Blooming beautiful: Where to view West Coast wildflower displays

The West Coast wildflower season is here! The flowers that spring up along South Africa’s West Coast in August and September are truly spectacular this year.

The flowers start blooming in the north, and like the gentle opening of a blooming flower bud, the colours spread south as spring progresses. The winter rains play a large part in determining the intensity of the wildflowers so the quality and quantity of floral displays can never be predicted.

Although it is best to make a weekend trip to the area, it is also possible to do day trips from Cape Town, though a daytrip does not allow for too many areas to be visited as the West Coast covers a large area.

Here is a selection of our favourite spots where you can enjoy the wildflowers this year.

WEST COAST NATIONAL PARK

Just over 2 hours away from Cape Town is the best-known spot for wildflower viewing, the West Coast National Park. The Postberg section of the park is where the most stunning displays can be found. This area is only open to the public during the wildflower season (August and September).

There are picnic spots in the park, unspoiled sandy beaches, and a range of wildlife too. Keep an eye out for giraffes, ostriches, zebras and tortoises. Don’t forget to stop at the scenic Langebaan Lagoon.

BIEDOUW VALLEY

The Biedouw Valley lies over the Pakhuis Pass from Clanwilliam and is one of the best places in the Cape to see floral blooms.

After good winter rains, the dry areas become carpets of colorful spring flowers including nemesias, lachenalias, babiana and ixias. Yellow-and-white nemesias sway alongside blue heliophilias, gazanias, mauve senecios and an array of succulent vygies.

The Ramskop Gardens in Clanwilliam are also worth visiting.

DARLING

The Darling district is a well-known favourite among flower lovers.  With a collection of spring flowers ranging from white daisies to purple skilpadblomme, Darling will not disappoint.

The road from Yzerfontein to Darling often boasts many beautiful daisies. Located in this area, is the Tienie Versfeld Wildflower Reserve, which is also worth visiting.

Another spot to check out is the Renosterveld Reserve, just above Darling Primary School. Visitors can enjoy a display of spring flowers, as well bird-watching, in this charming 20-hectare flower reserve.

NIEWOUDTVILLE

Just over four hours away from Cape Town, is Niewoudtville. This is a long drive but most visitors agree that the flowers here are some of the best on display.

Located on the R27, just outside of Niewoudtville, is the Hantam National Botanical Garden. This used to be just a farm but the garden is now a renowned stop located on the Cape Flower Route.

COLUMBINE NATURE RESERVE

Columbine provides a spectacular combination of sea and flower views in a 263-hectare reserve. This reserve is host to an array of fascinating fynbos and Karoo succulents all year round, but from August to October its magnificent West Coast wildflowers draw much attention.

If you’re looking to make a weekend of it, you could opt to stay in Paternoster and stop in Darling and the West Coast National Park, on the way up to Columbine Nature Reserve.

NAMAQUALAND RESERVE

This one is over 500 kilometres from Cape Town so it cannot be done as a daytrip.  Heading up the N7 highway, beyond the Cederberg, is Namaqualand, which stretches all the way up to Namibia.

There are many flower routes to explore along the way. The Namaqua National Park is one that must not be missed.

The landscape is transformed into a carpet of daisies in psychedelic colours, dotted with quiver trees and granite outcroppings that offer unrivalled views. Another reason to visit the park is that, of the 3500 species growing there, about 1000 are found nowhere else on the planet.

ALSO READ: Bloom among the gloom: Best West Coast wildflower viewing spots