On our 8 Day privately guided tour of the wild flowers we visit the West Coast of South Africa which offers visitors a magical display of wild flowers 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.
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.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 - Depart Cape Town for The Cedarberg Mountains.
Day 2 - Exploring the Wildflowers of South Africa.
Day 3 – Depart Cedarberg for Bushmanskloof Wilderness Reserve.
Day 4 & 5 – Enjoy the activities on offer at Bushmanskloof Wilderness Reserve
Day 6 – Depart Bushmanskloof for Clanwilliam.
Day 7 – Explore all that the Clanwilliam area has to offer.
Day 8 – Depart Clanwilliam for your journey back to Cape Town.
This natural riot of colours can easily be reached in a one to five hour drive from Cape Town and may provide an opportunity to do some whale watching or dolphin spotting as you travel alongside the Atlantic Ocean for parts of the journey. If you would like to read more about this spectacle, visit the West Coast tourism website for their ‘Flower Reports’.
Day 1 - 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.
Back on the road, you continue your drive towards your cosy, refurbished guest-house, The Nedersetting that dates back to 1897. Here you will be spending your first (2) nights of the trip.
Day 2 - 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 that are both renowned for their remarkable flower displays during the spring. You can do some sight-seeing around Nieuwoutdville by hiking through the second largest Quiver Tree Forest in the world, or around the gorges of the Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve.
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 3 - 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.
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 4 & 5 - Full Days to enjoy activities at Bushmanskloof Wilderness Reserve
During your time at Bushmankloof Wilderness Reserve you are free to immerse yourself into this unique environment by getting involved in a number of activities on offer.
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, special interest presentations (birding, stargazing, entomology, and rock art).
Day 6 - Bushmanskloof to Clanwilliam
After your early morning activity and last breakfast at the Bushmans Kloof Wildreness 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.
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 wild flower 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 Ndedema Lodge.
Day 7 - 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.
Day 8 - Clanwilliam to Cape Town
On your last day of the tour you visit The West Coast National Park and 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
R54,000 per person sharing (Based on 2 adults) - Aug & Sep 2023
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 mentioned activities
Cost Excludes
Visas if required
Airport taxes
Personal items and gratuities
Bar accounts
Flights not specified
Meals not specified
Park fees