September
WHERE Nieuwoudtville is known as the ‘bulb capital of the world’ due to the rich diversity of species that open their pretty petals here. HOTSPOT Hantam National Botanical Garden offers guided walks amid the wildflowers. Entry is R25 pp. 027-218-1200. Carry on down the gravel road to Matjiesfontein Farm for a circular drive through colourful fields. Entry R20 pp. 027-218-1217 BACK ROAD Hel se Pas is a farm road that tips you over the lip of the Bokkeveld Mountains onto the Knersvlakte. (Turn off the R357 to Loeriesfontein at the sign to Grasberg Farm, continue past it and take a sharp left at the gate at the end of the road). SPECIALS Waterkatstert ( Bulbinella nutans) waves its yellow blooms beside seasonal vleis. LOCAL CURIOSITY The Dutch Reformed Church in Nieuwoudtville has a monument listing the names of all the folk who helped raise funds after the church secretary absconded with the cash. SECRET SPOT The flowerfringed farmhouse ruins at Groenrivier on the western edge of the dorp make for a great photo op. EAT HERE In town, Smidswinkel Restaurant has a cosy fireplace, and host Hendrik van Zijl is a font of information on flowers. Open from 8am until after dinner. 027-218-1535 STAY HERE Grasberg Guest Farm, northwest of town, has selfcatering cottages (R300 pp sharing). Guests access a floral wonderland on the farm’s walking, MTB and 4x4 trails. 083-772-2918, grasberg.yolasite.com