Spring Wildflowers – 2022 (South Africa)

Nieuwoudtville, Northern Cape Province

• All photos were taken by: Esta Marais

Some of our regular readers will know that this time of year, we normally have a flower post on our blog. This year however, we are in another province where there are not really any wildflowers blooming in the fields … so, we had to make another plan.

Both me and Berto’s parents used to live in a very small town, Vanrhynsdorp, located 300 km (186 miles) north of Cape Town. I remember how we always visited them during August or September – of course to see them, but also to have the opportunity to witness the beautiful spring flowers.

My parents’ neighbour, aunty Esta Marais is a wonderful photographer and she always have the most stunning photos of spring wildflowers. I contacted her and ask whether she can send me some of her photos (and her permission to post these on our blog).

All of the photos in this post were taken close to Nieuwoudtville in the Northern Cape Province and 50km (31 miles) from Vanrhynsdorp. This time of year, thousands of people flock to the Northern- and Western Cape Provinces to view the spring flowers. Even overseas tourists arrange their visits around this time of year just to see this phenomenon.

Some of you might remember that Berto and I have done that extreme 5-day hiking trip a year ago in Oorlogskloof (you might have forgotten all about it, but we will never 😉). Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve is only 10km from Nieuwoudtville. We have done this hike in October last year and even then, we were able to see some lasting spring wildflowers.

Of course, in order for the spring wildflowers to show their beauty, the area needs good winter rain. This year, it was a cold and wet winter in the Western Cape region (probably still is) and it seems the Northern Cape Province also received much needed rain during winter to deliver a good flower season.

For me, one of the most beautiful sights during spring time, is when we travel on a gravel road that is surrounded by colourful spring flowers. It forces you to go slow and appreciate the wonder of nature.

And it’s not just the smaller flowers that are in bloom, there are many others (much bigger and taller ones) that also make their appearances during spring. Their colours are magnificent and to see these in nature, growing wild and without any human interference, are very special!

We hope you have enjoyed our flower edition of this year. And thank you very much to aunty Esta for taking such lovely photos and willing to share them with us.