Clanwilliam – Western Cape
Two and a half hours from the hustle and bustle of Cape Town is the sleepy town of Clanwilliam. This town in the Cederberg comes to life during the change of season, boasting magnificent flora and fauna that needs to be seen in person – no picture does this beautiful bloom justice. Along with the springtime bloom comes the annual Clanwilliam Wild Flower Show hosted at the historic Blomkerk (flower church).
Namaqualand – Northern Cape
For a flower kaleidoscope adventure like no other, don’t miss the spring bloom in Namaqualand. This phenomenon is absolutely breathtaking, turning a dusty, plain semi-desert into a colourful extravaganza of flora and fauna. There are over 4 000 different plant species within the area, which means each and every year between July and October, there’s always a different selection and pattern of colour to delight the eye. There’s also the
Namaqualand Flower Route that you can explore that’ll take you through Namaqua National Park, the West Coast National Park, Langebaan and the Sandveld. Book your four-day, five-day or six-day flower tour ASAP! It books out quickly.
Ludwig’s Roses – Gauteng
If you have a love for roses, then you just have to visit
Ludwig's Roses out in Pretoria. This farm is the largest rose grower in the country and has been around for almost 40 years. So, when it comes to all things roses, they certainly are the specialists. Expect a day out in the country surrounded by loads of beautiful roses of all sizes and colours, enjoying the sweet floral smell in the air and getting plenty of sunshine. After admiring these stunning flowers, you can head to the Rose Kitchen for a refreshing drink or bite to eat. You can literally take some time to stop and smell the roses at this lovely location.
Darling – Western Cape
Annually, over the third weekend of September, Darling (about two hours away from Cape Town) celebrates the springtime bloom of floral beauty with the
Darling Wildflower Show. So, if you happen to be in the area during this special time, make sure you head to this celebration. It is one of the oldest shows in the Western Cape and offers a fantastic day trip or weekend break. Not only will you get the opportunity to view all of the pretty wild flowers popping up here, there and everywhere, but you'll also be able to check out the local art galleries filled with wonderful artworks and grab a revitalising cuppa at Tannie Evita's coffee shop.
Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve – Eastern Cape
Spring is the perfect time to get out and about and do a little exploring and reconnecting with the outdoors. Feel like reconnecting with nature while enjoying the lovely sights of flowers all around you? Then you have to visit the
Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve in Port Elizabeth. The reserve's main focus is to preserve indigenous flora, and guests can spend an afternoon exploring the area and discovering hundreds of different, vibrant, beautiful and unique plant species including fynbos, succulents and the ever-popular national flower, the protea. And to make this experience even better, entrance to the reserve is FREE. Who ever said all the good things in life aren't free?
Kroonstad – Free State
If you're travelling between Bloemfontein and Joburg along the N1 between September and October, then you'll have the chance to experience the golden fields of Kroonstad. During this time, loads of sunflowers will be in bloom, making it one of the prettiest and happiest spots in the country. You won't be able to resist smiling back at all the beautiful golden faces. Also, you don't need to stress about whether or not you'll be able to see the flowers or if you'll miss them en route, as they can all be seen from the highway. This definitely gives the Golden Highway a new meaning.
Cosmos Country – Mpumalanga
You know summer has arrived when the cosmos starts to pop up all over the place. You find it out in the North West, you find it in Gauteng, you find it practically everywhere. But to see the most cosmos you've ever seen in your life, you need to make your way to Cosmos Country, situated in southwest Mpumalanga. Late summer is cosmos season, so expect to see fields (more like seas) of purple, pink and white in the area – it will definitely be one of the most beautiful things you'll ever see.
The Tankwa Karoo National Park – Western Cape
For more yellow flowers, the Tankwa Karoo National Park is one of the best spots for a beautiful and vibrant display of flowering bushes. The best time to see the stunning views from Die Spruit is during August, but if you hurry you'll be able to catch it until early September before it starts to fade. There's nothing more uplifting and beautiful than miles of yellow grandeur. There is a small entrance fee to the national park, but the sights are totally worth every cent.
