Location of Flowers:
Routes:
N7 between Klawer & Vanrhynsdorp (few)
R362 from Lutzville, Ebenhaeser towards Strandfontein (patch)
R363 between Klawer & Vredendal (few)
Gravel Road between Spruitdrift (R363) and Lambertbay (patches)
R27 between Vredendal & Vanrhynsdorp (few)
R27 from Vanrhynsdorp toward Bagdad Café (patches)
All around Maskam Mountains: Urionskraal; Gifberg (patches)

Farms & Towns:
Along the road towards Ouberg Waterfall (fields)
Maskam Guestfarm (about 13km outside of Vanrhynsdorp, foot of Gifberg) (patches)
Lankverwacht Guestfarm (R27 – 25km north of Vanrhynsdorp) (patches)

Niewoudtsville area

Hantam Botaniesie Tuine  – (Beatle daisies, Haarlekyn blomme, aanblomme (fields)
Matjiesfontein (fields)
Papkuilsfontein ( Verskeidenheid Bolplante) (fields)
Wild Flower Reserve – Calvinia pad
Willemsrivier Trek pad – Aandblomme ,satynblomme, spogfluweeltjies (fields)
Willemsrivier – Waterkatsterte en bolplante
N7 between Klawer & Vanrhynsdorp (few)

R362 from Lutzville, Ebenhaeser towards Strandfontein (few)
R363 between Klawer & Vredendal (few)
Gravel Road between Spruitdrift (R363) and Lambertbay(patches)
R27 between Vredendal & Vanrhynsdorp(few)
R27 from Vanrhynsdorp toward Bagdad Café(patches)
All around Maskam Mountains: Urionskraal; Gifberg(patches)

Types of Flowers:
Douvygies, Beesvygie, Skaapbosse, perdebosse, Vaallansrapuis, Rapuis, Wilde Roosmaryn, Waterslaai, Trekkertjies, Springbogvygie, Rotsbobbejaanjie, Sandklawer,
Sigaretvygie, Surings, Reenblommetjie, Pers Lobelia, Lepeltjiesblom, Madeliefies, Namakwa Gifkool, Laventelkruid.. Knoppiesstinkruid, Kougoed, Klein Blouflaks.
Hongerblom, Gousblomme, Daisies

How many flowers
Please note this someone’s perception and not a guarantee.

(fields/plenty/patches/few)

CEDERBERG REGION

Town

Elands Bay

Location of flowers:

All around town and the mountain

On the R366 towards Redelinghuys

Type of flowers:

Vygies, Sierings, Namaqua Daisies, Stinkruik

How many flowers:

Please note this is someone’s perception and not a guarantee.

(Fields/Plenty/Patches/Few)

Patches all throughout the open areas and fields.

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
Up towards Heerenlogement – Graafwater to Lambert’s Bay

Type of flowers:
Purple vygies, Daisies, Stinkruik

How many flowers:

Please note this is someone’s perception and not a guarantee.

(Fields/Plenty/Patches/Few)

Patches all throughout the open areas and field
Town
Clanwilliam

Location of flowers:

Ramskop Nature Reserve still have some flowers

Type of flowers:

Blue flax (Heliophila coronopifolia)
White daisy (Dimorphotheca pluvialis)
Orange daisy (Dimorphotheca sinuta)
(Conisosa elongata)
Beetle daisy

How many flowers:

Please note this is someone’s perception and not a guarantee.

(Fields/Plenty/Patches/Few)

WESKUSPENINSULA

HOPEFIELD
Location of flowers:
In town on vacant plots
Next to Soutriver in town
Plaasmol (R45) 5km outside Hopefield
Next to Library
At Hopefield Fynbos Park
Type of flowers:
White Reënblommetjies (Daisies),
Orange Gousblomme
Geel Bobbejaantjie
Pienk en Geel Surings
Babiana Odoratas (in full flower) Yellow
Hermannias
Babiana Eanas
Nemesias
Cysticapnos – Vesicaria
Bokhoringtjies
Cotula turbinata
How many flowers:
Please note this is someone’s perception, and not a guarantee.
(Fields/Plenty/Patches/Few)

JACOBSBAAI

Location of flowers:
Jacobsbaai Area
Type of flowers:
Kleinkruid
Soetkop dikblaar
Ossierrapuis
Reënblommetjies
Gousblommetjies
Suring
Bokbaaivygie
Cotula turbinata
How many flowers:
Please note this is someone’s perception, and not a guarantee.

(Fields/Plenty/Patches/Few)

LANGEBAAN

Location of flowers:
Langebaan Area/West Coast National Park
Type of flowers:
Suring (Yellow Flower)
Reenblommetjies (White)
Orange Gousblom
Sukkelbossie
Sporrie
Geel Hongerblom
Harpuisbos
Blombos
Kapokbossie
Strand Sallie
Bietou
Vygies
Bobbejaankool
Geelmelkbos
Froetang
Cotula turbinata
Varkblom- Patches
How many flowers:
Please note this is someone’s perception, and not a guarantee.
(Fields/Plenty/Patches/Few)
WEST COAST NATIONAL PARK:
Postberg open 01 August until 30 September 2018.
TEL: 022 772 2144
Entrance Fees:
South African Adult Citizens – R77 / Kids under 12 – R39
International Tourist R172 per adult / Kids under 12 – R86
Open Week: 10-14 September 2018 FREE entry for South African Citizens!
(Bring ID Book)
PATERNOSTER
Location of flowers:
Paternoster Area
Bekbaai
Cape Columbine Nature Reserve
On open plots in town
Type of flowers:
Surings
White Rain Daisy (patches)
Veld Cineraria (huge patches)
Kattekruie (few)
Elandsvy (patches)
Pietsnot (patches)
Bobbejaankool
Bokbaai Vygie
Bruinsalie
Poprosies
Suring
Lachenalia pustulata
Orange Spiloxine

How many flowers:
Please note this is someone’s perception, and not a guarantee.Plenty / Patches
SALDANHA
Location of flowers:
Saldanha Area / SAS Saldanha Nature Reserve
Type of flowers:
White Rain Daisies
Gousblom
Suring
Piempiempies
Saldanha Piempie
Cotula turbinate
Varkblom- Patches
How many flowers:
Please note this is someone’s perception, and not a guarantee.

(Fields/Plenty/Patches/Few)
ST HELENA BAY
Location of flowers

MAIN ROAD/BRITANNIA BAY/DUYKER EILAND/DA GAMA MONUMENT
Type of flowers:
Dimorphotheca pluvialis (reenblommetjie)
Arctotis hirsuta (gousblom)
Arctotis breviscapa (sandveld gousblom)
Oxalis compressa (baster suuring)
Grielum humifusum (pietsnot)
Cotula turbinate
Varkblom
BRITANNICA HEIGHTS
Type of flowers:
Chrysanthemoides monilifera (bietou)
Eriocephalus africanus (kapokbossie)
Cotula turbinata

SHELLEY POINT
Type of flowers:
Jordaaniell dubia (kruipvygie)
Dorotheanthus bellidiformis (bokbaai vygie)
Cotula turbinata
How many flowers:
Please note this is someone’s perception, and not a guarantee.
(Fields/Plenty/Patches/Few)

VREDENBURG
Location of flowers

R45 exits from town towards Paternoster, Saldanha and Velddrif

Type of flowers:
Gousblomme (Orange and Yellow)
White Rain Daisy
Surings
Cotula turbinate
Varkblom

Darling

Early wildflowers have started blooming in and around Darling

Location of flowers:
Darling Renosterveld Reserve (At top of village behind the DarlingPrimarySchool); Darling Groenekloof Reserve; Tienie Versfeld Reserve; Duckitt Nurseries Wildflower Reserve; Waylands; Groote Post; R27 at Rondeberg Private Reserve (private property but flowers can be seen from the road)

White Bokbaai vygies; plenty of Gladiolus carinatus; pink Moraea; sterretjies
Romulea eximia (Darling froetang), Gladiolus alatus, White bokbaai vygies, Babiana ambigua, babiana rubrocynea, Babiana stricta, ixia scillaris, Ixia lutea, White daisies, Arctotis hirsute. Some very nice specimens flowering here
Yellow gousblom, white raindaisies ;Drosera cistiflora (snotrosie), Gladiolus alatus (kalkoentjie), lachenalia pallida (viooltjie)etc.
Patches of Senecia; Polygala; Indigofera; Microloma Sagittarius (Bokmaellie); Muraltia ropetala (Skilpadbos); Romulea hersuta (Froetang); Heamania (Poproos); Eriocephalus africanus (Kapokbos or wild Rosemary)
Dorotheanthus bellidiformis – Bokbaai vygie – just starting
Ruschia.    – vygie Busch – many, fields
Heliophila – blue flax- starting
Polygala- special – singles
Arctotis hyrsuta-  gousblom many fields
Muraltia  singles beautiful
Zantedeschia – arum – many
Spiloxine canaliculata – starting to many
Romulea – frutang – starting
Senecio littorius -honger  blom – starting
Senecio aranerius – honger blom – starting
Dimorphortheca pulvialus – Reenen Blom – many fields
Reenblommetjie (Dimorphotheca pluvialis); Blue flaks (Heliophila);Pyjama bush (Lobostemon); Pypies (Gladiolus);Gousblom (Arctotis); Rysblommetjie (Wurmbea stricta) in the little dam
White reenblommetjie (Dimorphotheca pluvialis); Blue flaks (Heliophila);
White reenblommetjie (Dimorphotheca pluvialis); orange Gousblom (Arctotis); yellow magriet (Ursinia anthemoides)
Gousblom (Arctotis);reenblommetjie (Dimorphotheca pluvialis); arums (Zantedeschia)

How many flowers:

Please note this is someone’s perception, and not a guarantee.
(Fields/Plenty/Patches/Few)
Malmesbury

14 km outside Malmesbury in the Paardeberg mountains lies Fynbos Estate. It is an hour from Cape Town and an ideal location for an exploration of a mountain location and then a jumping off point for the flowers further North West.

The mountain part of the farm is 300 hectares and is a nature reserve. It is a granitic mountain and hence the ideal ecology for fynbos, strandveld and renosterbos.

It has a varied and numerous flowers and many birds.

The mountain is easy to access with a paved walking trail and access by high clearance vehicles. Intrepid mountain bikers are also welcome

Fynbos Estate of which the nature reserve is a part, can accommodate up to 40 people sharing and offers wine tastings of natural wines made on the farm. For groups of 10 and over country meals can be provided.

Location of Flowers

The flowers cover the whole of the 300-hectare mountain.

Types of Flowers
Fynbos Strandveld Renosterbos
How many flowers:
Please note this is someone’s perception and not a guarantee.
There are many flowers. They do not occur in fields as do flowers on the plains, but in flower time are abundant in clusters all over the mountain.

Fields/Plenty/Patches/Few

Postberg Nature reserve within the West Coast National Park opened and is accessible to the public from 1 August – 30- September 2018 for info regarding price and open times contact West Coast National Park at 022 772 2144.

Please do not forget to contact the Weskus Flower Hotline 063 724 6203 or the Namakwaland Flower Line at 072 760 6019 

#Wildflowers Season is here and we have the best festivals, shows and places to go and view this spectacular display on the West Coast Way!

West Coast Wildflowers

Darling is well known for their West Coast Wildflowers and the 101st Darling Wildflower Show is happening from the 14th – 16th of September. Did you know that Darling contains more than 10% of the species count of the Cape Floral Kingdom, the richest Kingdom in species diversity in the world?

Make your way to these West Coast Wildflowers hotspots in Darling:

Renoster Reserve, Darling, find it at Kalkoentjie Street, behind the Darling Primary School. Visitors would walk to the right in front of the stone reserves as well as up the paths to the left of the main path through the reserve.

Road reserves from Darling towards Mamre.

Road verges on the R27 Yzerfontein towards Jakkalfontein

Head to Schaap Island walking trail in Yzerfontein to view the first sightings of Knoppie Vooiltjies and Vygies.

FIND WHERE TO STAY THIS FLOWER SEASON

#WILDflowers2017 Festivals and Shows:

Festivals

101st Darling Wildflower Show

Date: 14 – 16 September

Time: Thursday – Saturday: 09:00 – 17:00; Sunday: 09:00 – 15:00

Location: Darling Golf Club, Jacaranda Street, Darling

Contact: 072 178 5744 / 084 916 1111 | [email protected] | www.darlingwildflowers.co.za

Tickets  Can be purchased online via www.quicket.co.za – Group Specials on Application.

Ticket Prices  Adults: R60

Pensioners: R40 (Friday, 14 Sep, only)

Children 2 – 18 years: R40

Children below 2 years: Free

Description:

The Darling Wildflower Society has been around for more than a century and the Society’s Darling Wildflower Show takes place annually over the third weekend in September. It celebrates an integral part of the Cape Fynbos Kingdom comprised of Renosterveld, Rietveld, Sandveld, and Strandveld where more than 1200 different species of owers can be found.

The show will be celebrating 101 years with the theme: Conservation and the next generation. The display will focus on the Wild ower Society’s development over the past 101 years as well as the Herbarium project.

Top places to view the flowers:

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.

Part of the Culture Route on the R27
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 colourful spring flowers the best time to visit is between July and October.

The reserve also hosts the annual, century-old Darling Wildflower Show. Don’t miss this year’s show on from 14 – 16 September 2018.

Part of the Culture Route and Scenic Route connecting the R27 and N7
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.

Part of the Culture Route and Scenic Route connecting the R27 and N7
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)

Part of the Culture Route and Scenic Route connecting the R27 and N7
Where:  Darling, (R315 alongside the SPCA premises)
Contact: +27 (0)22 492 3361 | [email protected] | www.darlingtourism.co.za

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.

Part of the Culture Route and Scenic Route connecting the R27 and N7
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 and Scenic Route connecting the R27 and N7
Where: Next to the R307 on the way to Mamre,
Contact: +27 (0)22 492 3361 |  [email protected] | www.darlingtourism.co.za

Postberg

One of the most visited flower hotspots in the Cape West Coast.

Even though it’s part of the West Coast National Park, the Postberg Flower Reserve is not always open to ensure it’s as undisturbed as possible until spring, when it truly rewards the wait.

Keep an eye out for zebra, wildebeest, antelope, ostrich, mongoose, Rock hyrax, snakes, birds, tortoises and of course, a mind-boggling display of flowers.

Part of the Foodie Route on the R27
Opening dates: 1 August – 30 September
Where: West Coast National Park, Langebaan, Cape West Coast
Contact: +27 (0)22 772 2144

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.

Part of the Foodie Route on the R27
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 peninsula and covers 263 hectares of gorgeous wild, rocky coastline.

Part of the Foodie Route
Where:  Paternoster, R399
Contact: +27 22 752 2323 | [email protected] | www.paternoster.info

Piekenierskloof

Known as the “Valley of Flowers” namely Citrusdal and an hour from Clanwilliam. Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort is the perfect base from where to explore the Cederberg Mountains and a spectacular haven in which to unwind whilst enjoying the views. A must-see on the West Coast Way Berg Route.

Part of the Berg Route and Wild Route
Where:  Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort, N7 Piekenierskloof Pass, Citrusdal
Contact: +27 (0)22 921 3574 | [email protected]

Viewing Tips

Flowers are open between 11:00 – 15:00 which is the warmest part of the day

The sun must be out for the flowers to be open.

Rainy or overcast days are not ideal for wildflower viewing

The day temperature must be at least 18 degrees

For the best viewing experience and photos, keep you back to the sun (flowers face the sun)

Get out of your car and walk around.

Tread lightly, and please don’t trample the plants.

Never pick flowers or bulbs.

Wear long pants, comfortable shoes, and insect repellent when visiting ,the wildflower fields

Find Darling and Yzerfontein on the West Coast Way Culture Route Cape Way Route, and Tractor Route.

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.

West Coast Way is South Africa’s road trip with the most twists. South Africans and visitors can explore a unique collection of themed routes to do adventure-filled Cape West Coast self-drive trips or a West Coast Holiday. The new West Coast Way “basket” of free routes on offer include the West Coast Way Scenic Route, the West Coast Way Berg Route, the West Coast Way Foodie Route, the West Coast Way Cultural Route – as well as the newly launched West Coast Way Wild Route, all of which are designed to showcase the many attractions and activities that are already on offer on the Cape West Coast and inland areas – but may be unknown to many. For more information on West Coast Way’s #WestCoastTwist and the list of 101 Things to Do on the West Coast visit www.westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Connect with West Coast Way on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at WestCoastWaySA.

SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave