Five-day itinerary for the West Coast IN flower season

Five-day itinerary for the West Coast

Anyone with any knowledge of the flowers will tell you that to see them at their best, you need to drive with the sun at your back. What this means is that you should drive all the way up to at least Vanrhynsdorp or Nieuwoudtville to start your route. The flowers are best viewed between 11am and 15pm.

Day one:
Head up to Nieuwoudtville from Cape Town, without any stops, no matter how tempting. This will take you most of the day. Really start drinking in the scenery on leaving Vanrhynsdorp and taking the Vanrhyns Pass via the Bokkeveld escarpment to Nieuwoudtville. Did we say 'no stops'? Take time to explore the succulent nursery at Vanrhynsdorp if you can. Overnight at Nieuwoudtville accommodation.

Day two:
Explore Nieuwoudtville, the Falls, the Hantam National Botanical Garden, the quiver tree forest (no flowers here, but the quiver trees will have you mesmerised), the local community's bulb nursery on the edge of town, and even the church's gardens. Everything comes up flowers at this time of year. Overnight at Nieuwoudtville accommodation.

Day three:
Drive to the town of Clanwilliam. The countryside all around here will be filled with wild spring flowers. Clanwilliam serves as the centre from which to do numerous short flower routes – Graafwater, Lambert's Bay, Leipoldtville and the Biedouw Valley. Also visit the Ramskop Nature Reserve above the town's dam. Overnight at Clanwilliam accommodation.

Day four:
Drive from Clanwilliam to Paternoster. It is a shame not to experience something of the seaside whilst on the West Coast, and Paternoster is the epitomy of West Coast living. Spend some time exploring one of the West Coast's most beautiful seaside villages. Filled with quaint, whitewashed homes, many of them still original fisherman's homes, the beach, the restaurants and the lifestyle. There is plenty to do in Paternoster, and even the local corner café is something of a deli to cater for visitors. Overnight at Paternoster accommodation.

Day five:
Spend the day in and around the charming town of Darling. It is known as the wildflower jewel of the West Coast, and for many Capetonians is where they come to experience the flowers in season. Vist the Renosterveld Reserve, the Tienie Versveld reserve and the Duckitt Orchid Nurseries. If you decide to stay, find Darling accommodation options to suit all budgets.