The West Coast, probably the second most popular area after Namaqua National Park to view the wildflower bloom during Spring. Essentially due to the close proximity to Cape Town, that makes it so alluring, as it is about an hour and a half drive before you see the West Coast flowers. I know I have done this so many times, and not only during flower season. The West Coast is worlds apart from the busy city.
So, load the car with camping chairs, make sure for some padkos, and don’t forget the braaivleis and set off on a day outing with the fam to a ‘braai by die see’.
Or, if you are like me, book a quiet Airbnb and chill for a whole weekend.
Where to see the West Coast flowers
| Where | Distance from Cape Town |
| The West coast National Park and Postberg | | +- 110 km |
| Paternoster – Cape Columbine Nature Reserve | | +- 160 km |
West Coast National Park and Postberg
Probably the busiest area of them all, as the West Coast National Park is only 120km from Cape Town and right next to the famous coastal holiday town of Langebaan. This coastal area transforms into a floral wonderland during Spring as a profusion of blooms appear with the wild ocean in the background. And maybe the occasional ostrich.
Entry fee
| South African (ID) | |||||
| Flower season | Adult : R94 | Child : R47 | Outside of flower season | Adult : R66 | Child : R33 |
| SADC Nationals (passport) | |||||
| Flower season | Adult : R144 | Child : R72 | Outside of flower season | Adult : R100 | Child : R50 |
| International visitors | |||||
| Flower season | Adult : R210 | Child : R105 | Outside of flower season | Adult : R100 | Child : R50 |
Opening hours
-
- September to March : 7 am – 7pm
- April to August : 7 am – 6 pm
- Postberg on the other hand is only open during August until the 30th of September for the flower season, from 9 am -5pm.
❦ Flowers to spot
The well known yellow Gousblom (Arctotis hirsuta), the pink Bokbaai vygie (Dorotheanthus bellidiformis) and White rain daisy (Dimorphotheca pluvialis). And in Postberg the Magriet (Ursinia anthemoides) and delicate blue Sporrie (Heliophila coronopifolia), and Pietsnotjies (Grielum humifusum).
Paternoster
This quiet little pocket tucked away from most of the busy tourist spots along the West Coast National Park is ideal if you want to unwind as well as connect with nature.
Paternoster is characterised by its white-washed fishermen’s cottages, art and long-isolated white sandy beaches and not to forget crayfish. During spring, the natural phenomena make their appearance here, engulfing the area in a floral carpet.
The name Paternoster means Our father in Latin, which was given to the area after the survivors of shipwreck said the Lord’s Prayer.
Cape Columbine Nature Reserve / Tietiesbaai Nature Reserve
Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, or as I know it, Tietiesbaai Nature Reserve, is the most western part of the Western Cape. With scenic hikes to an idyllic camping site.
They only allow 150-day visitors per day, so take not off that.
The lighthouse would be the first South African Lighthouse ships from Europe would see. The light beam is visible for 50km remarkable, but understandably needed as this is the Cape of Storms with its rocky shores. Climb to the top at 80m for breathtaking views of the flowers below.
The Reserve name use to make us giggle as children. If you know Afrikaans, you will understand. Who else also chuckled whenever someone mentioned Tietiesbaai?
Entry fee
| Day visitor | Adult : R29 | Child : R20 |
| In season – 1 Nov – Easter Monday | Overnight camping site | R250 |
| Outside of season | Overnight camping site | R200 |
| Lighthouse (additional) | Adult : R13.70 | Child : R6.90 |
Opening hours
Reserve:
-
- Day visitors : 7 am – 7pm
Lighthouse:
-
- Mondays to Fridays : 10 am – 3 pm
- Weekends and PH : October to April 10 am – 3 pm (May to September by reservation only)
❦ Flowers to spot
The reenblommetjie or white rain daisy (Dimorphotheca pluvialis) is in abundance here, as well as the Gousblom.
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
Langebaan
Within the West Coast National Park, you will find Geelbek Restaurant tucked in a national monument, a gorgeously restored Cape Dutch house. They are open seven days a week from 9 am – 5 pm. Reservations can be made via admin@geelbeck.info or call them on +27 84 406 7434.
Pearly’s Restaurant is one of my old-time favourites, right on the beach, with the best views. You can observe how others try their hand at kitesurfing, perhaps even sign up yourself. The best time to visit for us is sunset as the breeze starts to pick up. This is the best place to escape the chill and still see the sun go to sleep.
Another favourite is Strandloper, it is a seasonal restaurant, flower season and summer, with a marvellous 10-course seafood lunch. I have been there about 3 or 4 times and still can’t get enough. Imagine snoek with apricot jam and patat or kreef on the braai, and plaas brood fresh out of the oven while tucking your toes into the sand. You might just roll out of there. Currently, they are open only over weekends, and you do need to reserve.
Paternoster
Even though there is only a handful of restaurants in Paternoster, expect to be blown away with marvellous seafood menus. They are all awesome, so if you are spending a few days here, try them all.
Seekombuis is an informal beach restaurant where you will sit in little rustic fishermen boats while dining. As they say, don’t judge a book by its cover, reviews rave about the great food. Voorstrandt Restaurant is probably the most famous of them all, situated in a 114-year-old tin house next to the beach with a panoramic view of the ocean. A quirky restaurant called The Noisy Oyster is another must.
One of my picks would be Gaatjie. Although they are a bit pricier than the others mentioned, their food is mouthwatering. Must try!
Like most little towns across South Africa, they have their own local beer brewery, Paternoster Brewery, open Tuesday till Sundays 9 am – 6 pm.
Where to stay
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation in this area, depending on your budget or style you are sure to find something suitable. From renting a luxury houseboat ($$$$) in the Lagoon to a Langebaan seaside lodge with the beach on your doorstep called Crystal Lagoon Lodge ($$).
Or our favourite, staying in the National park at one of the available accommodations ($$-$$$), like ‘Perfect Hideaway -west of the moon’ for a more authentic stay among the flowers.
The artsy fishermen’s town of Paternoster has a wide selection of accommodation, but on our shortlist would be Sea Shack ($), an off the grid eco-lodge in Cape Columbine Nature Reserve. These clamping shacks are all that you need, a bed with a view of the ocean, and oh, fine linen. It has shared ablutions and a fully stocked kitchen, with things like pots and pan, by the boma. You do need to bring your own food and towels.
As this might not be everyone’s cup of tea, in town, you can look at Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel ($$$$), a 5-star hotel.
One thing that is plentiful in Paternoster is Airbnbs. So have a look, but what caught our eye was Die Visserhuisie ($$) right on the beach and which can sleep six.
Other activities
West Coast Park
At Tsaarsbank in the West Coast Park, you can enjoy a lovely picnic or braai overlooking the Atlantic, might see a whale or two. The braai pits work on a first-come basis and can’t be reserved. (Also, take note, no alcohol is permitted at the public area- picnic, braai sites and the beaches).
Braaing is one of South Africans best past times. Heritage day on 24 September is even called Braai-day, as all South Africans love a good braai. Now, for those who do not know what a braai is – it is like a bbq, but please don’t call it a bbq. It is a braai.
In West Coast Park, you have options such as hiking, cycling and MTB trails to choose from, as well as picnicking, bird, whale, and wildlife watching. A favourite scenic two-and-a-half-day hiking trail would be Eve’s trail. If a two-day hike is a bit much, but you still want to get up close with the flowers while covering some distance, try E-bike Safari in the West Coast National Park.
Known for its crosswinds, Langebaan Lagoon is perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing. You can also take part in various other water sports, from kayaking to snorkelling. I will stick to kayaking and snorkelling, as I have seen how strong the wind is at times, which might just blow me across the Atlantic.
West Coast fossil park, something a bit different. Did you know that once upon time, 5 Million years ago, the West Coast was a more subtropical climate and animal like short-necked giraffes and African bears walked this area?
Paternoster
Paternoster is well known for its array of art galleries, with Wilko Roon Art Gallery in Paternoster and At Botha’s studio to be found here. At Botha is one of my favourite South African actors turned artist.
Early morning kayak tours ensure that the water is a bit calmer, making it easier to spot penguins, dolphins and in season, whales. While admiring the flowers at Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, make sure to look around Cape Columbine Lighthouse, the last manually operated lighthouse in South Africa. The view from the top is breathtaking, imagine the photos you can take.
If you have been to the West Coast and not tried a bokkom, you are missing out on a somewhat acquired tasty treat. Head over to Velddrif about 38 km away, to Bokkom Avenue if you dare. As mentioned, it is an acquired taste as bokkoms are dried cured fish. Now, if bokoms are not your thing, Columbine Co. is right there with delicious fresh brewed coffee.
The strangest thing probably in Paternoster is the panty bar of the Paternoster hotel. Jip, the bar has panties hanging from the roof. What?
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
Wild Card
A wild card is something to look into if you often visit certain national parks, reserves, and resorts around Southern Africa. It allows for free entry for a year, depending on the membership you bought.
West Coast Way
WestCoastWay is an up to date website with news on the area and many more options for day trips or various routes to take.
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 useful website, SA campsite, they list campsites across South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. As well as pet friendly camp site, biker friendly camp sites, to 4×4 campsites and even camp sites with MTB trails. Take note they do not do bookings.
More Info
☎ Contact the Flower hotline on +272 938 8186 before visiting an area for up to date info.
Website: https://www.sanparks.org
Website: https://sbm.gov.za/cape-columbine-nature-reserve-tietiesbaai/
Paternoster Tourism: https://www.west-coast-info.co.za
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.
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< |
Glossary
-
-
- padkos – snacks packed for a road trip
- braaivleis – bbq meat
- ‘braai by die see’ – bbq by the sea
- braai – a bbq but don’t call it a bbq in SA
- snoek – a type of fish found in the Cape area
- patat – sweet potato
- kreef – crayfish
- plaas brood – farm fresh bread
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Have you been to the West Coast flowers? Do you have any other recommendations to share? ew love to hear from you, so make sure to leave comment below!
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. As many of these places are seasonal, do contact them before you arrive.
*Opinions expressed here are my own.
*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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