Namaqualand wildflowers: best places to see South Africa’s spring blooms

Lirette Louw Bezuidenhout
Sep 1
3 min read

Discover the best spots to see Namaqualand wildflowers in South Africa this spring. From West Coast National Park to Nieuwoudtville and Namaqua National Park, plan your ultimate flower tour.

A 1976 photo of a child playing in the Namaqua daisies with Maskamberg in the background. — A 1976 photo of a child playing in the Namaqua daisies with Maskamberg in the background looks like a faded painting rather than a photo.

Celebrate spring with South Africa’s wildflowers

Growing up on a farm near Vredendal, on the West Coast of South Africa, the first of September was always special. At school, we wore “civvies” to celebrate spring, and at home, the season meant Sunday drives and photos among the Namaqua daisies.

The Namaqualand wildflower season typically takes place from August to September, but this year, after exceptional rainfall, blooms were spotted as early as mid-July. Experts predict the flowers will last longer than usual—so even if you’re still planning your trip, you’re likely to catch the show.

Here are some of the best places to see the wildflowers

These are some of my personal favourite places to visit to see the wildflowers.

West Coast National Park

Just 100km from Cape Town, the West Coast National Park is one of the most accessible places to see wildflowers. Each year in August and September, the Postberg section of the park opens exclusively for flower season.

Wild card holders enjoy free entry. Otherwise, rates are slightly higher during flower season.
There are braai spots overlooking the ocean in Postberg—but arrive early on weekends to avoid crowds.

This is the closest and easiest option if you’re self-driving from Cape Town. During heritage month, you can enter the park for FREE from 22 to 26 September 2025! 🎉 This does not extend to the weekend though because it is flower season.

Maskamberg & Vanrhynsdorp

Four hours north of Cape Town, along the N7 route to Namibia, Vanrhynsdorp is another excellent wildflower stop. The plains beneath the Maskamberg mountains come alive with colour when the flowers bloom.

In good rainfall years, even the arid Knersvlakte transforms into a green carpet dotted with flowers—making the drive unforgettable.

Nieuwoudtville flower season highlights

A photo of a street in Nieuwoudtville showing orange wildflowers blooming in the town. — A street in Nieuwoudtville photographed by the author in August 2018.

Only 60km from Vanrhynsdorp, Nieuwoudtville is known as the “bulb capital of the world” and is one of the most rewarding wildflower destinations.

The drive up Vanrhyns Pass offers sweeping views over the Knersvlakte.
In town, flowers bloom right among the houses and surrounding farmlands.
The historic church is especially striking during flower season.

Namaqua National Park

For the ultimate wildflower experience, head three hours beyond Vanrhynsdorp to the Namaqua National Park.

Rustic but beautiful camping spots offer isolation and proximity to both the flowers and the rugged Atlantic coastline.
A 4x4 vehicle is required for certain sections.
Accommodation books up fast, so plan ahead.

Photo of yellow, white and orange wildflowers blooming in West Coast National Park taken by the author in 2023. — Photo taken in September 2023 by the author in Postberg in the West Coast National Park

Tips for planning your wildflower tour

Best time to visit: Mid-August to mid-September (but check yearly updates as rains affect timing).
Route idea (my suggestions): Cape Town → West Coast National Park → Vanrhynsdorp → Nieuwoudtville → Namaqua National Park.
Travel style: Day trips from Cape Town, self-drive adventures, or guided flower tours.
Bring: Camera, hat, sunscreen, water, and patience (flower season draws crowds).

Embrace the beauty of Namaqualand wildflowers

Whether you’re planning a quick drive to the West Coast National Park or an extended tour up the coast through Namaqualand, the spring wildflowers are one of South Africa’s most breathtaking natural spectacles.

So pack your camera, take your time, and let the wildflowers remind you of the beauty of nature coming alive after a cold winter!

All the best

Lirette

Co-founder, PensionersPayLess!

Lirette is a co-founder of PensionersPayLess! and the heart behind its mission to help South Africa's over-55s enjoy life to the fullest. Backed by a Doctorate of Law and two master’s degrees, she combines legal know-how with a passion for practical advice. Lirette writes about topics that she believes will appeal to a wide audience and which mostly relate back to her personal experiences, be it making plans for retirement with her parents, balancing a household budget or enjoying a good meal or holiday.