Where to see the Cederberg flowers

North of Citrusdal, up past Clanwilliam, the semi-desert plains explode into colour during August set against a juxtaposition of the beautiful, almost unearthly rock formations of the Cederberg. 

On the contrary to other areas where you can view flowers till mid-September, it’s better to come earlier in the season, as by September the flowers might be gone. This is also the only place in the world where rooibos is grown, so naturally, the best place to have some. Like the Mad Hatter said, It’s always tea time!

So without further ado, where to see the Cederberg flowers.

Did you know that Clanwilliam is one of South Africa’s oldest towns?

Where to see the flowers

Where	Distance from Cape Town
Cederberg flower route	|   +- 230 km

Clanwilliam Ramskop Wildflower Garden

On the outskirts of Clanwilliam, admire the spectacular view of the orange-toned Cederberg mountains in the back and the foreground a kaleidoscope carpet of flowers, 350 different species of wildflowers.

Entry fee

Adults: R22.50		|    Pensioners R16.20
Children 11-18 yrs R8		|   Children 10 yrs and below Free

❦ Flowers to see 

Yellow-and-white nemesias, a multitude of African daisies, gazanias and many more.

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Biedouw Valley

Part of the Cederberg flower route, Biedouw Valley is renowned for the spectacular display that happens every August over the remote Karoo landscape. Tuck between the Biedouw and Tra Tra mountains, a magical picture of contrast will await you.

Ta-da!

❦ Flowers to see 

Purple babianas, sambreeltjies (Felicia australis), stone plants or as I know them succulent vygies. 

The Cederberg Wilderness

The Cederberg is any outdoor enthusiast dream. This rugged area is known for its stunning rock formations and during Spring, the wildflowers. With mountain chalets, you can easily hike and spend a night. On the other hand, day hikes ranges from 1-8 hour hikes. Remember to select a route best in line with your fitness level. Do check their site for which permits are required for hiking. Also, keep in mind, they have limited entries per day, so book in advance.

Conservation fee 

Day Access	Adult : R50		Child : R30
Overnight fee (accommodation cost not included)		Adult : R40		Child : R20
Wilderness Trails Day entry	Adult : R70	Adult : + R60 (Overnight)	Child : R40	Child : + R35 (Overnight)

Gate opening hours

• • Monday to Sundays from 7:30 am – 7 pm.

❦ Flowers to see 

Look out for beautiful orange Kalkoentjies (Gladiolus alatus), Clanwilliam daisies, white Chincherinchee  (Ornithogalum thyrsoides) and vygies. 

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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.

Read about it in detail here.

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Where to eat

In one of Clanwilliams oldest streets, open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner, Micheal’s on Park serves only healthy meals. They do not fry anything. When in this area, you have to try Rooibos tea tasting at Veldskoendraai Farmers Market & Restaurant. Remember, rooibos is only grown in the Cederberg Mountains of South Africa.

However, for lunch or a snack in Citrusdal, Modderfontein restaurant & pub will transport you back into bygone years. This period country restaurant & pub is situated on one of the oldest and now historical farms. Modderfontein used to be a small village established out here in 1725 by the VOC. The building of the restaurant & pub use to be the post office and trading store. Interesting to know, the pub was designed by William Volbrecht in a Victorian/ Regency style. They serve seasonal menus and are open from 10 am – 2.30 pm for lunch and 7 pm for dinner on Tuesdays to Sundays.  

Few others:

• • Bean Tree cafe at Spar
  • Le Cage vintage charm coffee shop
  • Bella-Louise restaurant

Keep a look out for Biedouw Pop-up coffee shop as well.

Again, small town equals beer brewery, yes Cederberg breweries. Here you can find their legendary Bogom & Voetsek. A Blonde Ale and Indian Pale Ale. In fact, Bogom & Voetsek is inspired by the poem of C.L. Leipoldt and later David Kramer’s song. As their site states, a beer that’s worth the journey.

Boggom en Voertsek, hulle ry daai Pontiac
Deur die Versveld vlaktes, dat die stoffies ‘n daar so trek
Voertsek van der Merwe, ou Boggom Bobbejaan
O, hulle is legendes, oral waar hul gaan

David Kramer

 Where to stay

Citrusdal

Goodness, you are spoilt with options here, but let me start with some of my favourites. Beaverlac ($), the closest to Cape Town but high up in the mountains on a natural heritage site farm, offers both small self-catering chalets and camping facilities in a rustic setting. Cut off from the world, the perfect place to unwind while enjoying hikes and the natural pools.

Next up is The Baths ($$), a natural hot spring where the water at the source reaches up to 43’. The Bath self-catering resort dates back to 1739 and has a fascinating history, especially the Victorian building. They also have a caravan campsite. Man, those hot springs are awesome!

Closer to Citrusdal escape between fynbos at Cederkloof Botanical Retreat ($$). With lovely hiking trails meandering through fynbos and even the strange but beautiful rock formations this area is known for, you are sure to relax here. If you feel a bit more adventurous, you can rent canoes at the river. These are self-catering units.

Cederberg Wilderness has some of the most unique accommodations in the area. From rustic rock chalets ($$) that were built in such a way as to not deface the natural surroundings. These chalets are equipt no non-essential elements as stated on their site. Wanting a bit more luxury, Mount Ceder ($-$$$$), with its Old Mill House restaurant, has lovely views from all its campsites and chalets (peak season is rather expensive compare to off-peak, so look at their calendar).

Clanwilliam

For a truly magical experience, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat ($$$$$) is an oasis in the wilderness, as their website states. Staying here is a unique luxury experience. Enjoy a luxury picnic set up on a secluded part of the reserve to the ultimate candle and lantern-lit dinner at Kadoro. Reminded me of our fantastic dining experience at Wolwedans in Namibia, set in a cellar hidden beneath a dune. 

To truly experience the Biedouw Valley, staying in a rustic cottage between the flowers is just blooming fantastic. Enjo Nature Farm ($-$$) has various options, but Chalet – Enjo is our favourite. Or bring your tent along and camp in their designated area.

Other activities

Now you can’t come to rooibos country and not do a tour or tea tasting. Remember what the Mad Hatter said, It’s always tea time!

Choose form a Buchu and Rooibos tour with Skimmelberg, or delight in a tea pairing at Carmien in Piekenierskloof pass. Or shop at House of Rooibos in town.

Something a bit different, the guest of Bushmans Kloof can meet the Anatolian Shepherd Dogs. By spending time with the dogs, to understand how they protect livestock responsibly, consequently safeguarding the endangered Cape Leopard.

Furthermore, if you are into history or are curious about how this area came about, a visit to the 1808 Ou Tronk Museum should be on your itinerary. Here you can learn about the rooibos industry or prominent people from the area, such as C.L. Leipoldt and Tolla van der Merwe. They are open Monday to Friday from 8 am – 1 pm, Saturdays 8 am – 12 pm.

Some randomness: in school, I would often be asked if Tolla was my uncle or if I can tell them a joke. Why? My maiden name, well it is Van der Merwe. Shrug. 

If you are looking for locally made leather shoes, you know, vellies, do make a stop at Strassbergers.

Cederberg

Same as with rooibos, you can’t visit this area and not make your way to the rock art and formation that the Cederberg area is renowned for. To hike Sevilla Rock Art Trail, you need to purchase a permit at Traveller’s Rest Farm. The trail is about 4km long and passes nine sites.

At Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve, you can admire the Stadsaal cave and rock art.

Cederberg, with its rugged mountains, rates as one of the top five places in the world for rock climbing and bouldering. I am still looking forward to trying is bouldering. Bouldering is short technical climbs, rope free, and usually relatively close to the ground. You do need a bouldering permit.

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Useful to know 

When is Namaqua flower season

Normally August as by September they might be gone in this area, all weather dependent.

Read more: A guide on how and when to visit the flower routes of South Africa

Clanwilliam Flower Festival

Each year the town gets all festive with various performances and art exhibitions. Keep a look out for the dates on  their Facebook page.

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

Cederberg Tourism: www.cederberg.com

Cederberg Wilderness: www.capenature.co.za

Enjoy Nature Farm Facebook

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. 

And do enjoy the rugged but beautiful landscape!

Accommodation cost guide

*According to The Curious Journal

$	|   Budget	>R1000
$$	|   Mid range	R1000<
$$$	|   High end	R3000<
$$$$	|   Luxury	R5000<
$$$$$	|   Ultra Luxe	R10 000<

Have you seen the Cederberg flowers? 
Do you have any other recommendations to share? 
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 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).