After the winter rains, this area removes its dusty blanket and reveals a phantasmagoric display of colour. Nieuwoudtville, on top of the Bokkeveld plateau, is situated in the heart of the Namaqua, part of the Hantam Karoo in the Northern Cape.
What makes this area so magical is the unique vegetation of Karoo and Fynbos. Not only during Spring does it boost an enchanted flower parade, but also during the ‘secret season’, Autumn when Maartblom (Brunsvigia bosmaniae) make their appearance. The town and area are loaded with history, from the sandstone buildings to a spectacular Neo-gothic church. For the avid photographer, the spectacular Quiver Tree Forest 25 km north of the town is a drawing card and the Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve for the experienced hiker.
Top on our list for uniqueness, here you are spoiled with options as to where to see flowers.
Where to see the flowers
| Where | Distance from Cape Town |
| Nieuwoudtville | | +- 360 km |
Matjiesfontein Flower Route
Probably the most fun way to see the flowers, from a tractor and wagon. Matjiesfontein Flower Route lies south of the town. Enjoy the route either on your own or by purchasing an additional ticket for the tractor and wagon tour.
Entry fee
-
- For self drive per person: R10
- Tractor & wagon tour: R35
- Tickets can be bought at the Matjiesfontein farm stall
❦ Flowers to spot
Carpets of daisies in yellow, white, purple and orange, and the most delicate Karoosatynblom (Iridaceae Romulea).
Hantam National Botanical Garden
Hantam National Botanical Garden is South Africa’s 9th botanical garden and is renowned for its bulbous plants. The large garden comprises renosterveld fynbos known as shale and dolerite renosterveld, endemic to the area, as well as Succulent Karoo. Here the shale renosterveld is endangered as well. This vast area has about nine different trails to select. A map can be found on the Sanbi site to use while exploring the garden, can also opt for a guided tour.
Entry fee
-
- Adult: R25
- Pensioner: R20
- Student: R15
- Children: R12
Opening hours
Flower season from August to September | Open 7 days a week from 8 am – 5 pm
October -July | Only weekdays only from 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
❦ Flowers to spot
The cutest little orange Spogfluweeltjie a type of iris (Sparaxis elegans), the delicate purple Lapeirousia oreogena, the white with a blush of pink aandblommetjies of bontrokkies (Hesperantha rivulicola) and the yellow rockets of Voëlnes katstert (Bulbinella). (March flowers – Brunsvigia Bosmaniae during Autumn)
Papkuilsfontein Flower Route
Situated on the Papkuilsfontein farm, this shorter trail open to the public leads you through not only renosterveld but also fynbos. You can pre-order a picnic basket at the farm kitchen and even stay on the farm.
Entry fee
-
- Flower route: R20
- Cycling route: R100
- Hiking / walking route: R50
❦ Flowers to spot
Most intriguing is the Spinnekop blom (Ferraria variabilis), the ever so popular Magriet / Namakwa gousblom (Dimorphotheca sinuata), the Besembos (Polygala leptophylla) and the misleading Beetle daisy.
When is the best time visit the flower region?
What time of day will you see the flowers bloom?
Best way to view the Namaqua flowers.
Where to eat
It is a small town with fewer options, so take note if you stay in self-catering accommodation or camping, there are no big supermarkets in town. Only a SaveMore Groceries store, and opening hours might differ from what you are use to, it is a dorpie. Love the idea of a picnic between the flowers? Contact Die Waenhuis at Papkuilsfontein for their takeaway and picnic menu.
Matjiesfontein Farm Stall, this nostalgic building is only open for the flower season and serves delicious boerekos, from bredies to Afval, it is here where you can buy your entry fee to the Matjiesfontein flower route. Now, Afval is not my thing, but a lekker bredie would be good right about now. Waterblommetjie bredie maybe, wonder if they have?
Where to stay
This area has some unique places to stay in, from Starwors ($) glamping, which really looks like you have been transported to the set of Starwars, I just love the bathrooms. To an Airbnb called De Krantz Huis ($$$) with the most breathtaking view from atop the Van Rhyns Pass. As if you are on top of the world!
And if you want to be closer to the ancient quiver tree forest Gannabos is ideal. They can assist with making arrangements to visit the quiver trees.
For a more historical charm, stay at Papkuilsfontein ($-$$) in one of their restored stone cottages, where you don’t only have access to the flowers, but hiking trails, Khoisan rock art, and Die Waenhuis farm Kitchen.
In the heart of the town, you can either stay at The 1897 Nedersetting Guest House ($$) & Restaurant dating back to 1897. Or Linda se Dop ($$)for true hospitality, where the host Linda cooks traditional home-made meals.
Other activities
This area is not only known for the flower parade during Spring and Autumn but the kokkerbome. The largest quiver tree forest in the southern hemisphere, situated on Private Property. You need to obtain one of a limited number of permits through Gannabos at R250 per person. Interesting fact, these trees are estimated to grow as old as 150-250 years. They are part of the Aloe family and flower during winter. Another reason to visit this area during Spring, Autumn, and Winter.
Just think of that number quickly 150-250 years. So awesome.
For the experienced hiker, Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve gorges and deep ravines offer many trails, only to be explored by foot (it is pretty strenuous walks over rugged terrain and only suitable for the fit and experienced hikers). This park offers shorter day hikes to multiple-day hikes. For sleeping on the multiple-day hikes, there are overnight shelters and a few more daring options to sleep in caves to ruins. As we have not done this yet, look at the Getaway magazine article regarding the trails. Contact the Reserve Office +27 (0)27 218-1159, or via email oorlogskloof@gmail.com. Next year we are doing this!
If you have stopped at Papkuilsfontein Die Waenhuis for a meal, you can book a tour to visit the Khoisan Rock art and admire the cultural heritage of the San.
For the nat geo fans under us, hands up! The glacial pavement is a must. Over 300 million years ago, massive glaciers carved grooves and ridges. The natural pavement is about 300m by 140m.
The last must-see in the area is the Nieuwoudtville Falls plummeting down 100m on the Doring River.
Useful to know
When is Namaqua flower season
Anytime from the end of August through September, all weather dependent.
Read more: A guide on how and when to visit the flower routes of South Africa
Need help identifying the flowers
Clan flora has made it so easy with their online app, where you can select the shape, and the colour, and walla, the flowers full name pops up. It covers most of the flowers from the West Coast, Cederberg, Nieuwoudtville, and Namaqua.
This is blooming awesome!
Annelise Le Roux book wild flowers of Namaqualand is also a good resource with over 600 species identified. Either purchase on Kindle or as a hard copy, I prefer soft copy, as it is just easier when you travel.
SA Campsite
A helpful website, SA campsite, they list campsites from across South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. They also specify which are pet-friendly campsites, biker friendly campsites, 4×4 campsites and even campsites with MTB trails. Take note they do not take bookings.
More Info
Nieuwoudtville Tourism: https://www.nieuwoudtville.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nieuwoudtville/
Don’t & Do’s
Stay on the path, do not step on the flowers.
Do not be that person that goes and lays down in the flowers for a selfie. Do not go ‘rol’ around in them. Just don’t.
Also do not pick them for obvious reasons.
Another big no no, do not drive or walk onto farms, it private property, imagine someone just walking into your front yard because you have pretty flowers.
Do drive cautiously through the parks as animals such as tortoises and hares are coming out of hibernation and the occasional antelope or ostrich crossing the road.
And do enjoy the day outing with the fam taking photos in the trails with the West Coast flowers!
Accommodation cost guide
*According to The Curious Journal
| $ | Budget | >R1000 |
| $$ | Mid range | R1000< |
| $$$ | High end | R3000< |
| $$$$ | Luxury | R5000< |
Have you been to the Nieuwoudtville in the Northern Cape? Do you have any other recommendations to share? Make sure to leave comment below right at the bottom of the page, we love hearing from you!
Photo contribution: Linda Ungerer is a nature photographer based in South Africa
Do make sure to check operation protocol and procedures of accommodation and restaurants during the current times. Suggestion: do contact them before you arrive as most places only take reservations.
*Opinions expressed here are my own as always.
*Prices and opening hours correct on day published, always check.
*Photos are either my own, sourced (stated) or provided by Linda Ungerer (stated).
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