8 Days Chasing Flowers in South Africa

On our 8-Day privately guided tour of the wildflowers we visit the West Coast of South Africa which offers visitors a magical display of wildflowers during Aug - Sep each year. The typically dusty and arid land becomes filled with vibrant colours of pink, purple, white and flaming orange. Fynbos, vygies and daisies are some of the hundreds of indigenous species that blossom during this time of the year attracting thousands of people to come and marvel at this annual natural phenomenon.

Wild Flowers at Bushmanskloof Wilderness Reserve

The quality and duration of the flower season is largely dependent on timing and weather. In favourable conditions consisting of decent spring rains and warm temperatures, the flowers will begin to bloom in the last two weeks of August, right through towards the end of September and into October. 

Tourist offices within the region provide useful maps of the different flower routes around the West Coast and parts of the Northern Cape. These multi-coloured routes can be experienced through self-drive tours, on walks or along bicycle paths, with sunny days from 11h00- 15h00 being the best time to go as the flowers open up their petals and face towards the sun.

8 Days Chasing Flowers in South Africa

Itinerary at a Glance:

  • Day 01

    Cape Town to Cedarberg Mountains

  • Day 02

    Full Day Exploring the Wild Flowers of South Africa

  • Day 03

    Cedarberg to Bushmanskloof Wilderness Reserve

  • Day 04 & 05

    Full Days to enjoy activities at Bushmanskloof Wilderness Reserve

  • Day 06

    Bushmanskloof to Clanwilliam

  • Day 07

    Full Day to Explore the Clanwilliam Area

  • Day 08

    Clanwilliam to Cape Town

Day 01

Cape Town to Cedarberg Mountains

At 08h00, you will be picked up from your hotel in Cape Town by a private guide and vehicle.  You then begin your drive northwards along the N7 highway towards the geographically diverse Nieuwoutdville in the Koue Bokkerveld. To break the journey, stock up on refreshments in the town of Clanwilliam whilst soaking up the picturesque view of the Cederberg Mountains.

Nedersetting Guest House
Papkuilsfontein wildflowers, South Africa
Paternoster, a small town on the wild flower route in South Africa

Back on the road, you continue your drive towards your cosy, refurbished guest house, The Nedersetting which dates back to 1897. Here you will be spending your first (2) nights of the trip.

Day 02

Full Day Exploring the Wild Flowers of South Africa

Today is your day to explore. Spend your time wandering around the area’s historical towns of Matjiesfontein and Papkuilsfontein which are both renowned for their remarkable flower displays during the spring. You can do some sightseeing around Nieuwoutdville by hiking through the second-largest Quiver Tree Forest in the world, or around the gorges of the Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve.

Wild Flowers in full bloom, South Africa

A stroll through the Hantam National Botanical Garden is a “must” if you want to experience some of South Africa’s diverse plant life and depending on the water levels, a trip to the Nieuwoutdville Waterfall Reserve is a good spot to end off the day with sundowners.

Day 03

Cedarberg to Bushmanskloof Wilderness Reserve

An early start as you prepare to leave The Nedersetting and make your way through the dramatic Botterkloof Pass, towards the Biedouw Valley (depending on the flower quality). The Biedouw Valley, nestled beneath the Biedouw Mountains is home to some of the most beautiful fields of spring flowers that show off their natural beauty just after the rainy season.

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve

Continue your trip today to the Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve nestled amongst wide open plains and sandstone formations where you will be spending your next (3) nights. 

Day 04 & 05

Full Days to enjoy activities at Bushmanskloof Wilderness Reserve

During your time at Bushmankloof Wilderness Reserve, you are free to immerse yourself in this unique environment by getting involved in several activities on offer.

Bushmanskloof Wilderness Reserve, Room Interior
Indulge in a spa treatment at Bushmanskloof Wilderness Reserve

Activities include a variety of enriching and exhilarating lodge activities such as nature drives, guided rock art excursions, botanical walks, canoeing, archery, fly fishing, hiking, swimming, and special interest presentations (birding, stargazing, entomology, and rock art).

Day 06

Bushmanskloof to Clanwilliam

After your early morning activity and last breakfast at the Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve, you will continue over the scenic Pakhuis Pass towards Clanwilliam, a town that joins onto the South African Rooibos Route- the only area in the world where Rooibos is found.

A rooibos tea plantation
Rooibos Tea, a local South African herbal tea
Bright and airy rooms at Yellow Aloe
Beautiful and vibrant gardens at Yellow Aloe

This afternoon you are free to partake in some of the activities provided by the area, including a Rooibos tea tour at NetMar Rooibos Teahouse, a walk around the wildflower garden in the Ramskop Nature Reserve, or a visit to the quirky Flower Church in the centre of town. Here you will be spending (2) nights at the wonderful Yellow Aloe Guest House.

Day 07

Full Day to Explore the Clanwilliam Area

Today you have the opportunity to explore the surrounding area further. A historical walkabout tour through Clanwilliam may spark your interest, otherwise, take a trip out to the inter-leading Stadsaal caves found high up in the central Cederberg, filled with ancient Bushmen rock art.

West Coast National Park with the wildflowers in full bloom

Day 08

Clanwilliam to Cape Town

On your last day of the tour, you visit The West Coast National Park and the amazing Postberg Flower Reserve.
This reserve is home to some of the most impressive flower displays in the country with post-card perfect colours and a variety of wildlife, including gemsbok. Afterwards, continue to Cape Town where your tour will end in the late afternoon.

Tour Cost

Aug & Sep 2025
R96,375 per person sharing (Based on 2 adults)

Cost Includes

04 Night’s accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis
03 Night’s accommodation on a full board & activity basis: Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve:
All meals
Teas/coffees & snacks
Twice daily guided activities
Services of a professional ranger & camp staff
All road transfers as per itinerary
Guide & vehicle for sightseeing as per itinerary
Tourism levy of 1 %
Entrance fees for the mentioned activities

Cost Excludes

Visas if required
Airport taxes
Personal items and gratuities
Bar accounts
Flights not specified
Meals not specified
Park fees
Travel Insurance

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