It’s officially spring and one look at the countryside confirms it. Take it all in at one of these five blooming beautiful places.
Postberg Flower Reserve
Open in August and September only, this part of the West Coast National Park is a riot of colour come spring. Get a permit for a day hike or book the two-day trail to explore this beautiful, seaside wilderness.
Where Leave Cape Town and head along the R27 towards Langebaan, keeping an eye out for the West Coast National Park sign.
Contact +27 22 707 9902, www.sanparks.co.za
Clanwilliam
Famous for its annual wildflower show, this Cederberg town should definitely be on your flower-spotting itinerary. A varying landscape means it’s home to a huge variety of wildflowers. Visit the Ramskop Garden at the end of the main road to wander through this cultivated floral paradise.
Where Clanwilliam is about 230 km north of Cape Town on the N7.
Contact +27 482 2024 (Clanwilliam WildFlower Society), www.clanwilliamflowerfestival.co.za
Darling
Surrounded by vineyards and wheat fields, this quaint little village is known for two things: its spectacular wildflowers, and being home to beloved theatre veteran Peter Dirk-Uys. When you’ve had your fill of flowers and fresh air, stop at Evita se Perron for a spot of dinner theatre.
Where Take the N7 or the R315 from Cape Town.
Contact +27 22 492 3361, www.darlingtourism.co.za
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
This Walker Bay gem is the most alien free reserve in the country and home to 2 600 ha of natural fynbos, which explodes into swathes of colour in the spring. Take a horse-back tour through the reserve, and don’t forget to keep an eye out for calving whales in the bay.
Where Two hours from Cape Town along the N2
Contact +27 28 384 8008, www.grootbos.com
Kirstenbosch
The flowers in Cape Town’s famous botanical garden may not be exactly ‘wild’, but they’ll take your breath away nonetheless. Namaqualand daisies and little vygies carpet much of the garden, plus the rest of its bulbs and fynbos are bursting into bloom.
Where Take De Waal Drive from the city, turning right at the Rhodes Drive intersection and following the signs to Kirstenbosch.
Contact +27 21 799 8783, www.sanbi.org
Megan Keyser, Jessica Lea Gouws Bongani Vincent