See the Cape’s Spring Wildflowers

Do you know what comes after the August rain? From the end of August to the middle of September, the wildflowers on the West Coast will begin to bloom!

The wildflowers on the West Coast of the Western Cape are nothing short of breathtaking. During the rest of the year, the landscape is mostly a dry and dusty desert. However, come springtime and the area is completely transformed with flowering life boasting more colour than seems possible for one place. Prepare to be blown away by the brightly-painted landscape rolling across acres of barren land. Even if you’re not a flora-enthusiast, it’s difficult not to be impressed with such a sight.

One of its most remarkable – and best kept – secrets is the incredible diversity of plant species found in the Cape Floral Kingdom on our province’s western coast. This is one of only six floral kingdoms in the world and unique to this small area, the region supports over 9,000 plant species, 70% of which are found nowhere else on the planet. These include exquisite species such as the King Protea and the exotic pincushion.

Take a drive, visit a small town in the area and stay over for a night or two. Many of these towns rely on local tourism and they offer attractions not found anywhere else. Buy local and support the smaller towns of the Cape.

Video credit: FreeBirdPeck, Sarah & Marek