Some tips for flower spotting:

• Check the weather. Make sure you check the weather forecast to avoid overcast days where flowers become invisible. We suggest calling the MTN Flower Hotline on 083-910-1028 before heading out.

• Take along a good field guide to help you recognise the various species. We recommend Wild Flowers of Southern Africa by John Manning.

• Don’t go out too early. The best time to go viewing is between 10h00 and 15h00 when the sun warms up the veld.

• Try a flower trail. The Postberg Wild Flower Trail, in the West Coast National Park, opens for two months of the year – during August and September. This two-day trail is a great way to see and enjoy the park and springtime flowers.

• Get up close to the flowers to see them clearly. Try looking through a magnifying glass for greater detail.

• Camp at the Namaqua Flowers Beach Camp. The Namaqua National Park has opened a luxury campsite in the coastal section of the park. It’s a great way to appreciate the daisies and treat yourself to camping bliss.

• Be conservation minded. Be careful where you tread or drive your car and remember you are not allowed to pick flowers.
• Take your camera for some flower shots and good close-ups.

• Visit the Skilpad Wild Flower Garden in the Namaqua National Park. The park contains about 3000 recorded plant species and 1500 of these can be found in the Skilpad section alone. The Skilpad Garden has a circular driving route and several walking trails.

• Pack a picnic for your day trip. Tsaarsbank in the West Coast National Park is a good spot for enjoying a picnic and having a braai (braai grids are already in place).