Spring on the West Coast is one of our favourite events of the year. Darling is an easy 1½hour drive from Kairos Lodge. We usually make an early start at around 6am and head out on the N1 and up the N7 before the traffic picks up.

It also means that we reach the flowers before they open as the early morning sun begins to warm up the landscape. There are some excellent cafes in Darling which offer a range of breakfast options – and importantly for Ian there is good coffee too!

Many farmers open their gates and it is absolutely fabulous to meander in and out of the many wild flower havens. A keen photographer, Ian is in his element as he looks for new species to photograph. Being nearby we try to visit at different times during the flower season which spans late August through September. We are always amazed by how different the flowers can be, depending upon when you go.

One of the nicest ways to spend a morning is to go armed with a thermos and simply sit peacefully amongst the flowers while you enjoy a hot drink and a tea cake. While the spectacle of the carpets of flowers always draws people’s attention, Ian loves to wander along the tracks and trails and seek out the different flowers. Many can be pretty small and are easily lost in a blaze of Namaqualand daisies. The bulbs can be particularly stunning if you are lucky enough to be there at the right time. One of our best visits was in early September – the flowers were quite exquisite!

Another memorable visit was made during late September to the Tienie Versveld Reserve on the R315 between Darling and Yzerfontein.