Namaqualand Wildflower Route - Northern Cape

The Namaqualand region of the Northern Cape is bordered in the North by the Orange River and Namibia border and in the West by the rugged coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. A dry and arid, semi desert region for most of the year, Namaqualand puts on its coat of many colours during the spring months. From July to September the area receives it spring rainfall and what was once a pale coloured landscape transforms into an awe-inspiring sea of flowers. The Namaqualand spring flowers have been admired by visitors from all over the world and photo books have been made of the phenomenon, so to call it a world famous event would not be short of the truth. The intenseness of the blooming flowers varies from year to year depending on the rainfall. It is recommended that the route be done from North to South as the flowers face the sun and at this time of year the sun shines from the North, so this would ensure that they be seen in all their glory.

The flowers in this spectacular display include: wahlenbergia, arctotis, gazanias, felicia, watsonia, tiny galdioli, moraeas, babiana, geissorhiza, sparaxis, ixia, lachenalia and humeria, to name but a few. The variation in flower type changes as you move from North to South. The bulb species are found predominantly in the north, moving down to succulents and bulbs in the Knersvlakte area around Vanrhynsdorp and Niewoudtville, Vanrhynsdorp being home to the largest succulent nursery in the world. And then finally as you get closer to Cape Town in the South you start to see the annuals, such as the daisy type flowers. As you move around this amazing area the landscape changes enhance the colours and fragrances that fill the air.

The main roads on the Flower Route are the R27 from Capetown to Langebaan (120km), and then the N7 north via Clanwilliam (around 200km further on) to Springbok (a further 330km). You can also take the R364, a gravel back road, for the section between Clanwilliam and Nieuwoudtville, which is highly recommend. How far you drive, what flowers you see, which towns you visit, which nature reserves you stop at, completely depends on your choice but be prepared to extend your trip as the inspiration of the Namaqualand Wildflower Route captures your heart.

This is a Route that deserves more than a day or two and every moment should be savoured as this will be a life changing experience.