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Seeing Namaqualand flowers through the spring is an unmissable expertise. After the wet winter months, the often arid area alongside the West Coast of South Africa turns into one colourful carpet of untamed flowers with orange, yellow, purple, and purple colours dominating the surroundings. The transformation is unimaginable, particularly if you understand how the realm seems to be exterior the flower season. Visiting Namaqualand is among the greatest issues to do in Cape City in spring.
The highway journey alongside the coast of the Atlantic Ocean remains to be a journey off the overwhelmed monitor for overseas vacationers in comparison with the well-known Backyard Route. Touring by way of Namaqualand in spring, put together to be stunned and see wonderful issues in essentially the most sudden locations. My impression of driving by way of the realm is the sensation of absolute freedom, the infinite highway that may take you so far as you would like.Â
Finest time to see Namaqualand flowers
This a part of the nation will get little or no rain all year long aside from July and August. After the winter rains, in early spring the realm transforms fully. Often, the desert-like Namaqualand area turns into a colourful carpet of flowers. When you’ll be able to see a whole bunch of 1000’s of yellow and orange daisies masking the coast of Southern Africa. And you’ll get pleasure from spectacular ocean views with the clear skies on this floral wonderland.
Certainly, the late winter and spring months of August and September are the perfect time to see wildflowers in Namaqualand. The flowering season varies slightly bit between the northern and southern elements of the coast; within the north close to Springbok early August is the perfect time for seeing spring flowers, and within the south between Langebaan and Lamberts Bay you will have the perfect likelihood to see flowers in late August and September. It would change from 12 months to 12 months some years after a dry winter there could be not as many flowers as after a number of months of winter rains. If it rains all through September so much there could be not many flowers.Â
Once you plan your journey it’s vital to keep in mind that in the event you go to Namaqualand on a wet day you received’t see many flowers, their petals will probably be closed. A heat and sunny day is the perfect for observing the flowers examine the climate forecast earlier than heading there.
In the event you reside in Cape City it’s not an issue as quickly as you begin seeing flower pictures on social media, it’s the suitable time. In the event you come from far I’d advocate planning your journey to see Namaqualand flowers for the primary half of September.
In the event you reside in Cape City it’s not an issue as quickly as you begin seeing flower pictures on social media, it’s the suitable time. In the event you come from far I’d advocate planning your journey to see Namaqualand flowers for the primary half of September.
There are lots of unimaginable locations to go to in Cape City itself in the event you’re a vacationer ensure to not miss the primary metropolis points of interest.
Journey insurance coverage for South Africa
In the event you’re not native and are planning to discover South Africa extensively it’s extremely advisable to have journey insurance coverage particularly in the event you’re going to do outside and journey actions. In the event you don’t have an insurance coverage firm we will advocate utilizing World Nomads. They’ve been on the journey market for a few years and give attention to masking outside actions and highway journeys. Their insurance coverage coverage may be very versatile and simple to buy on-line at any time earlier than or throughout your journey. You should buy it for the entire period of your journey or simply to cowl a few days. Get your prompt quote proper now!
Finest locations to see Namaqualand flowers
You’ll be able to see the fields of flowers driving by way of Namaqualand however sure locations provide the perfect flower fields sighting within the area.Â
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 – kids
In addition to the gorgeous surroundings, the park presents numerous outside actions for the entire household. The wonderful thing about the park is that it’s positioned simply 1-hour drive from Cape City. This park might be the perfect (the closest) place to go to it as a day journey from Mom Metropolis.Â
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 through the flower season. It’s fairly a drive from Cape City however in the event you begin actually early you can also make it to and again in someday.
NieuwoudtvilleÂ
- Nearest city – VredendalÂ
- 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 – kids
The Namaqua Nationwide Park is among the fundamental points of interest 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 most suitable choice you’ll find yourself spending extra time driving to and again than having fun with the flowers.
Issues to do in Namaqualand through the flower season
Water actions
Some locations on the West Coast are well-known for being wonderful spots for working towards water sports activities – Langebaan is one among them. In summer season this small city is among the greatest locations for kitesurfing in Cape City. Tons of of locals and vacationers from everywhere in the world come right here to surf. Even watching dozens of kites gliding within the sky is spectacular.Â
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 through the flower season, there could be no wind in any respect but it surely’s simply one more reason to return to the West Coast once more for the December vacation.
In the event you’re searching 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. Not like with kitesurfing browsing situations in winter are the perfect. You’ll be able to 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 really spectacular you’ll be able to see dolphins, whales, seals, penguins, and many others. 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, a whole bunch of birds, and even a few Sunfish that have 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.Â
Kayaking or paddleboarding is one other nice solution to get pleasure from the fantastic 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 lots of sea birds, seals, and rabbits is a good 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.
Climbing & biking
West Coast Nationwide Park in Langebaan might be the perfect place in Namaqualand the place you’ll be able to benefit from the lovely shoreline and fields lined n flowers whereas mountain climbing or biking. There are a number of brief strolling trails between 5 km and 9 km and a few 2-day routes (have to be booked upfront). The paths provide spectacular surroundings, particularly through the flower season.Â
The attractive surroundings just isn’t the one factor to get pleasure from within the park, through the stroll you’ll be able to spot animals equivalent 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. Data on the admission charges and dealing hours you will discover on the official web site.
In the event you determine to discover the inland a part of Namaqualand the Cederberg Mountain space is a tremendous place for outside actions equivalent 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.
In the event you like mountain climbing there are a lot of wonderful hikes in Cape City with gorgeous views that everyone will get pleasure from.
Foodie issues
Seafood and fish on the West Coast is one thing to not miss: recent Saldanha oysters, large crayfish, prawn, mussels, calamari, hake the record simply goes on. Paternoster might be the perfect place in Namaqualand to return for seafood.Â
The Noisy Oyster and Voorstrandt are our two favourite eating places right here. Don’t fear in the event you’re not an enormous seafood lover (like Campbell) each locations have in depth 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 good place to return for breakfast. They’ve nice espresso as effectively (Reality Espresso, a well known Cape City espresso roastery).
Muisbosskerm, an open-air restaurant on the seaside close to Lambert’s Bay is a not-to-miss place on the West Coast. A really cozy place with an incredible number of seafood, grilled, baked, and smoked fish, freshly baked bread, and varied facet dishes.  It’s a buffet meal that must be booked upfront.Â
Namaqualand just isn’t as well-known for its wine as the Stellenbosch Wine Route however there are wine farms there that produce wonderful wine. The Darling Wine Route has a number of lovely farms that supply wine tasting. You probably have time on the best way to or again from the coast you’ll be able to go to a few wine farms and do some tasting. Â
Wine farms round Darling are closed on Sundays, and a few are open on Saturdays. Over the weekend Friday afternoon is the perfect 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.
Methods to go to the Namaqualand flower route?
In the event you’re native just isn’t an issue you’ll be able to simply drive in your automobile. For vacationers renting a automobile is the easiest way to discover Namaqualand. You don’t must lease an enormous jeep a standard sedan will probably be fantastic in the event 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 4×4 is the best way to go.
In the event you don’t need to lease a automobile it’s potential 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 way of the West Coast Nationwide Park with a free decide up and drop off at your resort within the metropolis and a go to to a personal recreation reserve the place you’ll be able to see African animals.
Namaqualand flowers – the coastal route itinerary
A weekend in Namaqualand through the flower season is an effective way to spend a few days with household and buddies. We created two itineraries for your weekend getaway in Namaqualand: the Coastal Route and the Cederberg Route. Spending a weekend right here through the flower season is a tremendous expertise 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 perfect place to return for a day to see wildflowers.
We’d counsel 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 visitors.
Day 1. Cape City – Langebaan/Paternoster
In the event 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 recent seafood or fish and native wine.Â
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 counsel Pearly’s Restaurant on the waterfront. Junk and Disorderly Bakery is a good breakfast place in Paternoster.
After breakfast, you’ll be able to spend a while on the seaside earlier than heading to West Coast Nationwide Park which is only a couple kilometers away. Late morning – afternoon, between 1 am and 4 pm, is the perfect time for watching the flowers. On the entrance gate, there could be a queue of vehicles try to be ready to spend a while ready to get in. There are a number of brief mountain climbing trails contained in the park that you would be able to observe. Strolling throughout the fields is the easiest way to benefit from the flowers. You’ll be able to 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 best way, you’ll be able to see extra flowers. In the event you journey with kids ensure to cease at The Pixie and Fairy Village in Jacobsbaai. It’s a magical place! Open each day from 8 am to six pm, admission price – 20-30R.
Paternoster is a good place to cease for lunch, it has among the greatest seafood and fish eating places within the space. We are able to advocate 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. In the event you’re planning to braai ensure your guesthouse has a braai place (in the event you camp you’ll undoubtedly have one). What sort of weekend is it with out a conventional South African braai!?
Day 3. Langebaan/Paternoster – Darling – Cape City
Have breakfast with the ocean view at one of many eating places. In the event you like beer and burgers on the best way again to Cape City drive by way of Darling. It’s a fast detour from the route. Darling Brew is a good place to cease. There you’ll be able to mix beer tasting with a scrumptious meal. The brewery has a jungle fitness center for youths and permits well-behaved canine.Â
In spring the fields across the city are lined in flowers. Domestically brewed beer, nice meals, and fields of flowers – the right 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.Â
Namaqualand flowers – the Cederberg route itinerary
In the event you don’t fear an excessive amount of about being near the ocean and relatively need to skip seasonal crowds within the West Coast Nationwide Park I’d advocate going to the Cederberg Mountains. It’s a extra off-the-beaten-track vacation spot with fewer those who has a few wonderful locations the place you’ll be able to see 1000’s of flowers exterior Nationwide parks and reserves. It’s vital to keep in mind that in the event you determine to take this route it’s higher to go mid-August – starting September to see flowers in Nieuwoudtville and Biedouw Valley.Â
Day 1. Cape City – Citrusdal/Clanwilliam
You most likely received’t be capable to do a lot this present day 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 wonderful campsites.Â
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 advocate The Grapevine Espresso Store, it’s a small however cozy place that serves scrumptious breakfasts, espresso, and Rooibos tea. The world round Clanwilliam is known for its Rooibos tea, don’t be stunned to see many tearooms there.Â
In the event you keep in Citrusdal to go to each locations you’ll must 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.Â
In the event you determine to go to each Nieuwoudtville and Biedouw Valley I’d counsel ranging from Nieuwoudtville there’s a couple of place there to see the flowers. In the event you don’t have sufficient time to go to Biedouw Valley ultimately you’ll be able to at all times drive there the subsequent day earlier than you head again to Cape City.
Day 3. Citrusdal/Clanwilliam – Riebek Casteel – Cape City
On the best way 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 are able to advocate Beans About Espresso, a comfortable cafe-roastery. They’ve nice espresso (that they roast themselves), tasty breakfast, and scrumptious truffles. 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 check out 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 manner you’ll be able to mix the flower season in Namaqualand with a go to to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. August-September is the perfect time for safari drives there.Â
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 so much in Namibia.
- WestCoastWay is an app for iPhone and Android with lots of information on the West Coast.
Please observe and like us:
The beautiful half of Stingy Nomads, liable 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 relatively than to do a ten 000 km highway journey (truly 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.
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