Seeing Namaqualand flowers throughout the spring is an unmissable experience. After the wet winter months, the normally arid area alongside the West Coast of South Africa turns into one colourful carpet of untamed flowers with orange, yellow, pink, and purple colours dominating the surroundings. The transformation is unimaginable, particularly if you know the way the realm seems to be outdoors the flower season. Visiting Namaqualand is among the greatest things to do in Cape City in spring.
The highway journey alongside the coast of the Atlantic Ocean remains to be a journey off the crushed monitor for overseas vacationers in comparison with the well-known Backyard Route. Touring by Namaqualand in spring, put together to be stunned and see superb things in probably the most surprising locations. My impression of driving by the realm is the sensation of absolute freedom, the infinite highway that may take you so far as you would like.
Finest time to see Namaqualand flowers
This a part of the nation will get little or no rain all year long apart from July and August. After the winter rains, in early spring the realm transforms fully. Normally, the desert-like Namaqualand area turns into a colourful carpet of flowers. When you’ll be able to see tons of of hundreds of yellow and orange daisies overlaying the coast of Southern Africa. And you’ll get pleasure from spectacular ocean views with the clear skies on this floral wonderland.
Definitely, the late winter and spring months of August and September are the very best time to see wildflowers in Namaqualand. The flowering season varies a little bit bit between the northern and southern elements of the coast; within the north close to Springbok early August is the very best time for seeing spring flowers, and within the south between Langebaan and Lamberts Bay you may have the very best likelihood to see flowers in late August and September. It’d change from yr to yr some years after a dry winter there may be not as many flowers as after a number of months of winter rains. If it rains all through September lots there may be not many flowers.
Whenever you plan your journey it’s essential to do not forget that should you go to Namaqualand on a wet day you gained’t see many flowers, their petals shall be closed. A heat and sunny day is the very best for observing the flowers test the climate forecast earlier than heading there.
Should you reside in Cape City it’s not an issue as quickly as you begin seeing flower pictures on social media, it’s the correct time. Should you come from far I’d suggest planning your journey to see Namaqualand flowers for the primary half of September.
Should you reside in Cape City it’s not an issue as quickly as you begin seeing flower pictures on social media, it’s the correct time. Should you come from far I’d suggest planning your journey to see Namaqualand flowers for the primary half of September.
There are numerous unimaginable locations to go to in Cape City itself should you’re a vacationer be certain that to not miss the primary metropolis sights.
Journey insurance coverage for South Africa
Should you’re not native and are planning to discover South Africa extensively it’s extremely really helpful to have journey insurance coverage particularly should you’re going to do out of doors and journey actions. Should you don’t have an insurance coverage firm we will suggest utilizing World Nomads. They’ve been on the journey market for a few years and deal with overlaying out of doors actions and highway journeys. Their insurance coverage coverage could be very versatile and straightforward to buy on-line at any time earlier than or throughout your journey. You should purchase it for the entire length of your journey or simply to cowl a few days. Get your prompt quote proper now!
Finest locations to see Namaqualand flowers
You may see the fields of flowers driving by Namaqualand however sure locations provide the very best flower fields sighting within the area.
West Coast Nationwide Park
- Nearest city – Langebaan, Western Cape
- Distance from Cape City – 110 km
- Driving time – 1h30min.
- Peak season – September
- Admission price – R80 – adults, R45 – youngsters
Moreover the gorgeous surroundings, the park presents numerous out of doors actions for the entire household. The beauty of the park is that it’s situated simply 1-hour drive from Cape City. This park might be the very best (the closest) place to go to it as a day journey from Mom Metropolis.
Biedouw Valley
- Nearest city – Clanwilliam, Western Cape
- Distance from Cape City – 300 km
- Driving time – 3h15min.
- Peak season – second half of August – mid-September
A spectacular valley to see throughout the flower season. It’s fairly a drive from Cape City however should you begin actually early you may make it to and again in sooner or later.
Nieuwoudtville
- Nearest city – Vredendal
- Distance from Cape City – 350 km
- Driving time – 3h40min.
- Peak season – mid-August – starting of September
There are a number of locations round Nieuwoudtville the place you’ll be able to see flowers; Hantam Nationwide Botanical Backyard, Matjiesfontein Flower Route, Papkuilsfontein Flower Route, and Rondekop Route. One can spend the entire day driving round and having fun with the gorgeous great thing about the flower fields.
Namaqualand Nationwide Park
- Nearest city – Springbok, Northern Cape
- Distance from Cape City – 530 km
- Driving time – 5h30min.
- Peak season – August
- Admission price – R46 – adults, R23 – youngsters
The Namaqua Nationwide Park is among the foremost sights within the Northern Cape. A go to to the park is the nice one to mix with a highway journey to Namibia. To go to it as a weekend journey from Cape City just isn’t the best choice you’ll find yourself spending extra time driving to and again than having fun with the flowers.
Things to do in Namaqualand throughout the flower season
Water actions
Some locations on the West Coast are well-known for being superb spots for training water sports activities – Langebaan is certainly one of them. In summer season this small city is among the greatest locations for kitesurfing in Cape City. Tons of of locals and vacationers from all around the world come right here to surf. Even watching dozens of kites gliding within the sky is spectacular.
Langebaan is among the greatest locations within the nation to be taught to kitesurf. We took our first classes right here. It wasn’t straightforward although. Summer season is the windiest time right here and in spring throughout the flower season, there may be no wind in any respect nevertheless it’s simply one more reason to come back to the West Coast once more for the December vacation.
Should you’re on the lookout for a winter-spring water exercise within the space head to Elands Bay, among the finest browsing spots on this a part of the nation. In contrast to with kitesurfing browsing circumstances in winter are the very best. You may keep in Elands Bay for a few days and in between browsing classes drive across the fields of flowers.
The marine lifetime of the West Coast is actually spectacular you’ll be able to see dolphins, whales, seals, penguins, and so on. Our favourite place to exit with a ship for recognizing animals and birds is round St.Helena Bay. In a few hours out in a ship, we noticed many dolphins, seals, a whale, tons of of birds, and even a few Sunfish that had been floating round our boat near the floor for fairly some time. It’s humorous as a result of we went to dive round Bali a few years in the past to see it, did a number of makes an attempt however had solely a quick encounter.
Kayaking or paddleboarding is one other nice solution to get pleasure from the great thing about the coast and see its numerous marine life. Kayaking in Langebaan Lagoon to Schaapen Island the place you’ll be able to see a number of sea birds, seals, and rabbits is a superb household exercise. Paternoster is one other good spot for sea kayaking. There you’ll be able to see dolphins, occasional whales, seals, penguins, and lots of birds. Each cities Langebaan and Paternoster have kayak rental locations.
Mountain climbing & biking
West Coast Nationwide Park in Langebaan might be the very best place in Namaqualand the place you’ll be able to benefit from the stunning shoreline and fields lined n flowers whereas mountain climbing or biking. There are a number of quick strolling trails between 5 km and 9 km and a few 2-day routes (should be booked prematurely). The paths provide spectacular surroundings, particularly throughout the flower season.
The gorgeous surroundings just isn’t the one factor to get pleasure from within the park, throughout the stroll you’ll be able to spot animals similar to bat-eared foxes, Elands, rock hyraxes, ostriches, caracals, and lots of birds. Strolling alongside the coast you would possibly spot dolphins and whales.
There are two lengthy biking routes within the park; a 30-kilometer route and a 70-kilometer loop, each are on a tarred highway. For mountain bike lovers there are two trails; 13 km and 17 km. Info on the admission charges and dealing hours you could find on the official web site.
Should you determine to discover the inland a part of Namaqualand the Cederberg Mountain space is a tremendous place for out of doors actions similar to mountain climbing and mountain biking. The Cederberg Wilderness Space is a unbelievable place to discover some off-the-beaten-track elements of Namaqualand. There are a number of campsites contained in the reserve in addition to many mountain climbing and mountain biking trails.
Should you like mountain climbing there are lots of superb hikes in Cape City with gorgeous views that everyone will get pleasure from.
Foodie things
Seafood and fish on the West Coast is one thing to not miss: contemporary Saldanha oysters, huge crayfish, prawn, mussels, calamari, hake the listing simply goes on. Paternoster might be the very best place in Namaqualand to come back for seafood.
The Noisy Oyster and Voorstrandt are our two favourite eating places right here. Don’t fear should you’re not an enormous seafood lover (like Campbell) each locations have intensive menus with meat and vegetarian dishes. Freshly baked ciabattas, croissants, and sourdough bread are one more reason to cease in Paternoster. Junk & Disorderly cafe-bakery is a superb place to come back for breakfast. They’ve nice espresso as effectively (Fact Espresso, a well known Cape City espresso roastery).
Muisbosskerm, an open-air restaurant on the seashore close to Lambert’s Bay is a not-to-miss place on the West Coast. A really cozy place with an important number of seafood, grilled, baked, and smoked fish, freshly baked bread, and numerous facet dishes. It’s a buffet meal that must be booked prematurely.
Namaqualand just isn’t as well-known for its wine as the Stellenbosch Wine Route however there are wine farms there that produce glorious wine. The Darling Wine Route has a number of stunning farms that provide wine tasting. You probably have time on the way in which to or again from the coast you’ll be able to go to a few wine farms and do some tasting.
Wine farms round Darling are closed on Sundays, and a few are open on Saturdays. Over the weekend Friday afternoon is the very best time for winetasting there. Beer lovers will get pleasure from Darling Brew the place you’ll be able to style native craft beer together with non-alcohol beer for designated drivers. The brewery is open Saturdays and Sundays.
Tips on how to go to the Namaqualand flower route?
Should you’re native just isn’t an issue you’ll be able to simply drive in your automotive. For vacationers renting a automotive is one of the best ways to discover Namaqualand. You don’t must lease an enormous jeep a traditional sedan shall be high-quality should you’re going to go to the West Coast Nationwide Park or drive as much as the Cederberg Mountains. If you wish to do some off-road driving a 4×Four is the way in which to go.
Should you don’t wish to lease a automotive it’s doable to see Namaqualand flowers with a tour from Cape City. For instance, a day journey from Cape City that features an e-bike tour by the West Coast Nationwide Park with a free decide up and drop off at your lodge within the metropolis and a go to to a non-public sport reserve the place you’ll be able to see African animals.
Namaqualand flowers – the coastal route itinerary
A weekend in Namaqualand throughout the flower season is an effective way to spend a few days with household and mates. We created two itineraries for your weekend getaway in Namaqualand: the Coastal Route and the Cederberg Route. Spending a weekend right here throughout the flower season is a tremendous experience however you’ll be able to go to Namaqualand as a day journey from Cape City. On this case, the West Coast Nationwide Park is the very best place to come back for a day to see wildflowers.
We’d recommend beginning the journey on Friday and spending two nights on the West Coast this manner you’ll have two full days to discover the realm. Fortunately, the R27 highway out of Cape City alongside the West Coast is by far not as busy and loopy because the N1, N2, or N7 on Friday night. When you’re previous Desk View you’ll hardly see any site visitors.
Day 1. Cape City – Langebaan/Paternoster
Should you begin driving early sufficient you would possibly make it in time for the sundown in Langebaan. In August – September the sundown is between 6 pm and 6.30 pm. After the sundown, get pleasure from dinner with contemporary seafood or fish and native wine.
Locations to remain in Langebaan
Locations to remain in Paternoster
Day 2. Exploring the Coastal Flower Route
Begin your day with breakfast and occasional at one of many native eating places. In Langebaan, we will recommend Pearly’s Restaurant on the waterfront. Junk and Disorderly Bakery is a superb breakfast place in Paternoster.
After breakfast, you’ll be able to spend a while on the seashore earlier than heading to West Coast Nationwide Park which is only a couple kilometers away. Late morning – afternoon, between 1 am and Four pm, is the very best time for watching the flowers. On the entrance gate, there may be a queue of automobiles you ought to be ready to spend a while ready to get in. There are a number of quick mountain climbing trails contained in the park that you may observe. Strolling throughout the fields is one of the best ways to benefit from the flowers. You may spend a few hours within the park.
Within the afternoon spend a while exploring the West Coast, and drive to Jacobsbaai, Paternoster, and Cape Columbine Nature Reserve. At some locations alongside the way in which, you’ll be able to see extra flowers. Should you journey with youngsters be certain that to cease at The Pixie and Fairy Village in Jacobsbaai. It’s a magical place! Open each day from eight am to six pm, admission price – 20-30R.
Paternoster is a superb place to cease for lunch, it has a few of the greatest seafood and fish eating places within the space. We will suggest The Noisy Oyster and Voorstrandt. For a tasty wood-fired pizza with nice views go to Blikkie Pizzeria in Paternoster.
Within the night get pleasure from a braai with a few glasses of wine. Should you’re planning to braai be certain that your guesthouse has a braai place (should you camp you’ll undoubtedly have one). What sort of weekend is it with no conventional South African braai!?
Day 3. Langebaan/Paternoster – Darling – Cape City
Have breakfast with the ocean view at one of many eating places. Should you like beer and burgers on the way in which again to Cape City drive by Darling. It’s a fast detour from the route. Darling Brew is a superb place to cease. There you’ll be able to mix beer tasting with a scrumptious meal. The brewery has a jungle gymnasium for teenagers and permits well-behaved canines.
In spring the fields across the city are lined in flowers. Domestically brewed beer, nice meals, and fields of flowers – the proper solution to end your Namaqualand weekend. There are a few wine farms within the space that do tasting however they’re closed on Sundays and a few on Saturdays as effectively.
Namaqualand flowers – the Cederberg route itinerary
Should you don’t fear an excessive amount of about being near the ocean and fairly wish to skip seasonal crowds within the West Coast Nationwide Park I’d suggest going to the Cederberg Mountains. It’s a extra off-the-beaten-track vacation spot with fewer folks that has a few superb locations the place you’ll be able to see hundreds of flowers outdoors Nationwide parks and reserves. It’s essential to do not forget that should you determine to take this route it’s higher to go mid-August – starting September to see flowers in Nieuwoudtville and Biedouw Valley.
Day 1. Cape City – Citrusdal/Clanwilliam
You most likely gained’t be capable to do a lot today however drive from Cape City to the place you’re going to remain. Whichever place you select, Citrusdal or Clanwilliam each have good indoor locations to remain and superb campsites.
Locations to remain in Citrusdal
Locations to remain in Clanwillian
Day 2. Citrusdal/Clanwilliam – Nieuwoudtville – Biedouw Valley – Citrusdal/Clanwilliam
Go for breakfast at one of many native eating places. In Citrusdal we will suggest The Grapevine Espresso Store, it’s a small however cozy place that serves scrumptious breakfasts, espresso, and Rooibos tea. The realm round Clanwilliam is known for its Rooibos tea, don’t be stunned to see many tearooms there.
Should you keep in Citrusdal to go to each locations you’ll should drive about 400 km which can take you just about the entire day together with stops for pictures and lunch. From Clanwilliam, the space is shorter, about 300 km.
Should you determine to go to each Nieuwoudtville and Biedouw Valley I’d recommend ranging from Nieuwoudtville there may be multiple place there to see the flowers. Should you don’t have sufficient time to go to Biedouw Valley in the long run you’ll be able to all the time drive there the following day earlier than you head again to Cape City.
Day 3. Citrusdal/Clanwilliam – Riebek Casteel – Cape City
On the way in which again to Cape City you are able to do a brief detour to Riebek Casteel, a captivating city with a few good eating places the place you’ll be able to cease for breakfast. We will suggest Beans About Espresso, a comfortable cafe-roastery. They’ve nice espresso (that they roast themselves), tasty breakfast, and scrumptious muffins. A few native farms are open on Sundays (Meerhof Wines, Riebeek Valley Wine & Co, Riebeek Cellars) for testing after breakfast you’ll be able to go to a few of them and take a look at native wines.
You probably have an extended vacation you’ll be able to prolong your highway journey and discover extra of the Northern Cape. This fashion you’ll be able to mix the flower season in Namaqualand with a go to to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. August-September is the very best time for safari drives there.
Namaqualand flowers – helpful Apps
- Maps.me for iPhone and Android – an offline map, you obtain a map for a rustic and use it offline for navigation.
- iOverlander for iPhone and Android – works offline, and reveals campsites in any chosen space, we used it lots in Namibia.
- WestCoastWay is an app for iPhone and Android with a number of information on the West Coast.
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The beautiful half of Stingy Nomads, accountable for all our land adventures (mountain climbing, climbing, strolling the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves strolling since she was a toddler, she prefers to stroll 1000 km with a backpack fairly than to do a 10 000 km highway journey (really any highway journey). Alya is an enormous fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Each time we go away she desperately misses our canine Chile.
