Spring is Flower power in Clanwilliam and Darling

[Ming]

Every year as spring approaches, the Cape bursts into spectacular colour to celebrate its arrival. Explore the glorious flower route. The flower season is at its best from August to October in the Western and Northern Cape. An incredible 4 000 flower species can be found in the wild or at one of the numerous nature reserves and botanical gardens in this region, from Darling 80km north of Cape Town, across to Lambert 's Bay and inland to Clanwilliam and further north.

Namaqualand is especially renowned for its flower displays, but places further south are just as worthy of a visit. To enter the flower region take the R27 from Cape Town to Velddrif, or the N7 from Cape Town all the way up to Namibia

Because the flower region is so vast it might be best to stay in one or two places and explore the region from there. These towns are great starting places:

Darling ,easily reached from the R27 on the West Coast, is a delightful little town nestled in rolling countryside. During spring wild flowers abound. Darling is also well loved for its connections to Evita Bezuidenhout, who presents a weekend cabaret show at Evita se Perron, the tiny converted railway station in the centre of town. # Call 022 492 2237 for info and bookings.

For accommodation try the Darling Guesthouse set in a lush and tranquil garden. Rates are R165 per person per night sharing, including breakfast.
# Call 022 492 3062.

The West Coast National Park on the R27 is an excellent spot to savour the unspoilt charm of this region. For details call 022 772 2144. Two chalets are available in the park – a rustic chalet, with no electricity, next to the beach for R300 per night sleeping six, or with electricity for R360 per night sleeping six. # Call (022) 772 2799

For something a bit different, there 's a six-bed houseboat for R600 per night sleeping four adults and two children. Call # (012) 428 9111 to book.

Clanwilliam, situated at the foot of the Cederberg mountain range approximately 230km from Cape Town, is a flower hot spot during spring. Try Krakadouw self-catering cottages, 13km outside Clanwilliam, on a beautiful orange farm at the foot of the Krakadouw Peak. Cottages cost R270 for one to three persons per night, plus an extra R90 for each person after that up to six. # Call 027 482-2507.

While you are there, consider a visit to the Living Landscape Project to organise a tour of the beautiful rock art in the area.
# Call 027 482-1911.

Springbok, also known as the capital of Namaqualand, is an excellent base to explore this region. What is so astounding about this area is the contrast between the dry, rocky countryside and the glorious floral blanket that covers it for just a few weeks every year. Try Annie 's Cottage for colonial comfort in a beautiful old manor house. Rates are R330 per person per night sharing, including breakfast during the flower season.
# Call 027 712 1451

South of Springbok, near Kamieskroon, the Skilpad Wild Flower Reserve operates only during the flower season and is usually ablaze with colour as the spring flowers begin to bloom.

This park is South Africa 's newest national park and covers an area of 60 000 hectares. Walking trails and circular drives are a great way to explore the park. # Call 027 672 1948

Nieuwoudtville ,a small town 360km north of Cape Town, is known for its extraordinary diversity of bulbs and spectacular wild flower displays in spring. There are a number of accommodation options available. Try Rooidakhuis, which offers comfy accommodation in an old sandstone house. All bedrooms have en suite bathrooms. Rates are R210 per person, including breakfast and a traditional country dinner. Call Hester Nel on 083 231 4296.

Also try Papkuilsfontein Guest Farm, with its private, fully equipped stone cottages each with an Vopen-hearth fireplace. Rates are R205 per person, bed and breakfast, or R165 per person, self-catering.
# Contact Mariette van Wyk on 027 218 1246

FLOWER SHOWS
The Caledon Wild Flower Show is held each spring. Flower growers in the area display their best home-grown examples at the indoor Wild Flower Show. Call Caledon Tourist Information for details on 028 212 1511.

Contact the Darling Tourism Office on 022 492 2237 to find out about the Darling Wildflower &Orchid Show ,held annually on the third weekend in September.

Langebaan 's flower week is the first week of September. Call Langebaan Tourist Information on 022 772 1515.

The Elgin Festival in November takes place at Applewood School in the heart of the beautiful Elgin Valley. Call the Elgin Information Bureau on 021 848 9838.

The Bloemfontein Rose Festival held in the Free State capital in October is South Africa 's biggest rose show. Call Bloemfontein Tourist Information on 051 405 8911.

The Hermanus Wild Flower Show in September is held at the Botanical Centre of the Fernkloof Nature Reserve,and includes arrangements of indigenous flowers. Call Hermanus Tourist Information on 028 312 2629.

The Bredasdorp Flower Show is held in September and features the fynbos of the local coastal and mountain areas. Call Bredasdorp Tourism on 028 424 2584.

FLOWER TRACKING TIPS
# Flowers follow rainfall ,so early in the season they will be out near the coast. Later in the season you should find them further inland.
# The best time to see the flowers is during the hottest time of day between 11am and 3pm.
# The flowers turn towards the sun and are therefore best viewed when the sun is behind you.
# Remember that flower- sighting information available to the public might sometimes result in a ‘gold rush ' situation, with everyone flocking to a certain place. Try and stay off the beaten track where possible.
# Get out of your car and go for a walk. It is only by getting a close-up look that you can fully appreciate the diversity found in the flower region. Get out there, frolic and celebrate spring!
# Although this goes without saying, don 't pick the flowers .Take photos.
# Pack warm clothes . Although it is spring, it still gets chilly at night in this region.

FLOWER HOTLINE
Call the Flowerline for up-to-date information all year round on 083 910 1028.

The lines are open from 8am to 6pm during the week and from 8am to 1pm at weekends.