With Winter just about over, I’m excited for what Spring has in store for the country.
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The Western Cape in particular benefits greatly from the change in season; the dry and brown gloom of winter fades away and all the bright colours start to roll out across the country side. Here you’ll find fields of colour as far as the eye can see! Every year, between August and October (depending on the rains), the Cape Wildflowers start to bloom, creating a rather magical sight. Everywhere you look, there are fields of yellow and white Namaqualand Daisies and sprinkled in between you’ll find an almost endless range of colourful flowers with such exotic names like “Blou Froetang”, “Reenblommetjie”, “Botterblom” and “Knikkertjie”. Last year I was fortunate enough to visit the area when the blooms were out in full force. If you’re fortunate enough to go, make sure you check out what the status of the blooms are by following the hash tag #veldflowers2014 or call Flowerline on +27 72 938 8186. Be sure to go when the sun is out as the flowers only open when the sun is out!
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The Cape Wildflowers can be seen all the way up the West Coast of the Western Cape, but if you’re looking for specific places, the West Coast National Park by Postberg is great as well as Darling which actually has a Wild Flower route. Further north you’ll have Clanwilliam and the Namaqualand.
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If you’re starting out earlier in the morning, then start with the sun towards your back as it will make seeing and viewing the flowers a lot easier.
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This is definitely a trip I want to do again soon. I can’t wait to get back to the Cape just to see these spectacular blooms!
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