Top Wild Flower Spots on the West Coast and Northern Cape
In August and September, the wildflower displays on the Cape West Coast and the Northern Cape are considered to be among the best in the world. These are the best spots for viewing nature’s splendour.
West Coast National Park
100 kms north of Cape Town, off the R27 highway, lies the West Coast National Park. The azure water of the Langebaan Lagoon is the focal point of the Park.
Thousands of seabirds roost on sheltered islands; pristine golden beaches stretch as far as the eye can see and the salt marshes are home to vast concentrations of migrant waders from the northern hemisphere.
During spring the fynbos vegetation transforms into a carpet of multi-hued flowers making the two-day Postberg Wild Flower Trail and the Steeenbok Day Trail a sight to behold. These trails are only open in August and September.
What to do:
Bird watching in Geelbek, Seeburg and Abrahamskraal bird hide | Mountain bike & Cycling Route Trail | Strandveld hiking trails starting from Geelbek Visitors Centre | Picnic sites in Kraalbaai & Tsaarsbank | Whale watching – August to November in Tsaarsbak | Flower & Game viewing from own vehicle – August and September in Postberg | Kite boarding, Kayaking and other water sports can be done in Kraalbaai.
Related Article OR West Coast National Park Website
Ramskop Nature Reserve
The Wild Flower Garden in the Ramskop Nature Reserve, Clanwilliam, contains more than 350 species of wild flowers. The beautifully laid-out paths through the garden offer spectacular views over the Clanwilliam Dam and towards the Cederberg mountains. Thousands of visitors frequent the reserve in the months of August and September – wildflower season.
The annual Wild Flower Show is held in the Dutch Reformed Church in Clanwilliam. The ten-day show running in the last week of August and first week of September transforms the church into a kaleidoscope of flower activity accessible to everyone and is an absolute must on a tour of this spectacular and exciting part of the country.
Biedouw Valley
Close to Clanwilliam is the beautiful Biedouw Valley. Not only is the floral display amazing, but one can continue further to include a visit to Wuppertal, an historic mission village, where life carries on today as it did centuries ago. En route, stop off at Welbedacht Rooibos Tea Farm.
Take the R364 from Clanwilliam over the Pakhuis Pass and turn right onto the Biedouw Valley/Wuppertal road.
Nieuwoudtville Wild Flower Reserve and Hantam Botanical Gardens
The Nieuwoudtville Wild Flower Reserve and the Hantam Botancial Gardens are located at the town of Nieuwoudtville. From Clanwilliam you can either take the N7 and then the R27 over the spectacular Van Rhyns Pass OR take the R364 amazing drive over the Pakhuis Pass and Botterkloof Pass towards Calvinia and turn left when you reach the R27 towards Nieuwoudtville.
The Hantam National Botanical Floral Garden at Nieuwoudtville is South Africa’s ninth national botanical garden and the only one in the Northern Cape. An incredible 1350 plant species have been recorded in the area thus far.
The garden has been declared a botanical treasure of international importance, and nine superb trails have been created for visitors to experience the garden on foot. The trails accomodate all ages and fitness levels, ranging from 450m to 8km. Read more
The Nieuwoudtville Wild Flower Reserve (115Ha) has more than 300 species of indigenous flora. The Red Cats Tail (Bulbanella sp) is unique to this area. The Nieuwoudtville falls are close by.
Matjiesfontein Farm
The Matjiesfontein farm is reported to be the single farm with the largest diversity of wildflowers anywhere in the world. From the historic buildings where a traditional lunch is served, follow the ring road through spectacular fields of wildflowers.
Situated about 12km south of Nieuwoudtville. Clear signposts from Nieuwoudtville main street will lead you onto a gravel road to the farm. Open Daily from 08h00 to 17h00. Tel: 027 214 0608
Kamieskroon
From Nieuwoudtville, continue on the N7 towards Springbok for 272 kms. Kamieskroon is on the right of the highway. Drop in at the local town hall and get a map to Klein-Nourivier, a valley high in the Kamiesberg Mountains.
It is 29 kms from Kamieskroon to Klein Nourivier, some on dirt. The trip is beautiful and when this valley has flowers, the carpet extends as far as the eye can see.
Namaqua National Park
Continue on the N7 towards Kamieskroon to visit the Namaqua National Park. There is no doubt that the time to visit the Namaqua National Park is July to September – wildflower season! It’s one of the natural wonders of this earth. Namqualand is the richest bulb flora region in the world and approximately 1000 of its 3500 plant species are found nowhere else on earth. You’ll need a 4×4 to truly experience this unspoiled and simply magical wilderness.Namaqua National Park
Geogap Nature Reserve
Still further north, at Springbok, is the Geogap Nature Reserve. During flower season (August to September) Geogap Nature Reserve in the Northern Cape, is transformed into a magic flower carpet.
The Goegap is a wild flower paradise and is particularly known for its succulents in the Hester Malan Wildflower Garden. It features 581 indigenous plant species, including one rare succulent found nowhere else in the world, the bizarrely formed Halfmens or ‘half men’, which look like an armless person.
This 15 000ha reserve in beautiful Namaqualand is home to a phenomenal 93 South African bird species, making it an interesting birding spot in South Africa. Look for the Cape Eagle Owl and the Black Eagle.
| More info on the quaint town of Calvinia | More info on the Hantam Karoo area |
Related Articles
Book your accommodation right here on ShowMe.
You can find the top hotels, lodges and Airbnb establishments conveniently placed on the map below. All you need to do is click on the place that’s conveniently located and within your budget and then make a booking. What could be easier?
If the map is not where you want to be, click on the ShowMe Pin and then enter the exact name of the location and the map will adjust accordingly.
