The West Coast National Park and Postberg Private Nature Reserve
One of the most visited flower hotspots in the Cape West Coast. Keep an eye out for zebra, wildebeest, antelope, ostrich, mongoose, Rock hyrax, snakes, birds, tortoises and of course, a mindboggling display of flowers.
With its breathtaking landscapes, unique flora and fauna, and endless opportunities for adventure, it’s the perfect place to celebrate all that South Africa has to offer.
Even though it’s part of the West Coast National Park, the Postberg Private Flower Reserve is only open every August and September – to make sure it’s as undisturbed as possible.
Part of the Culture and Foodie routes on the R27
Opening dates: 1 August – 30 September
Where: West Coast National Park, Langebaan, Cape West Coast
Contact: +27 (0)22 772 2144
Postberg Private Nature Reserve – free access this National Parks Week
Blaauwberg Nature Reserve
Known as the official beginning of the Cape West Coast flora, the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve has spectacular views across the cityscape and coastline, including one of the few in the world where you can see two World Heritage Sites – Table Mountain and Robben Island.
Its wetland has an abundance of plant, mammal, bird and reptile species, as well as various amphibians.
Find them on the West Coast Way #CultureRoute
Where: Cape Farms, just north of Blaauwberg on the R27 or Otto Du Plessis Drive
Contact: +27 (0)21 554 0957 | +27 (0)21 444 0454 (Eerstesteen Resort)
Darling Renosterveld Reserve
The Darling Renosterveld Reserve was donated by the local Darling authority and is under the care of the Darling Wildflower Society.
The reserve is open all year round and entrance is free, but if you want to see the landscape transform into a carpet of colorful spring flowers the best time to visit is between July and October.
Find them on the West Coast Way #CultureRoute
Where: Darling, on the R304
Contact: +27 (0)22 492 3361, [email protected] | www.darlingtourism.co.za
Tienie Versfeld Wild Flower Reserve
This little flower reserve is an absolute gem with generous displays of springtime flowers sprouting from a vast array of veld types.
It’s also a unique remnant of grassland, fynbos and a seasonal wetland within the Swartland, and particularly valued for its bulbous plants.
Find them on the West Coast Way #CultureRoute
Where: Darling, on the R304
Contact: +27 (0)22 492 3361 | [email protected] | www.darlingtourism.co.za
Groenekloof Reserve
Situated near the Tienie Versfeld Wild Flower Reserve, the Groenekloof Reserve offers a variety of flowers including Hermannia (lanterns-Poproos), Arctotis (daisies), Drossera (Snotroesie), Chlorophytum and Moraeari tripetala (blue)
Find them on the West Coast Way #CultureRoute
Where: Darling, (R315 alongside the SPCA premises)
Contact: +27 (0)22 492 3361 | [email protected] | www.darlingtourism.co.za
Image from darling.wordpress.com
Waylands Wildflower Reserve
Waylands Farm, 6km from Darling, has been in the Duckitt family for six generations.
The reserve is open to the public during the flower season and is home to some 300 species with fields of Blue Flaks (Heliophila), Ixia and Arums making themselves visible from the roof.
The Waylands Wildflower Reserve is part of the critically endangered Lowland Fynbos Biome, of which less than 1% remains.
Find them on the West Coast Way #CultureRoute
Where: Off the R307 which runs between Mamre and Darling.
Contact: +27 (0)22 492 3361 | [email protected] | www.darlingtourism.co.za
Contreberg
Another one of the flower hotspots clustered around Darling.
The reserve contains a seasonally wet, Swartland Granite Renosterveld area of approximately 10 ha with one of the last populations of a critically endangered orchid species called pteryogodium cruciform.
Part of the Culture route on the R27
Where: Next to the R307 on the way to Mamre,
Contact: +27 (0)22 492 3361 | [email protected] | www.darlingtourism.co.za
Image from africageographic.com
Paternoster
One of the oldest villages on the West Coast, Paternoster is well known for its warm, generous and hospitable people wonderfully complemented by an array of flowers in spring.
Find them on the West Coast Way #FoodieRoute
Where: Paternoster, R399
Contact: +27 (0)22 752 2323 | [email protected] | www.paternoster.info
Cape Columbine Nature Reserve
A mere 5 minutes from Paternoster is the Cape Columbine Nature reserve home to an abundance of flora and fauna as well as the last manned lighthouse in South Africa which was built on Castle Rock in 1936.
Cape Columbine lies on a peninsular and covers 263 hectares of gorgeous wild, rocky coastline.
Find them on the West Coast Way of the #FoodieRoute
Where: Paternoster, R399
Contact: +27 22 752 2323 | [email protected] | www.paternoster.info
Hopefield
Surrounded by delicate fynbos and waving green wheat in winter, Hopefield is a historic town on the Cape West Coast.
Every August, Hopefield depicts the breathtaking and diverse flora of the region. To see indigenous flora at ground level, walk the Langrietvlei and Helderwater trails on farms near the town.
Part of the Foodie route on the R45
Where: Hopefield Sports Centre, R45
Contact: +27 (0)22 723 1720
Darling
Darling is an integral part of the Cape Fynbos Kingdom comprising of Renosterveld, Sandveld, and Strandveld where more than 1200 different species of flowers can be found. The event includes entry to the Landscaped Hall (depicting the flowers of the area in their natural habitat). A Freeride on a tractor-drawn wagon to see the Oude Post Pristine wetland (that is not accessible to the public and can only be seen during the show), a Craft/Farmers Market, Veteran Tractor/Car Display, an Entertainment Tent featuring live music, a large Children’s area, safe and secure parking and many other attractions. There will also be numerous food and Beverage stalls where you can purchase a variety of food and drinks to take away or use the facilities to relax and enjoy the natural environment.
Find them on the West Coast Way #CultureRoute
Where: Darling
West Coast Way is Your Route To Nature
West Coast Way is your ultimate gateway to experiencing the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Cape West Coast of South Africa. As a premium tourism brand, we offer six uniquely themed trip plans that promise an unforgettable journey: Cape, Culture, Foodie, Tractor, Berg, and Wild.
Discover over 101 incredible things to see and do with West Coast Way:
Savour the delights of wine, craft beer, olives, and Rooibos tea tastings. Indulge in authentic Weskus cuisine and the traditional braaivleis (barbecue). Feel the thrill of swinging into Citrusdal on a zipline or challenge yourself with Cederberg bouldering. Rejuvenate in natural warm pools and embark on serene cruises across lagoons and rivers. Explore the diverse landscapes of nature reserves and a National Park, or embark on exciting game drives. Hone your skills in archery and angling, or amp up the excitement with sandboarding and quad-biking. Enjoy horse riding, immerse yourself in the unique San culture, and experience the vibrant Riel dancing. For water sports enthusiasts, kite- and windsurfing, surfing, and kayaking trips await. Go beach hopping, learn about bees and whales, and delight in birdwatching in a twitcher’s paradise – all within South Africa’s renowned wildflower reserve.
For more information on the best places to visit on the West Coast, road tripping routes, hikes, tours, and trails, explore westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Follow us on on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn @WestCoastWaySA.