The natural phenomenon of flower season along the Weskus in the Western Cape draws thousands of visitors from around the country and from around the world, between August and September each year; but the wild flowers have been known to bloom as early as July and as late as October, depending on weather conditions.
Flower season is dependent on the winter rains, the wind and other weather factors, and the displays vary from place to place each season.
Flower Hot Spots
NAMAQUA WEST COAST REGION
Location of Flowers:
N7 between Klawer & Vanrhynsdorp
Lankverwacht Farm
Around Maskam Mountains
R362 from Vredendal towards Strandfontein
In and around Strandfontein
Ouberg Waterfall - Vanrhynsdorp
CEDERBERG REGION
Town: Lambert's Bay
Location of Flowers:
In and around town and open fields
On the R365 past Muisbosskerm
Steenbokfontein farm
On the R364 towards Clanwilliam
All the way down the R366 to Elandsbay
Up towards Doornbay
Town: Elandsbaai
Location of Flowers
All around town and the mountain
On the R366 towards Redelinghuys
SWARTLAND REGION
Town: Yzerfontein
Location of Flowers
Schaap Eiland Trail - Sandviooltjies (Red flowers)
Whole town in green - Yellowbush Bietow everywhere and African Aloe that was planted in town is blooming beautifully. Brown Salvia is blooming all over town. Red Pelargonium blooming all over town.
VIEWING TIPS
Tips while viewing flowers
• The flowers are open between 11:00 and 15:00, the warmest part of the day
• The sun must be out for flowers to open, thus rainy or overcast days are not ideal
• The day temperature must be at least 18 degrees
• Flowers face the sun, thus for viewing and pictures keep your back to the sun
• Get out of the car and walk around, do not miss the special smaller species
• Tread lightly, do not trample on plants, and never pick flowers or bulbs
What to wear when viewing flowers
• Long pants and insect repellent when walking around in the field
• Comfortable shoes
Advice to tourists
• Try to book your accommodation in advance
• The Weskus Flower Hotline is available from 08:00 to 20:00, 7 days a week
• Most towns along the flower routes have fuel stations, ATMs and mobile reception
• The further north, the further apart the towns, keep in mind when planning
• Stop and ask locals for advice on flower hot spots, distances, etc - they're friendly
• Namakwa/Weskus flower maps are available at all tourism information offices
Start planning your Weskus trip and attend the following Wildflower Shows.
Clanwilliam Wildflower Show:
Date: 24 Augustus to 2 September
Tel : 027 482 2024
www.clanwilliamflowerfestival.co.za
Hopefield Fynbos Show
Date: 30 Augustus to 2 September
Cell: 072 802 3634
Darling Wildflower Show
Date: 14 to 16 September
Cell: 084 916 1111
For more information: contact the Weskus Flower Hotline 063 724 6203 or the Namakwaland Flower Line at 072 760 6019 (active from 1 August 2018) or visit www.capewestcoast.org
