Featured Routes


Route 2: Flowers


Day 1


Morning

Darling

Known as the wildflower jewel of the West Coast, Darling has presented an annual wildflower show since 1917. Visit the Renosterveld Reserve behind the Darling Primary school; the Tienie Versveld reserve; the Oudepost reserve or the Duckitt Orchid Nurseries. Tourism info: +27 22 492 3361, E-mail: info@darlingtourism.co.za,
Web: www.tourismdarling.co.za

West Coast National Park

The West Coast National Park includes a variety of animal habitats and is unusually rich in plant and animal life. The Postberg area is open to the public only during August and September. An admission fee is payable on entering the Park. Tel: +27 22 772 2798

Afternoon

Paternoster

Visit the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve and the well-known Tietiesbaai for beautiful spring flowers. During winter, spring and early summer be on the lookout for whales and dolphins. Tourism info: +27 22 752 2323, E-mail: info@paternoster.info,
Web: www.paternoster.info

Return to Cape Town or overnight in Paternoster.

 


Day 2

Clanwilliam

Enjoy a glorious drive through countryside filled with wild spring flowers - the trip directly to Clanwilliam from Paternoster is about 155km, but take your time to enjoy what the route has to offer. Clanwilliam is the centre of various short flower routes. Graafwater, Lambertís Bay, Leipoldtville, and the Biedouw Valley can be combined with history, hiking and rock art viewing. The Ramskop Nature Reserve, above the Clanwilliam dam, is home to endemic wildflower species and is a ëmust seeí during August and September.
Tourism info: +27 27 482 2024, E-mail: cederberg@lando.co.za,
Web: www.clanwilliam.info

Enjoy a leisurely drive back to Cape Town or overnight at one of Clanwilliam's accommodation establishments.

 


Day 3


Morning

Vanrhynsdorp

Three botanical kingdoms converge here, namely the Nama Karoo vegetation, the Knersvlakte succulents and Cape Mountain fynbos. This botanical diversity bursts into a kaleidoscope of colour every spring, offering excellent viewing opportunities. Visit the succulent nursery (the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere) in the town.
Tourism info: +27 27 219 1552, E-mail: vanrhynsdorp@matzikamamun.co.za,
Web: www.tourismvanrhynsdorp.co.za

Afternoon

Nieuwoudtville

Take the Vanrhyns Pass via the Bokkeveld escarpment to Nieuwoudtville. Known for its unique vegetation and the 100m high Nieuwoudtville Falls on the Doornrivier. The Vanrhyns Pass offers majestic views of the descent to Namakwalandís coastal terrace. Tourism info: +27 27 218 1336, E-mail: info@nieuwoudtville.com

Enjoy a leisurely 3-hour drive back to Cape Town.


Hints on viewing flowers

  • The rainfall and the absence of warm berg winds determine the duration of the flower season (mass and quality). Nature does not take orders from anyone!
  • Experience the full beauty of the flowers between 11:00 and 15:00 during the warmest part of the day.
  • Flowers turn their faces towards the sun, the sun should therefore be behind you when you view the flowers.
  • Never remove plants, bulbs or flowers from the veld - it is illegal to do so.
  • Maps of the flower routes are available at tourism information offices.
  • Overnight accommodation should be reserved beforehand during the flower season.