[Updated August 2020]
Although September’s early days still harbour frosty signs of winter, spring is officially sprung! It’s time to pack the car and head for nature’s beautiful displays of spring flowers in South Africa. Finding the right spot is not always easy and the blooms are weather dependent. August tends to be the best month, but some blooms start in July and many continue deep into September.
If you’re feeling adventurous, ditch the car and tackle the many hiking and mountain-biking routes through flower country. Here’s our pick of the best spots to see the spring flowers in South Africa:
1. Postberg Peninsula
This northern section of the West Coast National Park is open to the public during flower season. While in the park, do the 14-kilometre Steenbok Trail (only open during August and September, bookings open in June) through a sea of dancing colours.
2. The Darling district
With spring blooms ranging from white daisies to purple skilpadblomme, the Darling district is a favourite among flower lovers. Diarise the Darling Wildflower Show next year with its beautiful displays as well as live entertainment, craft stalls and tractor rides.
Also read: Discover these epic gems along the West Coast
3. Clanwilliam
This picturesque town hosts the best-known wildflower show in the region. It’s a week-long extravaganza (usually starting late August) presenting flowers found across five different biomes. While you’re in town, don’t miss the lovely botanical gardens.
4. The Cederberg
In the heart of the Cederberg mountains lies the Biedouw Valley, known for its wide array of bulbous flowers. Although much of the veld is now cultivated, it’s still well worth a visit. Spend a night on one of the farms in the valley, such as Enjo Nature Farm, which offers rustic, self-catering cottages and a small campsite next to the river. This is hands-down one of the best spots to see the spring flowers in South Africa.
Also read: A weekend escape to the Cederberg
5. Hantam Bokkeveld
The Nieuwoudtville Wildflower Reserve and Hantam National Botanical Garden just outside Nieuwoudtville offer some of the finest displays in the Cape. Visit the Kokerboom Forest on Brandkop Farm north of town, and the dazzling fields of colour on Matjiesfontein Farm south of town.
6. Kamieskroon and Namaqua National Park
Namaqua National Park near Kamieskroon has at its heart the wonderful Skilpad Wildflower Reserve, where you’ll find some of the richest bulb flora in the world. Think tortured rock formations, iconic quiver trees, big blue skies and carpets of bright flowers.
7. Springbok region
For those who have the time to venture even further north, flower cornucopia can be found up the N7 on a series of drives around the towns of Springbok and Port Nolloth. Namaqualand daisies stretch far into the horizon in an ocean of colour. For botanists and avid plant lovers, this is floral utopia at its finest.
Have we missed any of your favourite spots to see the spring flowers in South Africa? Let us know in the comments below.
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All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart will not be held liable for loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of out-dated or incorrectly noted information.