Check out the best blooming hikes
An abundance of hiking routes gives you plenty of opportunities to smell the flowers
SPRING in the Western Cape has sprung. The flowers are out in their hundreds and thousands, blanketing most West Coast landscapes. From trail runners and hikers to leisure holidaymakers, this is one of the best times of the year to get out there. Not only to improve your bragging rights on social networks but to literally smell the flowers while you walk or run one of the province’s breathtaking routes.
Choices range from one-day adventures to overnight or weekend stays.
Postberg Peninsula, West Coast National Park
Probably the most popular place to visit is the West Coast National Park because of its proximity to the city. It’s ideal for a day trip but also offers plenty of accommodation options to make this a weekend event.
For day trips, the Geelbek and Bakoor trails offer decent distances of up to 9km and will allow you to take in all of the park’s beauty.
For slightly longer hikes, you could walk or run the Strandveld two-day hike or the Postberg two-day hike open only during August and September. There are overnight camping facilities but you do need to carry your own equipment, which makes running a bit more difficult unless you plan to pack very light. The total distances covered for the two days are roughly 28km.
The Darling District
Darling is a pretty little village not far from the coast and also within easy reach of Cape Town. It’s home to some of South Africa’s top wine farms, like Cloof and Groote Post, and is where South African icon Evita Bezuidenhout resides. For trail runners who want to traverse the countryside quickly there are many opportunities to explore the surrounding wine farms. Summitting the 378m Bobbejaanberg is spectacular, offering views of the surrounding mountains and even the Atlantic. If slack-packing is your thing, then the Darling Stagger is for you. The hike is 20km long and takes you from the coastal town of Yzerfontein to Darling in just two-and-a-half days.
Cederberg
Referred to by some as the “final frontier”, the rustic beauty and stillness of the Cederberg has the ability to transport you back a few hundred years or so. Within lies the Biedouw Valley which is tranquil, off-the-beaten-track and renowned for its spring flowers and quaint farm houses. No one visits unless they’re there for the flowers, or to get to Enjo Nature Farm. There are plenty of trail runs to explore, just ask at your accommodation. Trails usually start right there, while some others you’ll need to drive to.
Hantam Bokkeveld – Niewoudtville
About 16km outside of Niewoudtville and 50km from Vanrhynsdorp in the Northern Cape Province, you’ll find Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve. The reserve comprises 4 776 hectares of mountains which have been dissected by deep river gorges through which the Oorlogskloof River flows. The area has rich and varied plant life being situated on the transition/ ecotone area of the Fynbos and Karoo Biomes. There are two major hiking trails, plus two day-walks. If you’re just there to run, check out the Leopard Trap trail (15.5km) or the Rietvlei trail (17.9km). You’ll not only see the most varied wild flowers but also have the chance to swim in the Oorlogskloof River.
Kamieskroon and Namaqua National Park
Fields of flowers, star-studded nights, quiver trees, enormous granite outcrops and the icy Atlantic are but a few wonders that await you. Because of its distance, you’ll need to spend a few nights here to really appreciate the landscape. A 4x4 is recommended as you can drive through the park camping in various places that offer braai facilities and toilets. Once you’re settled and ready to explore, head straight for the 5km Skilpad trail. If you want to see a wider variety of flowers, try and combine it with the 3km Korhaan trail that takes you through the thicker bush of the park. If you don’t have your own tent, take advantage of the glamping tent accommodation when available. Springbok region You don’t need to go far from the town of Springbok to see the daisies. All around the town, pockets of colour fill the gaps between roads and buildings. But if you want to escape the crowds, head 15km to the Goegap Nature Reserve. Here you’ll find 600 indigenous flower species, 45 mammal species and 94 bird species as well as the Hester Malan Wild Flower garden, featuring succulents. Depending on the rains, you could see flowers all the way through to October. There are various hiking trailsranging from 4km to 12km.
To see the wild flowers in all their splendour, don’t delay as flower season ends after September. – Travel Writer