The early winter rains mean the 2025 flower season is already in full bloom in Namaqualand. Here’s how to make the most of the wildflower display.

The spring flowers that transform South Africa’s dry western region every year are a natural spectacle you have to see for yourself. To look out over a landscape often described as ‘barren’ or ‘hostile’ and see it covered in wildflowers is to realise the power of nature. So clear your schedule and find the time to check out the 2025 flower season. After all, how could you not want to drive along a gravel road lined with daisies? 

A word to the wise: the wildflower display is a natural phenomenon, so don’t expect it to adhere to a schedule. Flowers will bloom in different areas depending on where and when the rain falls. “I was lucky to catch the early bloom this year,” says Tracks4Africa’s Lizette Swart, who toured to Namaqualand at the end of July. 

Although there were some flowers around Bitterfontein and Rietpoort, it was north of Kotzesrus and at Wallekraal that she started seeing masses. The valley below the Wildeperdehoek Pass was a stunning display of wildflowers, as was the area south of Soebatsfontein. Lizette also reports that the Grootvlei Pass was worth the drive and the Skilpad section of Namaqua National Park did not disappoint.

The Goegap Nature Reserve, just outside Springbok, is currently a tapestry of brightly coloured flowers.

Lizette’s Namaqualand route 

This is the route Lizette followed for the 2025 flower season.

Day 1: Bitterfontein – Rietpoort – Kotzesrus – Wallekraal – Hondeklipbaai 

Day 2: Hondeklipbaai – Koiingnaas – bottom of Wildeperdehoek Pass – Soebatsfontein – Killian’s Pass, Grootvlei Pass – Kamieskroon 

Day 3: Skilpad section of Namaqua National Park 

Namaqua National Park has a new one-way route that was covered in orange daisies during Lizette’s trip. Note that this route is only suitable for high-clearance vehicles, not sedans. The Shipwreck Trail is a daylong 4×4 adventure along the Diamond Coast between Koiingnaas and Kleinzee. It’s worth doing any time of the year, but would be extra special during flower season. The Shipwreck Trail is  guided by Dudley Wessels: 083 305 2569 or peebs@kingsley.co.za.

“When I visited Namaqualand, Wildeperdehoek Pass was closed for repairs, but they were already busy scraping the road. Check with the info centres or Sperrgebiet Lodge if the pass is open,” says Lizette.

Keep in mind that in many cases, flowers bloom on farmland i.e. private property so the public is not permitted. But you can still admire the blooms from the road!

With more rain expected in August, there should be another bloom in Namaqualand later this month. September flowers are often found in the higher areas, around the Kamiesberge.

Get the local low-down

Who knows better where to see the flowers than the people on the ground? Always check with tourism organisations or your local accommodation venues. Follow the Namaqua Coastal Route (NCR) on Facebook: members regularly post on flowers in the area.  

NCR Information Centres 

• Koiingnaas – don’t miss the freshly baked pastries and cakes at the coffee shop!
• Kleinzee
• Port Nolloth 

Other info centres

• Springbok
• Garies Toeriste Stal  
• Kamieskroon: Kuiervreugde Coffee Shop, run by Peet and Elsa Kruger – Peet knows the flowers by common and botanical name and makes a great cappuccino!
• Nieuwoudtville Tourist Information  
• Loeriesfontein: Hongerblom – travellers recommend their burgers and pizzas  
• Bitterfontein: The Art House – you don’t have to go far, even in town you can see flowers (below left)

In Bowesdorp (pictures above), north of Kamieskroon, flower spotters can have a field day. In Kamieskroon itself, you can visit the Blommemark, the local flower show, from 9 August to 20 September 2025. Be advised that the road from Kamieskroon to Rooifontein and Kamassies is in bad condition. Best to check with the Kamieskroon information office whether it is passable. 

Along the West Coast

Further south, flower season also starts in July, but can run through to October in some areas. The months of August and September still tend to be the peak. The Postberg section of West Coast National Park is only open during these months. Another area that rewards flower spotters is the Biedouw Valley, east of Clanwilliam. Take Hoek se Berg Pass to see fields of brightly coloured flowers spread out in front of you.

For daytrippers from Cape Town, there are various flower shows in the region. Expect a day of fun with kids activities, food stalls and wildflower exhibits.

• Hopefield Fynbos Show 28-31 August 2025
• Clanwilliam Wildflower Show 29 August – 7 September 2025
• Darling Wildflower Show 19-21 September 2025 – the website also lists local wildflower reserves

Call the Flower Line on 063 639 3532 for updates.

Tips for flower viewing

• Flowers like daisies only open in sunshine, so the best viewing is from 10:00 to 15:00. 
• Since the blooms turn to face the sun, it’s best to keep the sun behind you. Drive north on the highway, then meander south on gravel roads. 
• If the sun is coming from the front on your route, remember to look in the rear view mirror.
• Stick to marked tracks and paths – don’t drive or walk into a field where there is no route.
• Don’t walk into the middle of the blooms or lie down between the flowers.
• Drive carefully and keep your eyes peeled for tortoises, snakes, hares, antelope and sheep crossing the road.