IN BLOΟΜ

Following the flowers along the West Coast's Postberg Trail

- MICKY BAKER

It's no secret September is a magical time in the Western Cape. Here, spring is a season of new beginnings, marked by the emergence of spectacular wildflowers from the Overberg to the Cederberg.

Unlike more northern regions, the Cape has a wet winter that keeps its indigenous vegetation lush. Then, when the sun hits the leaves just right, the plants burst into colourful displays, hoping to create a new generation of incredible floral biodiversity.

Nowhere is this more evident than along the West Coast. Each year, Darling and Clanwilliam host wildflower shows that attract tourists from all over the world. The surrounding landscapes become filled with an incredible diversity of flowers, ranging from Namaqua daisies to the humble, edible sour fig.

But there's a catch - flower season typically lasts just eight weeks. To make the most of it, you'll need to lace up your walking boots and venture into the wilderness of the West Coast National Park.

Langebaan's best-kept secret

Just 88 km from Cape Town, the West Coast National Park is one of our country's most criminally underrated natural attractions. It was established in 1985 to protect the Langebaan Lagoon and several islands off the coast of Saldanha Bay and spans 36 259.8 hectares.

In summer, the park attracts up to 55 000 water birds, mostly concentrated on the islands. In fact, around 30% of the world's entire population of endangered African black oystercatchers breed right here.

Meanwhile, the lagoon - which, uniquely, isn't fed by a river - makes up 32% of our country's entire saltmarsh habitat. This landscape is recognised as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, serving as a vital nursery for birds and various species of fish, molluscs and crustaceans.