Spring has sprung!
Celebrate the warmer weather at these four festivals
Darling Wildflower Show Three veld types are found in and around Darling (sandveld, strandveld and renosterveld), which leads to an unrivalled variety of flora – nearly 10 % of all the species of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Visit the exhibitions at the Darling Golf Club or buy indigenous plants for your garden. There are a number of flower reserves around town where you can see wildflowers in bloom. While you’re in town, also take a turn past the Duckitt orchid nursery on the Oude Post farm ( duckittnurseries.com). When? 16 – 18 September Tickets: R50 per adult, R30 per child. Free for children under 13. Available at quicket.co.za More info: 072 178 5744; darlingwildflowers.co.za
Clanwilliam Wildflower Show If you’re looking for flowers in the Cederberg but the weather isn’t playing along, visit this flower show in the Dutch Reformed church in Clanwilliam. Many flowers from the region will be exhibited – about 400 species – and special lights ensure that they stay open. When? 26 August – 3 September, daily from 9 am to 6 pm. Tickets: Available at the door; R50 per adult, R35 per pensioner, R10 per child. More info: clanwilliam wildflowerfestival.co.za; 027 482 2024
Bot River Spring Weekend
With the canola and fynbos in bloom, the Overberg is at its best during spring. The wine farms in the Bot River area have joined forces to bring you a fun weekend away: Go on a guided fynbos hike, picnic at PaardenKloof Estate, buy fynbos for your garden at the Ecology Lifestyle Farm nursery or celebrate spring with a glass of Bot River wine! When? 2 – 4 September Tickets: R100 per adult for the weekend, available at quicket. co.za. Ticket price includes a wine glass and an information booklet, available at the tourism office. More info: botriverwines.com; 083 302 6562
Magoebaskloof & Haenertsburg Spring Festival
In spring, Magoebaskloof is dressed in cherry and apple blossoms and colourful azaleas. Against this backdrop, the town of Haenertsburg hosts a spring festival every year. Go see the orchid exhibit at the Orion Magoebaskloof Hotel, flowers on Cheerio farm, or get something to eat from the coffee shop at Blueberry Heights. In town, you can also buy jam, home-made nougat and other treats from the valley. When? 24 September – 2 October Cost: Free. More info: springfestival.co.za; 015 276 4828