West Coast Flower season is around the corner - Stay at Velddrif
South Africa’s flower season is nearly upon us.
Flower season in the West Coast National Park is at its peak from August to September annually.
In Namaqualand every farm is carpeted with flowers in the spring transforming entire hillsides and valleys into waves of color, gently moving in the breeze.
The magical natural phenomenon where fields of flowers appear out of dry conditions of the West Coast is when the flower tourists fall under the spell of the famous blooms of Namaqualand
People can look out for the famed Namaqualand daisies, Glansogies coastal vygies, and many more hidden flowers as the landscapes come alive after the rainy season. This flower season only lasts for about eight weeks and is a cheerful and happy experience for all.
The West Coast National Park, Hantam Botanical Gardens, and nature reserves are busiest over weekends, so try to visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and long queues at park gates.
The flowers follow the sun and the best time of day to view the flowers is on a sunny day between 11 am & 3 pm since most blooms do not open up when the sun is behind the clouds.
What flowers can you see? - follow this link
WEST COAST HOTLINE: 083 910 1028 (daily report for best flower display.
WILD FLOWER VIEWING TIPS
Tips while viewing flowers
- The flowers follow the sun and the best time of day to view the flowers is between 11:00 and 15:00, the warmest part of the day
- The sun must be out for flowers to open, thus rainy or overcast days are not ideal
- The day temperature must be at least 18 degrees
- Flowers face the sun, thus for viewing and pictures keep your back to the sun
- Get out of the car and walk around, don't miss the special smaller species
- Tread lightly, don't unnecessarily trample plants, and never pick flowers or bulbs
When viewing flowers
- Wear long pants and insect repellent when walking around in the field
- Comfortable shoes
- Remember your camera & binoculars
- Enough water to drink
- Sunblock & sunhat
Advice to tourists
- The West Coast Flower Hotline is available from 08:00 to 20:00, 7 days a week
- Book your accommodation in advance
- Most towns along the flower routes have fuel stations, ATMs, and mobile reception
- The further north, the further apart the towns, keep in mind when planning
- Stop and ask locals for advice on flower hot spots, distances, etc - they're friendly
- Namakwa/West Coast flower maps are available at all tourism information offices
Lermitage Quagga Lodge
On Lermitage Quagga Lodge it could be any day between the middle of August and September after the winter rain when dense mats of natural embroidery form carpets of color in the vast, almost desert West Coast terrain transforming it into the most beautiful indigenous flower display.
Lermitage Quagga Lodge offers an accommodation special for flower tourists because some things cannot be rushed:
Pay for 3 nights, Stay for 4 nights
What is included in the package:
- Self- Catering Luxury Accommodation in 5 free-standing lodges on the banks of the Berg River
- Each Lodge sleeps 4 people in 2 x en suite bedrooms
- Braai Facilities inside and outside
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Free WiFi
- Solar Powered- not suspectable to load shedding.
Optional
- Game drive
- Daily cleaning Service
- Pre-Packed takeaway lunchbox