5 OF THE BEST PLACES TO WATCH THE SPRING FLOWER SHOW

Witnessing the change of season is a magical thing. Every year around this time, like clockwork, spring starts putting in an appearance – through the most subtle of ways. From ever-so-slightly lighter mornings, marginally warmer afternoons and visibly later sunsets, there are a few tell-tale signs of the promise of summer.

But perhaps the biggest marvel of an ever-approaching spring is the magnificent display of flowers blooming outside Cape Town.

A breathtaking spectrum of colours has literally exploded over the past few weeks over the outlying farmlands and veld, heralding the gradual change of season. The best part of it all? It’s free. Well, except the petrol, but still totally worth the drive.

Here are five of the best places to see the wild flower extravaganza:

CALEDON

Passing through the Overberg town is an absolute treat around this time of year. Agriculture is the biggest industry in this neck of the woods and a major plus about it are the fields of yellow canola blossoms which adorn the hillsides as you head up the N2 toward Riviersonderend.

NAMAQUALAND

Possibly the most popular place in South Africa to watch spring bloom, the Namaqua landscape puts on a breathtaking show every August and September and is the object of many a photographer. Considering that Namaqualand is part of Namibia too, you may want to reserve this one for a very special trip as it is around a seven-hour drive each way. Look for spots to stay at around Sutherland and Port Nolloth if you make the trip 

DARLING

Listed as one of the most beautiful small towns in the world by a travel writer from the USA, Darling and surrounds have a fynbos-rich spectacle every year. Take a trip into the Darling Renosterveld Reserve to see the sight of indigenous Renosterveld vegetation in bloom.

WEST COAST NATIONAL PARK

With Langebaan starts the West Coast National Park, a treasure of the west coast which includes a superior display of wild flowers in the Postberg, Seeberg and Mooimaak sections of the park. It’s impressive enough that eighty species of these flowers are endemic to the area, with vast landscapes of Vygie, Gousblom, Suurvy and more flowering annually.

BREDASDORP

As you make your way toward Bredasdorp from Caledon along the R316, seemingly endless fields of canola greets you on either side of the road. A similar sight to the fields surrounding Caledon, but the further-south location means darker, richer contrasts.

Featured Photography HSM Images