Spring in the Western Cape province of South Africa is always a fun affair. Not only does the ground become a riot of colour, as fynbos blooms and wild flowers spring from the earth, rejoicing at the winter passed but the weather turns mild and becomes more favourful.
This makes it the perfect time to shake off those lingering winter blues and reacquaint yourself with the warm sunshine, fresh air and outdoor adventure.
Shake off Those Winter Blues with These Spring Activities
Spring – and September especially – has always been my favourite time of year. With pink and white fruit tree blossoms dressing the orchards; wild flowers and ice plants offering a natural flower show; and beautiful weather that is neither too hot, nor too cold – there is something healing about springtime in the Cape.
So, in this post, I look at some fun things to do for spring in the Western Cape.
1) Explore the Cape Winelands: Picnics, Outdoor Fun and Great Accommodation
Spring is the perfect time to explore our beautiful, world-famous Cape Winelands region.
Not only does the weather become gentler – but springtime usually also signals the start of picnic season in the winelands.
If you need some inspiration, find some of my favourite picnic- and lunch-recommendations here.
If picnicking isn’t your thing, why not enjoy a fun, yet sophisticated winetasting or unique wine pairing instead?
Many wine farms also offer romantic and/or family-friendly accommodation; exciting outdoor experiences (everything from hikes to MTB trails, horse rides and segway tours); and incredible restaurants.
This makes so many of our local wine farms ideal for the whole family to enjoy together.
2) Go Camping and Hiking in the Cederberg Wilderness Area
If the mountains are calling, there is no better place to escape to than the untamed, otherworldly Cederberg Wilderness Area.
A weekend away in this special, vast part of South Africa cemented it as one of my favourite corners of our globe.
It is hard to put into words how amazing and freeing the Cederberg really is!
Famed for its incredible rock formations, historic rock art, endless outdoor activities, camping opportunities and incredible mountain ranges, the Cederberg Wilderness Area is breathtakingly beautiful.
Best of all, everyone from couples to groups of friends and more adventurous families can enjoy this special region together.
If you would like some Cederberg travel ideas, check out my post on my 7 best things to do in the Cederberg.
3) Head to the West Coast National Park for Flower Spotting and Beach Days
Another of my favourite places in the Western Cape is the gorgeous West Coast National Park (WCNP).
For a reasonable fee, visitors can enjoy a slew of incredible outdoor experiences; see amazing, rich Cape flora and fauna; and even enjoy soothing overnight stays in the cottage- or houseboat-accommodation offered here.
Whether you want to braai or picnic; hike or MTB; enjoy a lazy day near the beach at Kraalbaai or simply savour a relaxing West Coast day trip, this beautiful national park is the place to go.
Best of all, for August to September only each year, visitors can also experience the park’s lovely Postberg Nature Reserve.
This unique section is famous for one of the best wild flower spotting experiences near Cape Town. It is also home to a rich concentration of mammals, sweeping Atlantic Ocean views and more!
For the latest West Coast National visitor fees, please see here.
4) Visit Boulders to See the Penguins and Enjoy Swimming in Warmer Waters
Situated within the beautiful, vast Table Mountain National Park (TMNP), Boulders is a world-famous, much loved destination.
Home to the adorable African penguins, three beautiful beaches, boardwalks and one popular penguin viewing area, Boulders is one of the Cape’s best family-friendly attractions.
It is at once educational, fun and endlessly beautiful. During spring or summer, it is the perfect place to go for a relaxed outing or safe beach day in delightful Simon’s Town.
Best of all, Boulders offers warmer waters for swimming, thanks to its location on the Indian Ocean side of the Cape Peninsula. (We visited in early October and had a wonderful day’s swimming.)
Just keep in mind that this is a protected area so daily conservation fees apply. You can find the latest fees here.
Also, parking is limited during peak spring and summer days – so arrive early to avoid disappointment.
5) Experience Beautiful Gardens on Selected Open Garden Days
Springtime also means that many local public- and private-Cape gardens open to visitors for popular annual open gardens events.
Open gardens can be enjoyed everywhere from Elgin to Franschhoek and beyond on selected days.
These open garden events usually fall between late-October to early November. However, it is a good idea to plan in advance and note the latest season’s dates on your calendar.
Two of my personal favourite open garden events are Stellenberg Open Gardens in the Southern Suburbs – and Avondale Open Garden in the Northern Suburbs.
However, I am eager to explore more local open gardens in time as there are so many wonderful, varied gardens in the Western Cape!
More Year-round Garden Inspiration
If you are looking for some extra gardens to enjoy year-round, regardless of the season, have a look at my glorious gardens post.
You can also read my detailed, photo-heavy reviews on two Stellenbosch garden gems in Old Nectar’s estate gardens and the enthralling Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden respectively.
6) Pick Your Own Flowers in Stellenbosch
2026 Update: Jamestown Flower Farm has unfortunately closed. The team will be moving their flower operations to Tulbagh.
One of my best finds in 2021 was discovering the still-new Jamestown Flower Farm near Stellenbosch.
This small, yet beautiful Stellenbosch farm sells fresh, ready-made flower bunches and seeds. During the spring and summer months, they also allow visitors to come pick their own flowers.
The flower picking experience is one of my best to date. It is perfect for couples, friends, families or solo adventurers to enjoy. It is safe, affordable and wholesome.
2022 Update: You can still pick your own flowers and picnic on the farm. There is no need to book, however, this activity is now only available on weekdays. Pricing is at R6 per stem. For more information, contact Jamestown Flower Farm directly.
Another Fun Flower Experience
Looking for another fun flower experience? Then why not enjoy Adene’s Flower Farm open days?
Again, Adene’s open days are only available over weekends from mid-December to the first week in April but it is another incredible day trip for all ages to enjoy.
You cannot pick your own flowers at Adene’s farm in scenic Wolseley but you can purchase flowers, and other floral products, from the farm on open days.
They also have a lovely, on-site coffeeshop that sells delicious sweet treats and refreshing beverages.
For open day dates and pricing details for the next flower season, please follow Adene’s Farm Flower on social media or contact them directly.
7) Plan Thrilling Day Trips to See Western Cape Small Towns and Roadside Attractions
Last but by no means least, if you want to enjoy amazing road trips to nearby Cape towns or see quirky, interesting roadside attractions around the Western Cape, then you are in luck. Because I have made it my mission to share these hidden gems with my readers as well! 🙂
Check out my best Western Cape towns and villages or unexpected roadside attractions posts for some travel inspiration and let adventure find you!
Best of all, aside from petrol and any food pitstops you make, these outings are inexpensive and fun. 🙂
8) Pick Your Own Lavender
You don’t need to head to France to find fields of purple lavender. The Western Cape has a few genuine lavender farms and one of the more famous is Canettevallei, a boutique wine- and lavender-farm near Stellenbosch.
Inspired after a trip to Provence, the owners came home in 2005 and decided to grow their own lavender.
This soon turned into a business venture and they now produce organic products. (Including lavender-infused bakes, soaps, candles and yes, lavender bundles, gifts and more, all of which are sold in their rustic little farm shop.)
Their main products are lavender essential oils and lavender rice (the dried flowers from the lavender blooms).
Winter or Spring Activity: Seasonal Lavender Picking
From June to September, for R50 per person (as at the time of writing), you can pre-book and enjoy picking your own lavender bunch.
You need to stop by the lavender farm shop, where you will receive basic instructions on the picking experience.
The staff advice on where to pick and how to cut the stems (so that you don’t damage growth for next season) and equip you with your trusty black band (which you add your stems into until it’s full) and scissors.
Mind the Busy Bees…
After you are done filling your band up with lavender stems, you can tie the bunch together with a rubber band and take your lavender home.
When you are done picking, please just remember to return your scissor and black band to the farm shop.
Also, if you are afraid of or allergic to bees, this is not a recommended experience, as the blooming lavender bushes naturally attract a few busy bees.
Fun in the Lavender Fields
The lavender picking experience is lots of fun and feels like the perfect outdoorsy activity for couples, solo travellers and families with kids.
As a couple, we both thoroughly enjoyed it. (Best of all, Jordan Wines and DeMorgenzon are just down the road, if you want a bite to eat or more wine to sample.)
Canettevallei is also really beautiful, with benches in the lavender fields and overlooking the peaceful dam.
The farm also serves as a special, paid-for photo shoot location; please contact them directly for more information on this or for booking enquiries.
After your picking experience, be sure to pop into the adorable farm shop or head for a wine tasting.
The estate offers both Pella and Mount Sutherland wine ranges.
For more information on the lavender picking, photo shoots, the farm shop or wines available at Canettevallei, please check out their website or follow them on social media.
Fun Things to do in Spring Around the Western Cape
These are just some of the fun activities you can enjoy during spring in the Western Cape. So start planning your next spring adventure today! 🙂
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