|
Wildflower season travel info The magician behind this seemingly sudden change is the Spring rain, which allows dormant seeds to germinate and erupt onto the surface, blossoming in phenomenal brilliance in the soft September light. Yellow, pink, orange and purple carpets of colour spread as far as the eye can see. The flora contains an impressive variety of species, most notably daisies, violets, mesembryanthemums, pelargoniums and gladioli.
The flowers are best enjoyed in Namaqualand in the northern Cape, or in the West Coast National Park of the Western Cape.
Namaqualand is a dry, rocky and desert-like region - it appears unbelievable that life can thrive here. The region is famous for its hardy Namaqualand daisies, which carpet the landscape in Spring. Many succulents occur in this region, notably the pink euphorbias. A striking plant here is a very tall aloe called the Quiver Tree, so named as the bushmen used the fibres of the tree for manufacture of their arrows.
A trip to the West Coast, which lies closer to Cape Town, will reveal thousands of different daisy species. The West Coast National Park is a naturalist's haven - with sheltered bays, lagoon wetlands and enchanting islets. Numerous species of migratory birds make their way here during the spring and summer months, notably waders. 50% of the world's swift terns reside here, and gannets, cormorants, black oystercatchers and penguins are also common. One quarter of South Africa's bird species may be encountered here. Whales and dolphins can also be observed, and the park itself is home to a variety of antelope species.
The flower season is rain-dependent. The spring bloom may occur between August and October, depending on rainfall patterns. back to Wildflower season top
|
