Top spots to see the spectacular spring flowers along the West Coast

The east and west coasts of the Cape are transformed into a wonderland of wildflowers which begin blooming now in mid-August and last until the end of September. So, pack a picnic and head to one of these top spots to see nature at her very best.

Region: The West Coast flowers

The West Coast National Park

The West Coast National Park is a fantastic park about a one-and-a-half drive from Cape Town that is not only home to an unfettered floral landscape known as Postberg, but also a variety of wildlife such as eland, kudu, mountain zebra, red hartebeest, and ostriches.

Postberg is only open during the wildflower season, and here you’ll see vast expanses of daisies, magriets, and sporries.  

Opening Times: West Coast National Park is open daily from 7am to 6pm (last vehicle entry at 5:30pm) and the Postberg section is open from 9am to 5pm (last vehicle entry at 4:30pm). 

Entry Fee: Visit the website for updated tariffs.

Namaqua National Park

Namaqualand is world-renowned for its magical transformation during springtime when its normally semi-desert, scrubby landscapes blossom into carpets of colourful wildflowers.

Over 3,500 species of plants, 1,000 of which are endemic, come to life and create a floral spectacle like no other on earth. Namaqualand is also home to the world’s smallest species of tortoise, the Namaqualand speckled padloper.

Namaqua National Park is about a six-hour drive from Cape Town, but well worth it.

Opening Times: Namaqua National Park is open daily from 7am to 6pm (last vehicle entry at 5:30pm).

Entry Fee: Visit the website for tariffs.

Citrusdal flowers

Citrusdal comes alive with bright blooms at this time of the year and you’ll see fields of bloedblomme, daisies, fynbos, and maartblomme. The family-favourite spot is also great for hiking, mountain biking, rock-climbing, and camping, so it’s a good idea to spend a weekend exploring the area.

It takes about two hours from Cape Town to get to Citrusdal.

Entry Fee: Free

Ramskop Nature Reserve

The Ramskop Nature Reserve is nestled in the Cederberg mountains. It is surrounded by endless orange groves and is well worth a visit. It takes about two-and-a-half hours to get there from Cape Town, and you’ll be treated to fields of wild daisies, proteas, sporries, and sugarbos.

Opening Times: Ramskop Nature Reserve is open daily from 11am to 3pm.

Entry Fee: R26 for adults; R10 children; pensioners R20.

The Renosterveld Reserve

The Renosterveld Reserve is a charming 20-hectare flower reserve on the Darling Wild Flower Route where you can soak up some spectacular scenes of wildflowers and see some amazing birds.

Nestled just above the Darling Primary School, the reserve is home to a variety of bellendini, kapokbos, renosterbos, and vygies — and keep an eye out for red-bellied tortoises.

Darling is about an hour’s drive from Cape Town.

Opening Times: The Renosterveld Reserveis open during daylight hours.

Entry Fee: Free

Tienie Versfeld Wildflower Reserve

Close to Darling, the Tienie Versfeld Wildflower Reserve is another great place to see a wide variety of flowers — from butterfly lilies, chincherinchee to lachenalia, and other bulbs. This incredible reserve is home to more than 10% of the Cape Floral Kingdom, so is well worth hopping in the car and heading up the R315.

Opening Times: The Tienie Versfeld Wildflower Reserveis open during daylight hours.

Entry Fee: Free

Columbine Nature Reserve

Set along the R27 southwest of the popular weekend town of Paternoster, the Columbine Nature Reserve is a fantastic spot to see the flowers in all their glory.

Named after the last manually controlled lighthouse built in South Africa, the Columbine Nature Reserve is known for its amazing collection of fynbos and Karoo succulents, and also offers ample opportunities to see dolphins and whales frolicking in the bay in season.

Other activities to be enjoyed in the reserve include hiking, mountain biking, nature walks, kayaking, picnicking, camping, and game-watching.

Opening Times: The Columbine Nature Reserve is open during daylight hours.

Entry Fee: Adults R13.70; R6 for children under 12.