West Coast Flower season is around the corner - Stay at Velddrif
This season when the arid, dry Westcoast is transformed into carpets of color but only lasts for about eight weeks after the winter rains in August to September. Although this is a cheerful and happy experience for all, it becomes crowded over weekends, so try to visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and long queues at park gates.
South Africa’s flower season is nearly upon us.
Flower season in the West Coast National Park is at its peak from August to September annually.
In Namaqualand every farm is carpeted with flowers in the spring transforming entire hillsides and valleys into waves of color, gently moving in the breeze.
The magical natural phenomenon where fields of flowers appear out of dry conditions of the West Coast is when the flower tourists fall under the spell of the famous blooms of Namaqualand
People can look out for the famed Namaqualand daisies, Glansogies coastal vygies, and many more hidden flowers as the landscapes come alive after the rainy season. This flower season only lasts for about eight weeks and is a cheerful and happy experience for all.
The West Coast National Park, Hantam Botanical Gardens, and nature reserves are busiest over weekends, so try to visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and long queues at park gates.
The flowers follow the sun and the best time of day to view the flowers is on a sunny day between 11 am & 3 pm since most blooms do not open up when the sun is behind the clouds.
What flowers can you see? - follow this link
WEST COAST HOTLINE: 083 910 1028 (daily report for best flower display.
WILD FLOWER VIEWING TIPS
Tips while viewing flowers
- The flowers follow the sun and the best time of day to view the flowers is between 11:00 and 15:00, the warmest part of the day
- The sun must be out for flowers to open, thus rainy or overcast days are not ideal
- The day temperature must be at least 18 degrees
- Flowers face the sun, thus for viewing and pictures keep your back to the sun
- Get out of the car and walk around, don't miss the special smaller species
- Tread lightly, don't unnecessarily trample plants, and never pick flowers or bulbs
When viewing flowers
- Wear long pants and insect repellent when walking around in the field
- Comfortable shoes
- Remember your camera & binoculars
- Enough water to drink
- Sunblock & sunhat
Advice to tourists
- The West Coast Flower Hotline is available from 08:00 to 20:00, 7 days a week
- Most towns along the flower routes have fuel stations, ATMs, and mobile reception
- The further north, the further apart the towns, keep in mind when planning
- Stop and ask locals for advice on flower hot spots, distances, etc - they're friendly
- Namakwa/West Coast flower maps are available at all tourism information offices
