenity before the masses arrive for their annual holiday.
Here is a guide to everything you need to know to get the most out of Cape Town in September.
The West Coast wildflowers are in full bloom. Whale watching is in full swing, and the province is teeming with birds and wildlife.
Nightlife is picking up across the city, and between a prime selection of clubs and eateries, Capetonians are spoiled for choice.
The Atlantic waters are still icy cold, but the land temperatures are certainly picking up.
September is an incredible time to enjoy the fauna and flora, and a visit to any one of CapeNature’s 25 reserves is highly recommended.
Anysberg Nature Reserve
Located in the semi-arid Klein Karoo, Anyberg Nature Reserve is a great option where visitors can enjoy regular sightings of plenty of wildlife.
Species such as Cape mountain zebra, caracal and the critically endangered riverine rabbit can be spotted.
Leopards still roam the mountains, although these notoriously shy creatures are seldom seen.
About 180 bird species are regularly spotted on the reserve, making it a popular choice for avian enthusiasts.
Besides the mesmerising landscape and rich plant and animal life, the reserve is also home to San rock art, painted thousands of years ago.
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- Location: Between the towns of Ladismith, Laingsburg, Touwsrivier and Montagu.
- Cost: Self-catering: from R780 | Camping: from R170 | Day access: R50, adults and R30, children | An overnight fee of R40 and R20, respectively will also be charged for overnight stays.
- Website: capenature.co.za
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
If you’re in the Cape Winelands, don’t miss a hike at Jonkershoek it is highly recommended.
This nature reserve is home to the majestic Jonkershoek Mountains and parts of the Jonkershoek valley. The reserve also includes the smaller Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve.
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- Location: Take the N2 highway out of Cape Town towards Stellenbosch. Take exit 33 for Baden Powell Drive towards the R310/Stellenbosch/Macassar. Turn right onto Polkadraai Road/R310 and follow the road. It becomes Adam Tas Street. Turn right onto Langstraat-Suid Road and continue onto Helshoogte Road. Turn right onto Simonsberg Road and at the roundabout take the first exit onto Martinson Road. Continue onto Jonkershoek Road and follow the signs until you reach the reserve entrance.
- Cost: Hiking: from R50 | Conservation fee: R50 for adults and R30 for children
- Website: capenature.co.za
Cederberg Nature Reserve
The 66,811 hectares of mountainous terrain are located in the Cape Floral Region, only three hours outside Cape Town.
However, it feels like a different world. The iron oxide-burnt orange Cederberg Mountains stand out in the background.
This region is truly spectacular because of the ancient San and Khoi rock art, jumbled sandstone rock formations like the Maltese Cross, and the Wolfberg Arch.
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- Location: Take the N7 highway. Stay on the N7 past Citrusdal, after 28km take the Cederberg/Algeria turn-off to the right. Follow this main gravel road for 17km you will see the office complex and accommodation and campsite access road on your left. This is a 250km drive, which should take about three hours.
- Cost: Day Access: R50 | Overnight Fee: R40 | Wilderness Trails Day Entry: R70 or R60 overnight | Day Access for children: from R30
- Website: capenature.co.za
Whale watching in Hermanus
It’s breeding and calving season for whales, who flock to the Cape’s Atlantic bays on an annual basis, along with a significant influx of tourists.
In False Bay, visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee or a beer while taking in the splendour of the Southern Right whales, breaching the waters and blowing offshore.
However, for the ultimate close-up, the charming seaside town of Hermanus is the place to be, as it offers some of the best whale watching on the planet.
Hundreds of southern right whales and even orcas are on full display from either the shore or any one of the boats that offer an intimate point of view.
- For more information, visit the Hermanus Tourism website
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
You don’t need to leave the Mother City to enjoy the splendour and natural beauty of the Western Cape, with the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens on the eastern slope of Table Mountain.
The massive, 528-hectare estate showcases an array of indigenous flora and fauna that can be enjoyed while strolling, picnicking, hiking, or attending a concert.
The best time of year to visit Kirstenbosch is now while the fynbos and many different flowers are in bloom.
The 36-hectare cultivated garden is layered with vibrant blooms, including proteas and ericas.
The popular Cape Town tourist attraction also has picnic options for you to enjoy while appreciating the elaborate garden.
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- Location: Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town
- Times: Daily, 8:30am to 5:30pm
- Cost: Adults R220 | Children (over 6) R40 | Children (under 6) Free
- Website: sanbi.org
City Sightseeing Red Bus
Want to take in as many attractions as possible but have limited time? This City Sightseeing Cape Town hop-on, hop-off tour highlights the best the region has to offer.
Enjoy the convenience and easy access of an open-top, double-decker bus as you check out all of the Cape Town highlights.
The popular tour is easy to personalise since travellers can hop on or off the bus as many times as they choose.
These tours are a favourite for tourists and locals alike and feature over 30 stops and 50 attractions, as well as walking and boat tours.
It also includes audio commentary in multiple languages, from English and Afrikaans to Japanese and Spanish, including a special commentary for kids.
For a full list of options and pick-up points in Cape Town and surrounding areas, visit the City Sightseeing Tours website.
Table Mountain Cableway
No trip to Cape Town would be complete without an expedition up Table Mountain.
However, many may find the hike somewhat time-consuming and exhausting.
Fortunately, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway offers a fast and comfortable option for those who want to take in the scenery without physical exertion.
The rotating, cutting-edge cable car gently transports passengers from the lower station to the top in about 5 minutes.
Trips happen within ten to fifteen minutes of one another, and it operates seven days a week.
While you can always bring a picnic and enjoy what is still a part of a national park, there is a self-service buffet cafe located atop the mountain.
- Location: Tafelberg Rd, Gardens, Cape Town
- Times: Daily, 8:30am to 4:30pm (Last Up)
- Cost: From R60 to R1050
- Website: tablemountain.net
See the wildflowers
Spring in the Western Cape sees green, grassy fields transform into a colourful spectacle when wildflowers are in full bloom.
It is best to avoid going when it is raining or overcast because the flowers remain closed on days like these. However, keep an eye on the weather because these blooms thrive in cooler temperatures.
When looking for the most recent information on when and where to see the most amazing exhibitions, it is always a good idea to check with local authorities or visitor centres.
There is no shortage of options, with several of the national parks offering a world-renowned opportunity to take in some of nature’s most unforgettable vistas.
Among others, the West Coast National Park, famous for its Postberg Flower Reserve, is a great option, offering captivating displays along the coastline.
It is only a stone’s throw from Saldanha Bay’s secluded harbour and a convenient two-hour drive from Cape Town.
For more ideas, see our list of 15 of the best places to see wildflowers in the Western Cape.
Also read:
10 quaint and quiet towns worth exploring in the Western Cape
Picture: Africamps / Facebook