Start of the 2 Month West Coast Flower Season 2024
After living in Cape Town for the past 24 years (and then some) we finally visited the West Coast National Park! I know, it’s crazy that we’ve never done it, but other adventures had us distracted. As recently announced, the park is now open for its 2 month show of flowers carpeted across the landscape. Here’s the official word:
South African National Parks (SANParks) is pleased to announce the start of the Wildflower season 2024 in West Coast National Park (WCNP). As of 1 August 2024, and continuing through to 30 September 2024, the Postberg section of the park is open to the public, offering an exceptional opportunity to view the spectacular seasonal blooms.
During this period, visitors will notice that the Geelbek Restaurant is undergoing maintenance. To accommodate guests, three food trucks have been stationed in the Geelbek precinct, Tsaarsbank and Preekstoel area of the park, providing a variety of food and refreshments.
We loved our visit and would highly recommend this to any friends or family. It cost us R110 to enter (pp with SA ID’s) and was well worth it.
What’s to See?
Upon arrival at the entry gate, we were given a pamphlet with a map, rules and check list of animals to look out for within the park. We had expected to see flowers, but not animals and gorgeous views across the ocean and Langebaan bay.
Within the first 5 minutes we had seen 2 tortoises, a baby puff adder, 2 giant shongololos – and the list kept growing through the day. With Blesbok, ostriches, birds and mongoose, it was really lovely.
So have a blast trying to spot the animals while being kind to the flowers.
Mind the Daisies
It was was disheartening to see so many guests ignoring the multiple requests to avoid stepping on the daisies aka exiting your vehicle and entering the fields. The flowers are only available for 2 months of the year and if everyone stands on them there won’t be much to see.
Furthermore, some of this land is private property. So the owners have opened it up to the general public and yet the privilege is still abused. There are a few, beautiful rest spots that allow guests to exit their vehicles and take pictures of the surrounds, which is why I find the polite request being ignored genuinely quite puzzling.
Your Instagram shouldn’t be more important than the preservation of these blooms. It’s sad. So my recommendation is to go sooner rather than later. Or, better yet, go into Langebaan and explore the free flower locations, which aren’t specifically trying to be preserved.
Gate Times
- For Postberg are as follows: 09h00 to 17h00 with last entry at 16h30
- Gate times for the general park area are as follows:
- August: 07h00 to 18h00 with last entry at 17h30.
- September: 07h00 to 19h00 with last entry at 18h30
Conservation Fees
Conservation fees for August and September are as follows (child < 12 years old):
- SA adult (with ID) – R110 per person
- SA child – R55 per person
- SADC National adult (with passport) – R169 per person
- SADC National child – R85 per person
Standard Conservation Fee/International Visitors
- Adult – R247 per person
- Child – R124 per person
The Spring Flowers Booklet
The “Spring Flowers” guide, which you can purchase at the Posberg entry gate, was developed as a fundraising project by the West Coast Region, SANParks Honorary Rangers (WCR SHRs) whilst also contributing to the enrichment of visitor’s experience in the West Coast National Park during the flower season.
This comprehensive guide is an excellent resource for identifying and learning more about the diverse range of wildflowers on display.
The West Coast Region Honorary Rangers has also launched a brand new “West Coast Birding Booklet”, and a fun filled “Adventure with Captain Gannet” bingo booklet for children. These items, as well a range of branded wear will be on sale to the public at Geelbek.
West Coast Flower Season 2024
For more details and updates, please visit the West Coast National Park’s official website, social media page or contact the park’s visitor services.
