September 2022

Postberg Nature Reserve

The Postberg Nature Reserve is situated inside the West Coast National Park. This reserve is only open for 2 months of the year – August and September – the time when wildflowers are spread out like a carpet.

Since we were very close to the end of September, I did not really foresee to find many wildflowers … it seems the best time to have viewed it this year was about 3 weeks ago. But still, it’s always a scenic drive and my mum and I got in the car to spent a morning inside the park and reserve.

Bonus – Free entry:

Once a year, the National Park board offers one week of free entry to South African residents into their parks … and how lucky were we, we visited the park in that very same week! It normally costs R70 per person (€4.00).

West Coast National Park:

Although we were on our way to Postberg Nature Reserve, we made a quick stop at the popular Seeberg Viewpoint in the West Coast National Park. From here, one can see the lovely Langebaan lagoon, as well as Kraalbaai where we so often go during the summer months.

Langebaan lagoon (with the Atlanctic Ocean in the far distance)
Information centre at Seeberg Viewpoint

Postberg Nature Reserve:

When we entered Postberg Nature Reserve, it was evident that we would no longer see the abundance of wild springflowers we are used to. The peak season of the springflowers were over, but the field was still beautiful and as scenic as ever!

We drove to the lookout point from where the beautiful town of Langebaan is visible – always a great sight to see!

Langebaan lagoon, Schaapen Island and the town Langebaan in the distance

While walking around at the lookout point, we noticed springflowers between the rocks and on the pathways. Although there were not that many flowers, we could still stop, smell and admire them (while taking a couple of photos).

African daisies
Aizoaceae (or ‘Vygies’ as they’re called in South Africa)

My mum and I spent almost half an hour here while we were admiring the flowers that’s left of the season and the amazing views over the Langebaan lagoon. What makes this so special, is that we can only have these views during August – September … special moments.

Following my mum on the pathway at the lookout point
A last look at the Langebaan lagoon from Postberg Nature Reserve

From here, we followed the dirt road towards the sea. But not before we came to a spot with some wildflowers … not a lot, but worth it to stop and enjoy the moment.

The last wildflowers of the season with a view towards the Atlantic Ocean
In the distance we noticed a herd of zebras
Spectacular views in Postberg Nature Reserve
A patch of colourful wildflowers

Towards the end of the drive in the reserve, we did see more wildflowers. It was definitely not what we’re used to, but still beautiful.

Wildflowers
Colourful wildflowers along the dirt road

And then, as we were almost at the end of the circular route, we found two bontebokke in the field (one of the rarest antelopes in South Africa, but a familiar sight in the West Coast National Park). They were grazing close to the road and were not even bothered when I got out of our car to take a photo.

This was the perfect end to our drive through the lovely West Coast National Park and Postberg Nature Reserve.

Bontebokke