When most people speak of the world famous flowers that bloom annually along our west coast, the word Namaqualand is usually not far away. But there is a place a little closer to Cape town that can offer you more than just a taste of what can be seen further north. Indeed, Clanwilliam is pretty much where the going starts getting scenic in flower season, and so makes a good overnight for anyone traveling up the coast.

Ramskop Nature Reserve is a good place to start, boasting 250 different types of indigenous flora. Here, you are greeted by the amazing sight of hill upon dale of rolling countryside, all carpeted in a multitude of different flowers of amazing variation. Seriously, you think your Aunt (or whoever the family horticulturist is) has an impressive array in her front garden? Well, be prepared to adjust your sense of proportion…

Some of them are so small, they are stretching the boundaries of the term flower, whist others stand knee height, with indescribable combinations of color on each petal. You will see colors you never knew existed, on flowers whose shapes seem so similar, yet upon closer inspection there are minute differences. Arranged in the most random perfection, this is one of those stop-and-appreciate, maybe even lay amongst-types of moments. It will lower your heart rate, it’s that tranquil.

And for those whose tastes run to more aquatic pursuits, there is the Clanwilliam dam, home to 3 types of fish found nowhere else, as well as many others to offer the sport angler hours of entertainment. Boating activities are also permitted on the dam, allowing a whole family to be dragged flapping along on tubes tied behind a powerboat, like my mates and I were. It’s more fun than it may sound, although being nice to the boat driver is usually something worth keeping in mind…

So next time the topic of the west coast flowers comes up, include Clanwilliam into the discussion. It’s worth seeing at least once in your lifetime…