After some good winter rains, tour operators and towns on the West Coast and Namaqualand are gearing up for a busy season. This is in contrast to the past two years, when many wildflower festivals had to be cancelled because of the drought.
In 2017, Clanwilliam was forced to cancel its annual wildflower show because it lacked its usual number of blooms. Chairman of the Clanwilliam Wildflower Show Committee, Isle Saaiman, said this year was different.
The veld around Clanwilliam is awakening after a long, dry spell and a green sheen is covering the landscape. Although it is too early to know specifics about which flowers will be flowering, and where, experts in the area are feeling optimistic.
A statement from Namaqua Tours said: “The fields are becoming more and more cheerful every day. This year, flower season in Namaqualand is going to be extraordinary.”