Springtime is always a breath of fresh air, bringing along with it the sight of blooming flowers and vibrant colours in nature. If you are looking to bask in the beauty of wildflowers and soak in the scenic landscapes, the Western Cape is the place to be.
With the amount of rain we received this winter, it is anticipated that this year’s wildflower season is sure to be a sight to behold. In this article, we will provide you with the best places to go and see the splendour of the Cape’s wildflowers. So, pack your picnic baskets, camera, sunscreen, and let’s explore!
Situated just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town, is one of the best places to view wildflowers. The park is home to over 1,000 different flower species, which flourish between August and September. A few must-see flower reserves in the park include Postberg and Seeberg viewpoints. Entrance to the park is R104 per adult and R52 per child for South African citizens during flower season (August and September). The West Coast National Park gates are open September to March, from 7am to 7pm, and April to August, 7am to 6pm.
The Hopefield Fynbos Show takes place annually in August and this year it will run from 24 – 27 August 2023. The show takes place in the small town of Hopefield, located in the West Coast District. This event showcases the wildflowers in bloom on the farms surrounding the town. Besides flowers, visitors can enjoy a range of activities for all ages, such as game drives, mountain biking, and arts and crafts markets. Entrance to the Hopefield Fynbos Show is R70 an adult, R30 for pensioners, R20 for kids 6 to 18, and children under 6 are free.
The Hantam National Botanical Gardens in Nieuwoudtville is a must-see for any flower lover. It is considered the bulb capital of the world, with a variety of breathtaking wildflowers that bloom between mid-August to mid-September. One of the prime attractions is the Quiver Tree Forest, which cannot be missed. The entrance fee for the gardens is R50 per adult and R15 per child. The opening hours for August to October (flower season) are 8am to 5pm, Monday to Sunday.
Located in the heart of the Cape floral kingdom, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens should be on everyone’s must-visit list. Although the gardens have blooms all year round, between August and September, they put on an even more impressive display with an array of wildflowers in full bloom. The entrance fee to Kirstenbosch is R100 for South African citizens (you have to show proof of ID or residence to get this discounted fee), otherwise it is R220 per adult. Opening hours for the garden is 8am to 7pm in the summer months (September to March) and 8am to 6pm in the winter months (April to August).
Whether you’re in the mood for a scenic drive or a relaxing picnic amongst wildflowers, the Western Cape has it all. Just remember to plan your visit in August and September, pack a picnic with blankets and sunscreen – and soon enough you’ll take home memories of wildflowers in full bloom. If you’re travelling from far to see the wildflowers, browse our affordable Cape Town holiday packages and make a weekend out of it!
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