Springtime in South Africa is a spectacular time for flowers and a showcase of the country’s incredible biodiversity. Namaqualand, a semi-arid region in the Northern Cape, transforms into a floral wonderland as thousands of species bloom, typically from late August to early September.

In the Western Cape, the dramatic hills of the Cederberg are covered in a vibrant carpet of flowers and the colourful wildflowers of the West Coast National Park transform the landscapes into a riot of orange, pink, yellow and white. Weekends are exceptionally busy during this time, advance booking is required.

For an exceptional experience, we recommend including a botanical tour at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve in your itinerary. Part of the unique Cape Floral Kingdom, over 900 plant species have been recorded here and enthusiastic guides will bring the fynbos and forest to life. Don’t leave without popping into the Grootbos Florilegium, a unique and fascinating collection of botanical illustrations depicting the plants found on the reserve.

Late spring (October to November) is also a beautiful time in Pretoria, the country’s administrative capital, where the jacaranda trees create a stunning purple canopy over the city’s streets.