Namaqualand is a beautiful place in its own right. At certain times of the year, you’ll find it to be the best of times to visit…
In my opinion, the best time of the year to view the world-famous Namaqualand flowers would be mid-August to end-September (depending on the rainfall and weather). Although it is a very short time of the year, it is definitely worth the effort. If you cannot make it in time, don’t worry there are always flowers still to be found in October.
Surely the best flowering regions would be the Northern Cape / Namaqualand district and include towns like Nieuwoudtville, Springbok, Kamieskroon, Port Nolloth, Garies, and more. As well as the West-Coast region which is well known for spectacular flower displays.
As they are only open to the public during the flower season, this is a very special experience and you can almost definitely be sure to find the most dazzling display of flowers. The area reaches from Yzerfontein to Langebaan. Due to the fact that this area is very popular amongst flower-hunters, it is best to go early.
This National park is situated in the Northern Cape near South Africa’s border with Namibia. During the flower season, this almost dessert-like area changes into a flower carpet. They are located approximately 22 km from Kamieskroon and about 6 hours from Cape Town. Fortunately, they open some areas during flower season which is otherwise closed because it is a conservation area for the world’s smallest tortoise – The speckled “padloper”.
The Ramskop Nature Reserve would definitely be one of the closer options to Cape Town for a one-day drive. Approximately two and a half hours from Cape Town and has beautiful flower displays which might include (if you’re lucky) proteas. I suggest you phone before you leave for a self-drive outing. More information can be found below:
Here is a link to a site with updated info and contact numbers: https://www.clanwilliam.info/
Should you arrange to stay in Clanwilliam, you can take an easy one-day tour to Nieuwoudtville, as accommodation in Nieuwoudtville is often all booked out a year in advance already. Obviously, the reason being, that it is the most famous and best place to view the flowers.
Here you will find various route options like:
We recommend that you book a guided tour when visiting this region. These tour operators would definitely know exactly where to take you for the best display of Namaqualand flowers at that specific moment. Be sure to book well in advance. If not, visit the local tourist office and do a self-drive, but phone in advance to ensure you have the best experience.
Here is a link to a site with updated info and contact numbers:
The Biedouw Valley is a valley situated in the Western Cape and it is located near Pakhuis Pass, between Clanwilliam and Uitspankraal. For many Capetonians, this is their favorite spot to photograph the flower carpets. In the last year, this spot definitely did not disappoint and the internet was flooded with photos from travelers that have stopped here.
If you still have time to spare, on your beautiful Namakwaland flower tour, take the road to Upington and explore along the way places like Keimoes, Kakemas, and Kanoneiland.
The nearest International Airport is Cape Town International (CPT).
From here you will have to rent a car or arrange for local tour operators to form part of a tour group. (See above venue websites for more information.)
You can book your accommodation right here, directly from these links below:
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