Famous for its magnificent annual floral display, the Namaqualand is always full of surprises. Beneath the dry sand and stone, approximately 4000 species of plant lie dormant. Each year, depending on the unique weather conditions, a selection of these seeds are germinated, producing a distinctive array of flowers. On the whole, rain means flowers. And this year we have had plenty of rain.

It’s not an exact science, but the spring season usually begins in August and lasts through September. The season usually gets underway along the West Coast, closer to Cape Town before moving further north to Namaqualand.

While the Namaqualand is undisputedly the wildflower destination in South Africa, you can still experience the glory and splendour of the country’s floral heritage without leaving the Western Cape.

Drive out of Cape Town along the R27 and you’ll come across the quaint town of Darling. The town, which has become more popular since it became the home of Evita Bezuidenhout (otherwise known as Pieter-Dirk Uys), holds an annual wildflower and orchid show in the third week in September. For more information call the Darling Tourism office on 022 492 2237.

To see the flowers in their natural splendour, visit the Tienie Versfeld Reserve, a small, but densely flowered reserve that’s certainly worth checking out. The Renosterveld wildflower reserve was originally part of the farm ‘Slangkop’ until 1958 when the owner of the farm, Mr Marthinus Versfeld (known as Oom Tienie), donated the 20 hectare piece of his farm to the National Botanical Institute due to its conservation importance.

Head further along the R27 and you’ll reach the West Coast National Park (022 772 2144). During the months of August and September the public is allowed into the Potsberg area of the reserve, which is closed throughout the rest of the year, to experience the annual explosion of colour.

With the Langebaan lagoon (one of South Africa’s pristine wetland areas) to the east, the Atlantic to the west and fields upon fields of wildflowers in between, you couldn’t ask for a more spectacular day out. Try to arrive early though, as the reserve is likely to be busy.

Once you’ve had your fill of flowers, do a bit of game spotting in the reserve (there are eland, bontebok and zebra amongst others) before heading to Plankiesbaai for a picnic on the beach. You may even spot a Southern Right whale or two lounging just behind the breakers.

Further north (about 230 kilometres from Cape Town), situated at the foot of the Cederberg mountain range, is Clanwilliam. While you are there, visit the Living Landscape Project (027 482 1911) to organise a tour of the rock art in the area.

About another 130 kilometres north, you’ll come across the small town of Nieuwoudtville, renowned for its extraordinary diversity of bulbs — a collection regarded as being one of the biggest in the world. For the complete flower experience, visit the Nieuwoudtville Flower Reserve and drive out along the Matjiesfontein and Loeriesfontein roads. For more information call the tourism office on 027 218 1336.

While a trip to Namaqualand would be nice, there is no reason why you can’t experience the wonder of the flower season in your back yard. Hop in your car and take what might be one of the most magnificent drives of your life.