Eco & Nature Experience the most extraordinarily coastline halfway between Cape Town and the Cederburg. On the map it is the extreme westerly protruding feature along the coastline - 90 minutes north of Cape Town International Airport.

Two small mountain heads stand guard over the shipping moving between the bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The rugged coastline blessed with nine small peninsular-like etchings, extends north along amazing coves such as Tabak Bay, Jacobs Bay, Trekoskraal, Tieties Bay, Paternoster, Britannia Bay, Stompneusbaai and St Helena Bay.

From Postberg to the south stretches a 17km long peninsula that protects the tranquil jade-colored saltwater lagoon from the fury of the Atlantic Ocean and the cold waters of the Benguela current. The southern section of this lagoon is surrounded by the West Coast National Park, which borders a magnificent 16-mile beach, stretching all the way to Yzerfontein. The Lagoon was shaped by the rise and fall of sea levels during prehistoric times (this is quite unlike typical lagoons, which form where fresh water enters the sea). The basis of the Lagoon ecosystem originates from the depths of the ocean with the ocean currents, wind and sun, all working together. The cold Benguela current that flows up the West Coast brings nutrient rich water from the Antarctic. A combination of the ocean current and prevailing south easterly winds, results in a phenomenon know as “up-welling”. This up-welling forces nutrients (consist of decomposed matter from the seabed) to be brought up to the surface along the shoreline. The daily change in the tides brings this nutrient rich water into the Lagoon.

The West Coast is well known for the annual display of wild flowers that seem to burst into sight almost out of nowhere. Most people associate the “flower season” with the months of August and September and while these months are a good time to view the flowers, many times the best flowers are already in bloom by the end of July and depending on the weather conditions, flowers can even be seen during early October. The Cape West Coast Peninsula Rainbow Flower Celebration therefore takes place from July right through to September and covers town of Langebaan, Hopefield, Saldanha, Vredenburg, St Helena Bay, Paternoster, Jacobs Bay and Britannia Bay. All our lovely West Coast Villages are not more than 2 hours drive from Cape Town – there is definitely no need to drive for hours before you see the wild flowers!

The Hopefield Fynbos show in August is an event not to be missed. No less than 200 species from the renosterveld, sandveld, rietveld and wetland areas of the Hopefield district are displayed. The appearance (and disappearance) of the wild flowers is dependent on many factors, but mostly on the amount and frequency of the rains and then the start of the warm berg winds. Flowers start to bloom from the north and then spread to the south as the weather becomes warmer. The flowers are at their best during the hottest time of the day (from 11am to 3pm). It is no use to set off early in the morning as most flowers will only open at temperatures of 17 degrees or higher and with the sun shining. If it is a cold, overcast or rainy day, they will not open at all. Once open, the flowers follow the sun as it rises and sets each day, so for the best display and photo opportunities, make sure the sun is behind you!

The West Coast national Park, situated on the banks of the Langebaan Lagoon is a very popular flower viewing destination. The official Park flower season is from 1 August until 30 September when the protected area of Postberg within the park is open to the public. The gates also remain open longer during these dates.

The beauty of the Cape West Coast Peninsula during flower season is like nothing you have experienced before. Come and celebrate with us!

The Cape West Coast Peninsula lies between two internationally recognized Important Bird Areas (IBAs) - The West Coast National Park and The Lower Berg River Wetlands. Birders will delight in the many special birds to spot from habitats including mountain, coastal, river and estuarine and of course a host of waders. Birding Information Brochures and Birding checklists are available to enhance the visitors birding experience.