Flowers, Flowers and more Flowers

" Flowers whisper "Beauty!" to the world,
even as they fade, wilt, fall. " 

- Dr. SunWolf -

It's the small things in the world that make us sit up and take notice. 

Vast fields of wild flowers, colours of every hue, is one such inspiring occasion!

 The Namaqualand Region which stretches from the town of Garies in the South (which is approx 472 km's from Cape Town) to the Orange River in the North.  The western boarder is the wild Atlantic Coast and the town of Pofadder (approx 651 km's from Cape Town) marks the eastern boarder.  This vast area which in the summer appears dry and heartless  suddenly dresses up for the occasion and produces a spectacular floral banquet. Little wonder that each year huge numbers of visitors flock to see the wild flowers, which can be viewed from  August and into September, after the winter rainfalls.  The flowers are at their most beautiful on a glorious sunny day.

A Tour taken along the Cape's West Coast is definitely a worthwhile one. The tour can be organised in such a way that you will be taken to the best possible places, to view the flowers as well as other places of interest. Because of the limited season it is important that you plan now for your trip. The best time would be the last weekend in August and the first week in September, as many of the annual flower shows will also take place. 

To wet your appetite here is a preview of the trip. One of the ports of call is Citrusdal, which is only a 2 hour drive from Cape Town. This town lies between the Koue Bokkeveld and Swartberg Mountain. This area is well known for it’s citrus orchards and large Rooibos Tea fields. This is the only region in the world where the Rooibos is grown. For those of you who are not familiar with Rooibos Tea, it is a brew enjoyed by many of the local people. Not strictly a tea but rather a herbal infusion. A pure and natural product!


Rooibos Tea


Another place to see is the Ramskop Nature Reserve, where there are 350 different species of wild flower. This is in the Clanwilliam area. In this area you will also visit the Biedouw Valley Reserve, which lies between the Biedouw and the Tra-Tra Mountains. Some of the flowers that you are likely to see is the Yellow/White Nemesias, The Blue Heliophilas and so many more. A wide variety of “Vygies”, and Rooibos plants!

The best kept secret of the region is the Tankwa Karoo National Park. A very unusual plant to see is the Snow Protea, which only grows in the Cederberg area. They can live up to 70 years of age and the flower takes a full year to open. A must see!

Vanrhysdorp, Bitterfontein, Kamieskroon, Ceres and the list goes on and on. 
There are a variety of organised trips to choose from. Some are day trips and others range from 1 night to 3 nights. The tours can also be tailor made to suit the area and parks you would like to visit. 

You could also consider a Farm Stay in Sutherland.  The first night is spent in the town of Sutherland affording a perfect opportunity to view the beautiful Stars, the second night is spent at a Farm 55 km's outside of Sutherland.  Meals (Breakfast, Light Lunch & Supper incl).

The West Coast Flower Line +27 071 320 7146 can provide you with information on the best flower viewing spots if you feel like taking a drive.

For more information on customised Flower Tours contact us at info@travelsatleisure.com

or go to www.travelsatleisure.com to see what else South Africa has to offer.

Take time to stop and see the Flowers
It may just be what you need to recharge!