Wildflower season is in full swing and it came rather early this year but who’s complaining, right? Here’s a quick guide to everything you need to know.

I love flower season but Courtney dreads it due to his severe sinus problem yet we still make a point to drive along the West Coast to view the floral extravaganza; whether we view it at the same place as the West Coast National Park, or along roadsides. Either way, it’s a must-see for all.

Getting there:

The flowers are seen along the R27 and the N7 West Coast National Road. It’s approximately 25 minutes (give or take) from Cape Town; depending on where you’d like to go view them. One tip I need to put emphasis on is to GO EARLY to avoid waiting in long queues.

Types of Flowers:

I’m no flower expert but I know a few that make an appearance year after year. Also, they don’t all blossom in the same area so if you’re looking to view a particular species, I advise you to call the Information desk for more information. Here are a few flowers you bound to come across:

• Daisies
• Namakwa Gifkool
• Gousblomme
• Sandklawer
• Wilde Roosmaryn
• Sand Vygies
• Lepeltjiesblom
• Trekkertjies
• Perdebosse
• Laventelkruid
• Beesvygie
• Kougoed
• Blouflaks
• Springbogvygie
• Waterslaai, and so many more!

Where to view them:

You can find the array of flowers basically all along the West Coast towns as well as the Namaqua region. Here’s a list of where you can go:

Langebaan: West Coast National Park is probably the best and, you get to see way more than you bargain for. Make sure you go early to avoid traffic.

The entrance fee is R83.00 and for kids under 12 – R42.00. International Tourist: R186.00 per adult and kids under 12 – R93.00. During open Week from 8 – 15 September 2019, South African citizens can enter for FREE. Just make sure to bring your ID Book.

Darling: They make an appearance all around the town along the roadsides and on patches of fields even on the R307 just past Mamre.

Paternoster and Vredenburg: You’ll definitely see a few close to the West Coast Fossil Park but plenty in Paternoster close to Bekbaai and at Cape Columbine Nature Reserve.

Lambert’s Bay: You’ll find tons on the R365 past Muisbossker as well as on Steenbokfontein farm and many on the R364 towards Clanwilliam.

Clanwilliam: Fields and fields of flowers at Biedouw Valley that’s about 65 Km out of Clanwilliam, on the R364 on the way to Wupperthal.

Namaqua region: Feeling like a proper road trip? You will spot them between Klawer and Vanrhynsdorp. There are other small towns too that you’ll see them at like Lutzville, Ebenhaeser, and patches in Strandfontein.

Any flower festivals?

Darling Wildflower festival is one worth visiting. This year it will take place on 20 – 22 September 2019 at the Darling Golf Club, Jacaranda Street in Darling.

• Time: Thursday to Saturday from 09:00 – 17:00 and Sunday from 09:00 – 15:00.
• Entrance fee: Adults – R70.00, pensioners – R50.00, children 7 – 18 years – R50.00 and children below 6 years – Free.
• Buy Tickets: Purchase it online via www.quicket.co.za
• Contact information: 072 178 5744 / 084 916 1111 | info@darlingwildflowers.co.za

Clanwilliam Blomkerk annual wildflower show is from 23 August until 1 September. The theme this year is Harmony – which focuses on the balance between agricultural expansion and conservation.

• Time: Everyday from 08:30 – 18:00.
• Entrance fee: R50 adults and R10 for scholars. Groups of more than ten people qualify for a group discount.
• Contact information: 067 088 6969| 027 482 2024 | info@clanwilliamwildflowershow.co.za

Additional Information:

If you’re unsure if that particular area or town still has flowers, contact the Weskus Flower Hotline on 063 724 6203 or the Namakwaland Flower Line on 072 760 6019. Read more about which areas have which particular flower on West Coast Way website.

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Till the next adventure.

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