It’s wildflower time!

By Le Roux Schoeman | Published 15 July 2010

Date: 15 July 2010

Here are a few ideas for places to go and things to do during this year’s flower season.

Postberg is open
Visitors are only allowed into this flower-filled corner of the West Coast National Park during August and September. It’s the part of the park with the biggest concentration of big game, like eland and red hartebeest. Also keep an eye on the sea, as whales and dolphins are regularly spotted.
You can see lots of flowers and game from your car, but consider hiking or cycling one of the trails that meander over the plains.
When? From 1 August to 30 September.
Where? Entrance to the West Coast National Park is about 90 km north of Cape Town, off the R27.
Cost: Conservation fee R38 per adult, R26 per child (free with a Wild Card)
Contact: 022 772 2144; www.sanparks.org

Colourful Clanwilliam
Overdose on colour at the annual Clanwilliam Wildflower Show, where you can see more than 400 flower species, including special endemic plants like the yellow rocket pincushion, blue king and Clanwilliam cedar.
When? 26 August –1 September.
Where? The “Flower Church” in Clanwilliam.
Cost: Adults R25, pensioners R20, children R5.
Contact: 027 482 2541 (Clanwilliam Wildflower Society); 027 482 2024 (Clanwilliam Tourism)

Lamb shank central
Get a fix of fresh air and enjoy the best lamb the Hantam has to offer at
the Vleisfees in Calvinia.
Drive home over the Botterkloof and Pakhuis passes towards Clanwilliam for a spectacular flower display.
When? 27 – 28 August.
Where? Calvinia is about 420 km from Cape Town. Turn off the N7 onto the R27 at Vanrhynsdorp.
Contact: 027 3418 219; www.hantamvleisfees.co.za

Ride a donkey cart
Take a tour through a Moravian mission village on the Mamre Donkey Trail.
Trained guides tell you about the history of the village and its people while donkeys with names like Midnight and Swartbok take you through the narrow streets. Show (17 – 19 September).
When? All year round (book in advance).
Where? 51 km north of Cape Town. Take the R27 and then the R307 to Atlantis – Mamre is 14 km further.
Cost: R300 per person, lunch included.
Contact: 072 3522 611 (Morgan); www.mamredonkeytrail.co.za

Let us know where you went to see flowers and send us your photos at web@gomag.co.za