Wildflowers, Whales, and Wineries Western Cape South Africa

The Western Cape is beautiful at any time of year, and winter is no exception. It’s chilly, and we’ve had some rainy, windy days, but dramatic skies and coastal views continue to delight! Wind in the Western Cape is a force to be reckoned with – I haven’t experienced stronger winds anywhere in the world. The strong south-eastern wind – aka Cape Doctor – definitely gets your attention, emphasizing mother nature’s all-consuming ferocity.

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“The Cape Doctor, also known as the Southeaster, is the local name for the strong, often persistent and dry south-easterly wind on the South African coast. The Cape Doctor specifically refers to the wind that blows from spring to late summer (September to March in the southern hemisphere).” Cape Town Magazine

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So far, this is my 8th month of traveling during this trip, so I’m taking it easy and have been a bit lazy since arriving in South Africa. I’m making plans for exploring, and top on the list are seeing spring wildflowers that begin blooming in August, and whale watching, which begins in July and peaks during September and October.

Whale Watching

My last Walker Bay whale watching experience was in July 2019 , and it was a thrilling mega bonanza! We saw Humpbacks,  Bryde’s, and  Southern Rights up close! I booked a whale watching boat tour next month and will post about it afterwards. Weather on Walker Bay changes quickly and can become stormy in a matter of minutes. Some people who’ve been out on whale watching boats return to the harbor looking at a little “green around the gills .” Braving rough bay water is well worth it to see these magnificent creatures firsthand. The absolute thrill of witnessing them gracefully lift their massive bodies out of the ocean, can’t be captured in photographs!

Spring Wildflowers

I remember first visiting the Postberg Flower Reserve in September 2016 – just before the end of West Coast wildflower season. It’s a beautiful, unforgettable memory! South Africa’s spectacular Western Cape wildflowers are their most prolific at Postberg – about a 3.5 hour drive from Onrus. There are wildflower fields closer at Harold Porter National Park, Fernkloof Nature Reserve, Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden, and West Coast National Park . When the rain and wind subside, I’ll visit wildflower country to enjoy the colorful spring displays.

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“During South African spring – September and October – temperatures increase, rains ease off, and nearly two-thirds of the fynbos comes into flower.” The Fynbos Guy

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Wineries and Fresh Food

Fresh South African food is wonderful, and I’ve been enjoying delicious fruits, vegetables, and fish at a variety of quality markets and restaurants. During a previous trip, I discovered Quayside Cabin a quaint and down-to-earth seafood restaurant in New Harbor. It’s mostly frequented by locals, but I’ve always felt welcome and comfortable there. Service is great, and the food is phenomenal!

The Overberg is a “world class wine-country-tourism destination“. I’ll be making return visits to favorite wineries in the beautiful Hemel En Aarde Wine Valley.

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“Each South African wine farm offers a unique experience, and you might even meet the passionate winemakers who pour their heart and soul into making wonderful wines.” Overberg Wine

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More later…