Your Guide to Experiencing the Cape’s Wildflowers in Bloom
Every year from late August to early September, the Cape West Coast and inland regions near Cape Town explode into a vibrant display with various wildflowers in bloom.
If you’re an anthophile (a flower lover), here’s how to experience the best of the Western Cape’s wildflowers:
The Namaqua National Park
– 6 hour drive from Cape Town
Namaqualand is the ultimate destination for wildflower enthusiasts. Depending on the rainfall, purple, white and orange blooms begin to appear around the end of July. Seemingly overnight, Namaqualand’s dusty valleys transform into a wonderland of gousblomme, vygies, nemesias, lachenalias, babianas and ixias. With its rich bulb flora, Namaqualand is home to more than 1,000 unique plant species found nowhere else on earth.
However, it is located not in the Western Cape but in the Northern Cape. Therefore, if you’re serious about seeing these wildflowers, plan a multi-day trip.
West Coast National Park
– 1,5 hour drive from Cape Town
Every year, from August to September, the West Coast National Park’s usually muted fynbos bursts into a kaleidoscope of colour. Wander through fields of orange, yellow and pink flowers. The Postberg section, which opens only during wildflower season, offers the best views. To avoid long queues at the park gates – especially on sunny days – arrive early.
The Bergrivier Region: A Wildflower Hidden Gem
While visitors flock to the National Parks mentioned above, towns in the Bergrivier region offer a number of lesser-known experiences for wildflower lovers.
Velddrif: Bokkoms, Blooms and Birdwatching
– 1 hour 45 min drive from Cape Town
Velddrif, a charming village on the banks of the Berg River, offers a perfect blend of flowers, fresh fish and birdwatching. Wander down Bokkomlaan, where historic buildings and eclectic shops line a quaint dirt road. It is named after Bokkoms, the salted mullet strung into bunches and hung to dry like biltong – a local delicacy in this area. If you’re in town on a Saturday, don’t miss the Velddrif Village Market.
Additionally, if you’re looking for a floral souvenir, buy proteas directly from Haiynes Luyt, a community-based flower seller. His blooms are as beautiful as they are affordable.
Aurora: The Little Town with Big Views (and Bigger Blooms)
– 2 hours drive from Cape Town
Aurora is a small town with big wildflower blooms. Visit the majestic Dutch Reformed Church and enjoy tea and cakes at Koekeloer & Koffiemoer. This town is a must-see for anyone who’s ever wished they could live in a postcard.
Piketberg: Where History Meets Horticulture
– 1.5 hours from Cape Town
Nestled at the foot of its namesake mountain and steeped in history, Piketberg is where you take a trip down memory lane but stop to smell the flowers. Here you can marvel at the blooms and the well-preserved architecture. Visit during Blomweek 2024 at the Netherdutch Reformed Church from August 25th to 31st for spectacular floral arrangements. On 31 August, the charming Piket-Bo-Berg Farmers Market is the place to be.
Porterville: Flowers, Art and a Dash of Magic
– 1 hour 45 min from Cape Town
In Porterville, the flowers are just as captivating as the local art scene. Known for the rare Disa Uniflora, this town is a haven for both nature lovers and culture vultures. After a day of frolicking among the flowers, visit the town’s many art studios for a unique cultural experience.
Flower-Scented Shopping and Farmstalls
No trip to the Bergrivier region is complete without stopping at some of the area’s farmstalls. Whether you’re after a delicious meal, fresh produce, hand-made artisanal crafts or quirky souvenirs, these spots have got you covered:
– Kardoesie: Located in the Piekenierskloof Pass, it’s perfect for a pit stop on your way to wildflower-filled adventures.
– Desert Rose Koringberg: A must-visit gem with treats as delightful as the blooms outside. It can be found on the N7 at the turn-off to Koringberg.
– Skrik van Rondom: Despite its name, this spot is all about good vibes and even better snacks.
– Deli on Main: A contender in the Best of the Cape Awards, this deli dishes up deliciousness daily.
Make Your Wildflower Season Plans Now!
With this year’s heavy rainfall, this wildflower season is sure to be one for the record books. Whether you’re snapping pics, exploring quaint towns or indulging in a high tea, there’s something for everyone.
Check out our “Floral Safaris for Anthophiles” article in our Spring 2024 edition (Page 72) here.
For more things to do, click here.
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