Flower-Spotting Stays

Enjoy the greatest show on earth

1 Northern Cape

Hendrikshof at Van Zijl Guesthouses

Nieuwoudtville

Surrounded by carpets of orange and purple flowers, this three-bedroom, self-catering old farmhouse is on the outskirts of Nieuwoudtville (380km north of Cape Town), and is the perfect place to stay when you want to see the famous spring blooms. Owner and bulb fundi Hendrik van Zijl restored it in 1994, but kept charming elements like the old-fashioned kitchen, and we sat outside leaning against the old water tank, enjoying the beautiful countryside. Peacocks strut among the colourful flowers and it’s only a short stroll into town. And don’t forget that this is star central.

Clear skies and the darkest dark make for great stargazing. But for me, the best is that there is so much to do right on your doorstep. Nieuwoudtville is unique in that it’s situated on the Bokkeveld Plateau, with four completely different biomes surrounding it. You think the area is flat Karoo, but then you come across winding roads through passes that lead down to a quiver-tree forest and incredible gorges filled with waterfalls. And everywhere you go there are wildflowers, the most famous being the bulbs that produce geophytes. Be prepared to wish you had stayed longer. – Sue Adams

027 218 1535, [e-mail], nieuwoudtville.co.za/ accommodation/hendrikshof

2 Western Cape

Kasteelberg Country Inn & Bistro

Riebeek Kasteel