While winter brought with it much needed rains to restore the Cape to its former glory, everybody’s looking forward to the gentler spring season and the delights it holds for visitors to Cape Town. Book your cheap flights to Cape Town with SA Airlines and discover the joys of the pretty season in the Western Cape.
Flowers, Flowers Everywhere
It’s flower season all around town until the end of September, so hurry and book those cheap flights if you want to witness the spectacle. Some of the best places to see our indigenous fauna in full regalia are:
- Darling
Never was a town given a more appropriate name. This infinitely endearing hamlet is surrounded by a spectacularly diverse bounty of blooms during the spring season. Back in town, you’ll find no shortage of quaint shops, a one-of-a-kind theatre and plenty of opportunities to sample local fare. - Tankwa Karoo
It may be little out of the way, but the 4-hour trip to this natural treasure-trove is worth every minute. Here you’ll find rare, exotic plants in a wide array of spring colours across the spectrum. There are also plenty of secluded places to shake out your picnic blankets to lap up the beauty. Best to make a weekend of it. - West Coast National Park
The Postberg section of the West Coast National Park is only open for business during the spring flower season. Here you can walk among the fields of daisies and fynbos with the added chance of seeing ostriches, antelope and birds, or even a whale out at sea. - The Big Boys are Back in Town
Hermanus is well-known as the top land-based whale watching destination on Earth, but there are plenty of other places where you see the whales at play in the Western Cape from August to November. You can head out to sea on a guided whale and dolphin tour or take a scenic drive along the coastline under your own steam.
Where to See the Whales
The best whale watching spots in Cape Town during August – October, include the following:
- De Hoop Nature Reserve: This pristine conservation area has recorded record numbers of whale sightings already this season – 1116 to exact. You’ll also get a chance to see bontebok, Cape Mountain zebra, eland and hundreds of birds when you spend time in this unspoiled coastal environment.
- False Bay: You can see whales from the shores of False Bay at numerous vantage points. These include Boyes Drive, Chapman’s Peak, Fish Hoek, en route to Simon’s Town, Rooikrans, and Clarence Drive. Spend the day in Noordhoek, Hout Bay, Kommetjie, Kalk Bay, Simon’s Town, Muizenberg or at Cape Point and you could be rewarded by catching sight of a whale or two.
- Garden Route: A little down the drag, you’ll find a host of things to keep you busy during a trip to the Garden Route, including the chance to see a whale or two on your travels. Top spots include Wilderness, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Mossel Bay.
Outdoor Activities Are Back In
It’s (almost) Beach Time
While the icy waters of the Atlantic may be off the cards for a while yet, you can still lap up the sunshine from the shore. Gorgeous white sand beaches are perfect for catching some early-season rays. Seaside cafés are ideal for a quick bite or a spot of people-watching, cocktail in hand.
Wining Your Way Through the Countryside
Just outside the city limits, the Cape Winelands are coming back to life with a host of outdoor attractions for lovers of fine vintages. Picnics, tram tours, hot air balloon trips, horse-riding, fly-fishing, biking and walking are all back in fashion this season.
Hit the Road
The Cape Town Marathon is just one of the events planned for Spring in Cape Town. You can look forward to film fairs, plays, wine weekends, music festivals and more in the Mother City from September to November.
If you prefer a lower-key approach to exploring the city, why not head off on a guided tour of the sites or hop on the bus to take in museums, galleries, shopping and more. Day trips from Cape Town are a joy in the mild temperatures of spring.
However you choose to celebrate the season of renewal in the Western Cape, now’s the time to book your cheap flights to Cape Town. See our comparison of the best rates right here and start planning.