Spring season is officially here and we could not be more excited to welcome sunnier days, a fresh morning breeze and the many bright blooms of course. South Africa is very lucky to experience such a bright and beautiful season with flower fields at our very doorsteps across the country. Be sure to add this to your weekend travel activities during September to mid-October for a chance to frolic in the flowers.
1. Tankwa Karoo National Park, Northern Cape
Normally known for its dry and arid conditions, spring is a fresh and new time for the Karoo to show off its pink, purple, yellow and orange colours across the land. The Tankwa Karoo National Park blooms best every August and September and is a sight that can only be described as awe-inspiring. Make a weekend of it camping under the stars and photographing these beautiful blooms under the early morning sunlight.
2. Namaqualand, Northern Cape
As you drive to the little town of Namaqualand, you are greeted by a hoard of wildflower displays on either side of the road. Pretty blooms of orange, yellow and peaks of white stretch as far as the eye can see during the season of spring. The town becomes abuzz with activity during this season as locals travel from neighbouring areas to see the floral view that is.
3. Durbanville, Western Cape
Yellow is always seen as such a joyous and happy colour, and with good reason. With endless canola fields out in Durbanville, the sight of bright yellow flowers would bring a smile to anyone’s face. While canola fields are actually crops that produce canola oil, we cannot help but marvel at the blooms just before they are harvested.
4. Darling, Western Cape
With the Darling Wildflower Show that takes place annually during September, this list would not be complete without the mention of the small town Darling that shows off during spring. Painted with yellow, orange and white daisies, the little town is filled with flower fields that offer pure delight during the season. Spring is such a joyous season of new beginnings, and seeing fresh daisies bloom after the cold is truly something we should never take for granted.
5. West Coast National Park, Western Cape
Probably the most well-known park when it comes to see a floral frenzy, West Coast National Park is truly spectacular all-year round, but even more so during spring. Just an hour outside of Cape Town, the Park saw close to 2 000 vehicles a day in pre-covid times. Every area is blanketed in shades of orange and white and visitors are more than welcome to sit among the blooms for the perfect insta-worthy snaps.
6. Dullstroom, Mpumalanga
Falling slightly out of the spring season and closer to summer, but a sight to see nonetheless, Dullstroom is home to a field of wild red delight with its gorgeous blooms that will not disappoint. The Verloren Vallei Nature Reserve is the ideal place to catch these beauties, not forgetting they also offer guided flower walks which is perfect for flower enthusiasts alike.
7. Kroostad, Free State
Drive along the N1 and you will be sure to catch these sunny, smiling faces shining right back at you between the city of Bloemfontein and Johannesburg. Kroonstad is well known for its beautiful sunflowers that bloom every spring and can be seen directly from the highway.
