The Namaqualand region of the Northern Cape is bordered in the North by the Orange River and Namibia border and in the West by the rugged coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. A dry and arid, semi desert region for most of the year, Namaqualand puts on its coat of many colours during the spring months. From July to September the area receives it spring rainfall and what was once a pale coloured landscape transforms into an awe-inspiring sea of flowers. The Namaqualand spring flowers have been admired by visitors from all over the world and photo books have been made of the phenomenon, so to call it a world famous event would not be short of the truth. The intenseness of the blooming flowers varies from year to year depending on the rainfall. It is recommended that the route be done from North to South as the flowers face the sun and at this time of year the sun shines from the North, so this would ensure that they be seen in all their glory.
The flowers in this spectacular display include: wahlenbergia, arctotis, gazanias, felicia, watsonia, tiny galdioli, moraeas, babiana, geissorhiza, sparaxis, ixia, lachenalia and humeria, to name but a few. The variation in flower type changes as you move from North to South. The bulb species are found predominantly in the north, moving down to succulents and bulbs in the Knersvlakte area around Vanrhynsdorp and Niewoudtville, Vanrhynsdorp being home to the largest succulent nursery in the world. And then finally as you get closer to Cape Town in the South you start to see the annuals, such as the daisy type flowers. As you move around this amazing area the landscape changes enhance the colours and fragrances that fill the air.
The main roads on the Flower Route are the R27 from Capetown to Langebaan (120km), and then the N7 north via Clanwilliam (around 200km further on) to Springbok (a further 330km). You can also take the R364, a gravel back road, for the section between Clanwilliam and Nieuwoudtville, which is highly recommend. How far you drive, what flowers you see, which towns you visit, which nature reserves you stop at, completely depends on your choice but be prepared to extend your trip as the inspiration of the Namaqualand Wildflower Route captures your heart.
This is a Route that deserves more than a day or two and every moment should be savoured as this will be a life changing experience.
Glenfinnan Guest House provides bed and breakfast accommodation in Langebaan, Cape West Coast. Picturesque Langebaan... breath-taking... stunning panoramic sea, Bay and lagoon views of emerald green waters and pristine white sandy beaches. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Holiday Guest House, Langebaan is true to its name. We offer luxury and classic suites, allowing you to relax the way you prefer to during your stay in Langebaan. We offer the option of accommodation on a Bed and Breakfast basis and also Self Catering... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Seagulls Guest House provides self catering flatlet accommodation in Langebaan, Cape West Coast. We provide affordable, fully-equipped and neat self-catering units, designed to cater for intimate couple's vacations or fun family getaways or large groups. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Situated on an enormous equestrian estate overlooking the north side of Saldanha Bay, privately owned Masada Guest House offers the greatest accommodation in Langebaan in a laid back country style atmosphere... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Sandpipers offers wonderful self catering accommodation in Langebaan, Cape West Coast. Experience the splendor of Langebaan, situated 122km from Cape Town on the banks of the lagoon, alongside the West Coast National Park. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
On the beach front, close to restaurants and shops, Greystones Beach House provides luxury self-catering accommodation for eight people. Ideally situated for watersports, bird life and wild flowers of Langebaan Lagoon. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Anchor Bay, a home away from home, is a self-catering house (sleeps 7) located in the small lagoon town of Skiathos, Langebaan on the Cape West Coast. Anchor Bay is within walking distance of Club Mykonos, the beach and Laguna Mall. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Club Mykonos K420 is a self catering apartment (sleeps 4) located on the serene shores of the scenic Langebaan Lagoon. Club Mykonos is a family friendly West Coast beach resort in South Africa that provides a unique and exciting holiday, as well as... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Mykonos Sunset Beach House offers 2 self catering apartments (6-sleeper and 8-sleeper) in the lovely Club Mykonos Resort at Langebaan on the Cape West Coast. This freestanding house is perched on the hillside with picturesque views from the balconies... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Paradise Beach Apartments are self catering accommodation apartments in Langebaan on the Cape West Coast. There are 6 units to choose from. Wake up to the peaceful sounds of waves breaking and song of wild birds at Perle of Paradise Self Catering... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.