Our five favourite spring wild flower destinations

South Africa’s west coast comes alive in the months of August and September. With colourful wild flowers spanning our park’s fields as far as the eye can see, it’s a display not to miss. Here are Wild’s five favourite wild flower destinations, suitable for five different types of Wild travellers. Not only will you be surrounded by the seasonal spectacular, you’ll have fun while flower-gazing. By Olivia Wickstrom

Picture courtesy of CapeNature

For the luxury traveller: Namaqua National Park

If you like the sound of fluffy duvets and white wine picnics, take a holiday to the elegant Namaqua Flowers Beach Camp, erected for a limited period along this beautiful coastline. Open only during flower season (from 5 August to 18 September this year), the safari tents in this mobile camp are equipped with beds, heated blankets, hot showers and electricity. Indulgence is at the order of the day with breakfast and three-course dinner included in the booking cost. And for a midday outing order one of the camp’s picnic baskets and wander along the Skilpad and Korhaan walking trails, each offering stunning views of the wild flowers.

To book or for more information call +27 83 652 5489, email [email protected], or visit Namaqua NP’s website.

Special offer for Wild Card members: 30% off

Wild Card members save 30% on bookings of two nights or more at Namaqua Flowers Beach Camp (on the coast) or Skilpad Camp (near the main rest camp). Only for bookings made directly with Charmane Johnston (+27 83 652 5489,  [email protected]). Quote promotional code “Wild Spring” and provide your valid Wild Card number.

For the lover of quiet: Tankwa Karoo National Park

If you’re in search of solitude, escape to a secluded cottage in Tankwa Karoo National Park. Tankwa offers isolated farmsteads furnished with everything you’ll need for a remote weekend in the wild: linens, crockery, braai facilities, a wood stove. Both the western side of the park and Roggeveld Escarpment offer great views of the flowers, and the park hosts a number of self-drive routes. So pack a camera, hop in the car, and spend the weekend driving amongst the flowers.

To book or for more information call +27 27 341 1927, or find out more online. 

Tankwa Karoo National Park by Joan Kruger

For the day-tripper: West Coast National Park

On the next sunny Saturday pack the car and take a drive to West Coast National Park. An hour and a half from Cape Town, the reserve is the perfect city escape on a spring afternoon when wild flowers nod gently in the breeze. Enjoy a hike or mountain bike along one of the park’s many trails, and be sure to travel to the Postberg area as it exhibits great displays of flowers. Don’t forget to pack a lunch, the park has multiple picnic and braai sites so you can take a break to refuel and enjoy the view. For breathtaking vistas, pay a visit to the Seeberg viewpoint.

To book or for more information call +27 22 772-2144/5, or visit the park’s website. 

For the family traveller: Cederberg Wilderness Area

The whole family will enjoy the wild flowers that pop up in the Cederberg Wilderness Area during spring. Pitch a tent in one of the reserve’s campsites or stay at one of the many self-catering cottages. During the day take the kids on a donkey cart, and if they’re feeling more adventurous go rock climbing or take a hike to a crystal mountain pool. Whatever the activity, the surrounding yellow daisies and purple delphiniums are sure to amaze you.

To book or for more information call +27 21 483 0190, or read more on the CapeNature website. 

Yellow daisies flowering in spring in the Cederberg by Scott Ramsay

For the adventure seeker: Rocherpan Nature Reserve

For wild adventurers, spend a weekend at Rocherpan Nature Reserve. Enjoy a day on the beach swimming, picnicking, and whale watching. Bring a fishing permit, available at your nearest post office, and spend the afternoon shore angling. Or put on your hiking boots and hit the trails or explore with a mountain bike, all while being surrounded by the park’s magnificent wild flowers. Self-catering cottages are available equipped with linens, crockery and hot showers. Wake up and drink your coffee while looking over the multicoloured flowers – what better way is there to spend a spring morning?

To book or for more information call +27 21 483 0190, or visit CapeNature online. 

Pictures courtesy of CapeNature

Flower viewing tips

• Flowers open during the warmest hours of the day, between 11:00 and 15:00.
• Flowers remain closed in overcast or rainy weather, so travel on a sunny day.
• Most flowers face the sun, remember this when trying to capture that perfect photo.
• Watch your step, don’t flatten or pick the flowers.

WIN! WIN! WIN!

Want to make the most of this year’s flower season? Take part in our competition and you could win a Cape Union Mart voucher to the value of R300 – your one-stop shop for the best in outdoor gear, accessories, clothing and handy gadgets. Email the answer to our simple question to [email protected] (subject line: CUM voucher) before 17 September 2016 with your full names and contact details. QUESTION: In which national park will you find Postberg?