While the Namaqualand area in the far Northern cape is certainly the best place to see the annual explosion of wild flowers in spring, many visitors to the Cape simply don't have the time to travel that far north. While there are also excellent displays to be seen along the West coast, the next best bet is to head to the area bordering the Northern and Western Cape. Halfway between Cape Town and Namibia, the towns of Clanwilliam, Vanrhynsdorp and Calvinia all offer excellent flower spotting within a half day's drive of Cape Town.

Vredendal
Situated in the Olifants River Valley, Vredendal is known for it's fertile soil and temperate climate. Vineyards and citrus orchards surround the town and it is a major centre in these parts. When you're not flower-gazing look out for sweet wines, table grapes and dried fruit. The town has an annual flower festival and is a good base for exploring Namaqualand, the West Coast and the Cederberg. There are also a number of holiday resorts within easy reach.
Vredendal tourist office: (027) 201 3376

Citrusdal
Citrusdal, in the upper Olifants River Valley, is close to the Cederberg and Namaqualand. There are lovely flowers to be seen in spring, and the natural hotsprings offer some well-earned relaxation after a hard day finding flowers. The town also makes a great base for exploring further afield.
Tourist Information: Tel: (022) 921 3210

Clanwilliam
Clanwilliam is a popular stopover for tourists on the way to Namaqualand and puts on a pretty good spring display itself! If you’re making your way to this part of the world, be sure to stock up on rooibos and juicy citrus fruit. Clanwilliam is also a wonderful base for exploring the Cederberg wilderness area.
Book accommodation in Clanwilliam
Tourist Information: Tel: (027) 482 2024 / Fax: (027) 482 2361

Vanrhynsdorp
Vanrhynsdorp, known as the gateway to Namaqualand, is an area of astounding natural beauty. The arid countryside, known as the Knersvlakte, is home to many rare succulent species. The town is also close to spectacular mountain scenery and interesting rock formations. In spring, the plains are a mass of colour.
Tourist Information: Tel: (027) 219 1552

Nieuwoudtville
Nieuwoudtville is probably one of the nicest small towns you’ll find in these parts. Guidebooks praise its historic character, with its sandstone buildings and old settler ruins. The place really comes into its own in flower season as Niewuwoudtville apparently has the world’s highest concentration of bulb species. The town is situated on a plateau and so receives unusually high rainfall for the area. In fact, over three hundred flower species are located here. The best time to go is August and September when the flowers are at their most spectacular, but the flowers are worth a visit any time between March and October.

There is a wildflower reserve about two kilometres outside town. Also within striking distance is the Bokkeveld Nature Reserve where, in the winter months, the Doring River tumbles 90 metres into a rocky gorge. If you’re visiting out of flower season the aloe forest is worth a look and there are several hiking and mountain-biking trails in the Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve.

Local farmers will arrange flower tours in season. You can also enquire at the local information centre (027 218 1336) for advice, although the information office only operates during the flower months.
Tourist Information: Tel: (027) 218 1336

Calvinia
Calvinia, originally known as Hantam, lies on one of the main cross-country routes of the Northern Cape. The town is situated at the foot of the Hantam Mountains, which form the border to five distinct climactic regions — Boesmanland, Namaqualand, Karoo, Roggeveld, and desert. It’s a pleasant place with some fine historic buildings and a tradition of old-fashioned hospitality, but the real reason to visit is for the flowers.
Calvinia Publicity Association: (027) 341 1080/4.

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