The Steenbok Flower Trail
A few years ago, I was lucky enough to join a well-organised group of hikers who had booked permits for the Steenbok Trail in the West Coast National Park on the optimal date of 1 September — the official first day of spring in South Africa. I never forgot that hike: it was a day spent in a fairyland of flowers, with eland, springbok, zebra, and bontebok wandering through fields of pink, orange, yellow, and white blooms.
A carpet of wildflowers along the Steenbok Trail jeep track.
This year, I persuaded a few friends to plan far enough ahead to book permits for the trail. It took some convincing — Capetonians aren’t known for committing in advance — but we managed to secure spots, with only one precious permit going unused.
Panoramic views over the Postberg section in full bloom.
Bright orange blooms line the sandy trail.
Steenbok Flower Trail Hike Details
52CapeTownHikes rating: Definitely Won’t Die
Distance: 14 km (mostly flat)
Duration: Around 5–6 hours if you stop to photograph the flowers (and you will).
Trail directions: Follow the trail marker sticks — and tortoises.
Remember: You must book this trail well in advance, especially for weekends, as only 20 hikers are allowed per day. Click here for booking info (bookings open in June).
Parking: Just outside the Postberg section of West Coast National Park. Start by 9 am — it’s about a 40-minute drive from the WCNP gate, so aim to arrive by 8 am.
Rock formations rising among the spring flowers.
Highlights of This Hike
- Flowers
- Flowers
- Flowers
- Tortoises
- Flowers
- Eland
- Zebras
- Flowers
- Rocks
- Flowers
- Beach
- Flowers
See more of Alison’s hikes on her blog 52capetownhikes.wordpress.com.
Bookings & Info
The Steenbok Trail is open only during August and September and must be booked in advance (bookings open in June). For booking and tariff information, contact the Geelbek Information Centre at 022 707 9902/3.
Fields of orange daisies — the West Coast in full bloom.