There is no shortage of beautiful landscapes and spectacular backdrops in South Africa, a country renowned the world over for its magnificent variety of fauna and flora.
While many of the floral species include interesting fungi, intriguing succulents and forests that blanket the landscape for miles; South Africa also showcases some of the worldβs loveliest flowers. Those with a penchant for heavenly scents and colourful palettes will, no doubt, love some of the floral destinations of the country, which come alive with vibrant blooms and the most beautiful South African flowers …
Photograph: Namaqualand Daisies, Northern Cape
One of the best known regions for wild flowers is the West Coast and, specifically, Namaqualand. Here, the entire landscape, which is usually rather arid, erupts into a duvet of colourful wild flowers after the first spring rains.
Formal tours of the Namaqualand Flower Route are recommended if travellers want to enjoy the lushest spots, coupled with interesting information and nearby tourist facilities.
A number of flower reserves are included in the formal tours of the West Coast, so that visitors are exposed to as many of the almost 4 000 different South African flower species as possible. Because this exhibition is not a formal one, the West Coastβs wild flower display changes every year, promising a dynamic and beautiful show.
The Addo Rose & Garden Show was started in 1983 by a small group of women that wanted to show off the beauty and abundance of the Sundays River region of the Eastern Cape. Every year, around October, this event draws thousands of eager spectators to see the awesome exhibits of roses, and a few other popular local flowers.
Photograph: Cosmos, Free State
In addition, there are talks, a tea garden, a beer garden and plenty of things to do for the little ones, making this a fabulous family outing.
This can all be enjoyed within the serene, untouched splendour of the Eastern Capeβs Elephant Land. f you plan to overnight it is recommended you make your Addo accommodation arrangements well ahead of time as this is a popular event, although asΒ Β Addo is less than an hourβs drive away, booking accommodation in Port Elizabeth is a do-able option.
The beautiful Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve is just outside Port Elizabeth, along the N2 motorway. It spans 500 hectares and showcases the splendour of the Eastern Capeβs floral kingdom within tranquil surrounds. The flowers here include a wide range of fynbos, which is endemic to South Africa. This is a hardy variety of very pretty flowers, each unique.
In addition to their many colours and appearances, fynbos flowers often give off a stunning scent as well. Other floral species include wild flowers, succulents, and more. There are a number of walking, hiking and cycling routes through the reserve, allowing visitors to enjoy the aesthetic splendour at an easy pace. There are also picnic sites, as well as an environmental education centre for local communities.
Photograph: Canola flower, Swellendam, Western Cape
Of course, South Africa is a wonderland of natural resources, offering a number of stunning reserves and parks in which the floral abundance may be appreciated.
These include:
- The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens (Gauteng)
- The Pietermaritzburg National Botanical Gardens (KwaZulu-Natal)
- The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens (Western Cape)
- The Lowveld National Botanical Garden (Mpumalanga)
- The Hantam National Botanical Garden (Northern Cape)
To experience these is to enjoy the richness and plenitude of this magnificent country.
Links to finding the most beautiful South African Flowers:
- South Africa’s National Botanical Gardens
- South Africa’s Attractions
- South Africa Hotels
- South Africa Accommodation
