Spring has tiptoed back into the Cape, and nature is putting on a show you don’t want to miss. From the splash of the Southern Right Whale’s tail to carpets of wildflowers stretching towards the horizon, discover the best Spring activities in Cape Town.
This is the time to grab your sunnies, pack a sense of adventure, and get ready to soak up the sun, sights, and scents of Spring. So, whether you enjoy the thrill of whale watching or visiting the wildflower shows in the quaint towns of Stanford and Darling, there’s a Spring activity in Cape Town for you.
The list below is in no particular order. Each entry is equally celebrated for their achievements, and the sequence of names is arbitrary, not indicating any ranking or preference.
Chelsea Flower Show in Stanford
Under the leadership of landscape designer Leon Kluge and artist and gardener Tristan Woudberg, South Africa won Gold at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025. Now, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve and Grootbos Foundation are bringing this winning display to Stanford. This is your chance to see the Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal design, right here in the Cape! That’s right! Leon Kluge will recreate his masterpiece as part of the Stanford in Bloom Festival this September.
Showcasing the glory of the Cape Floral Kingdom’s fynbos, this is the ultimate Spring activity near Cape Town. Come and immerse yourself in this fynbos floral experience!
The show will be running from the 10th to the 24th of September, 9 am to 5 pm. Entrance fees are R200 – under 12 years are free, and all profits go towards the Grootbos Foundation. So, this Spring, you have the chance to give back. Enjoy this Cape Town Spring activity and support the conservation of the Cape Floral Kingdom.
Date and opening hours: 10 to 24 September 2025, 9 am to 5 pm.
Address: 32 Queen Victoria Street, Stanford.
Website: https://grootbosfoundation.org/
Email: [email protected]
Whale Watching with Ivanhoe Sea Safaris
Hermanus is renowned for the most prolific whale watching in the world! You can enjoy it from the shore, but for something more exciting, take to the water. For a truly unforgettable experience, book a boat tour with Ivanhoe Sea Safaris. In fact, they offer the best whale watching experience in the area. Not only that, they’ve won TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence six years in a row! That means you’re in expert hands.
Just a 2-hour drive from Cape Town, Ivanhoe launches from Gansbaai Harbour. After that, a typical boat trip is 2 hours spent exploring the magnificent coastline, looking for whales – Southern Right whales, Brides whales, Humpback whales, and possibly even Great White sharks, dolphins, and seals. Moreover, take advantage of the fully qualified, proficient and registered whale guides accompanying you. They will ensure that your trip is both memorable and informative.
The rates for June to December are R1950 (adults), R1700 (pensioners), R975 (children under 12 years), and children under five years are free. Additionally, if you don’t wish to drive, a transfer from Cape Town to Gansbaai is available at R950 per person.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 7 am to 8 pm.
Address: Gansbaai Harbour, Gansbaai.
Website: https://www.whaleviewing.co.za
Contact Number: +27 (0) 28 384-0556
Cape Point Nature Reserve
Looking to get the most out of Cape Town nature in Spring? Then head to Cape Point Nature Reserve. With numerous beaches, plenty of amazing viewpoints, and unique flora and fauna, Cape Point offers plenty of Cape Town Spring activities. There’s also great swimming spots, picnic sites, walks at the Bordjiesrif and Buffel Bay tidal pools, and more than a thousand indigenous plant species to photograph.
For a little cardio, take the Shipwreck Trail to view some of the 26 recorded shipwrecks around the point. And between June and October, keep an eye out for whales on their annual migration.
To get the most out of your visit, download the free Cape Point Audio app ahead of your visit. Also, take note of the gate opening and closing times. Typically opening at sunrise and closing at sunset, any vehicles leaving after sunset will receive a fine. You can follow this link for gate entry prices.
Opening Hours: April to September Monday to Sunday 7 am to 5 pm / October to March 6 am to 6 pm.
Address: Cape Peninsula, Simon’s Town, Cape Town.
Website: http://capepoint.co.za/
Contact Number: +27 21 780 9010
City Sightseeing Bus Tours
Spring in Cape Town brings milder weather, bluer skies and blooming landscapes. It’s the perfect conditions for an open-topped bus tour! It’s not too hot nor too windy, and the fresh air makes the scenic ride even more enjoyable. With uninterrupted panoramic views of the city’s natural landscapes, this is a great way to view Spring in Cape Town.
The city comes alive in Spring with local markets, festivals, and outdoor concerts. With a 1-day hop-on-hop-off ticket, you can explore these attractions at your own pace. And what’s more, the bus tour removes your need to find a parking spot in popular areas.
With over twenty stops across two routes, this bus tour includes the red city tour, purple wine tour, mini peninsula tour, and a free walking tour. Make the most of the unobstructed photo opportunities as you cruise past Cape Town’s most iconic sights – Table Mountain, Bo-Kaap, Camps Bay, V&A Waterfront, Sea Point Promenade, and more.
Be sure to take advantage of the specials City Sightseeing Bus is currently offering. At R675 for the family package, the Classic Hop-on-hop-off ticket is an affordable and convenient option for family-friendly Cape Town Spring outings.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 8 am to 5:30 pm.
Address: Ticket Office outside the Aquarium, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town.
Website: https://citysightseeing.co.za/
Contact Number: +27 21 511 6000
2025 Darling Wildflower Show
Part of the Cape Floral Region, Darling is home to hundreds of species of flowering plants. And this September, they are hosting their annual wildflower show. So, for a scenic day trip and plenty of spring-inspired activities, head to the picturesque town of Darling.
This year, the Darling Wildflower Show is focusing on restoration, conservation, and education. Everywhere you turn, nature shows its best – thick with bees, full of blooms, and humming with possibility. Delight in tractor rides taking you into the heart of the wildflower reserve, and informative talks on conservation. An outdoor market will be offering indigenous plant sales, local wine tastings, a children’s play park, pony rides, and live music to bring it all together.
Tickets are available online and at the door. At R80 per adult, R60 for pensioners, R60 for students, and under 12s free, this is an invigorating and affordable Cape Town Spring activity for the whole family.
Dates and opening hours: 19 to 21 September, 9 am to 5 pm.
Address: Darling Sport Club, Jacaranda Street, Darling.
Website: https://www.darlingwildflowers.co.za/
Contact Number: +27 68 151 5692
Harold Porter Garden in Betty’s Bay
Set between towering mountains and the wild ocean of Betty’s Bay, Harold Porter is a plant lover’s haven. Situated in the centre of the coastal fynbos region, this garden encompasses mountain slopes, deep gorges dense with ancient forest, grassy heathlands, marshes, waterfalls, and amber pools.
Much of this garden’s diverse flora is flowering this time of year, making September the ideal time to visit. Carpenter bees are busy at work, collecting pollen from the flowering Proteas, Erica’s, and Geophytes. And the superbly coloured Orange Breasted Sunbirds can be spotted darting in and out of the blooming flowerbeds. Spend the day wandering through the garden, before settling down for some tea and delectable sweet treats at The Garden Restaurant.
In addition, the coastal drive between Cape Town and Betty’s Bay is Splendid! Situated on the Whale Route, make sure you stop at one of the viewpoints dotted along Clarence Drive for a little whale watching.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm, Saturday to Sunday 8 am to 5 pm.
Address: corner of Clarence Drive and Broadwith Rd, Betty’s Bay.
Website: https://www.sanbi.org/gardens/harold-porter/
Contact Number: +21 87 260 9757
Stanford in Bloom Market
Yet another one of Cape Town’s hidden gems, Stanford is a romantic little town just outside of Hermanus. As part of its Stanford in Bloom Festival, the town is hosting a tented market out on the historic Village Green. Come and browse the bountiful stores selling anything from skincare and clothing to ceramics, baked goods, honey, and jewellery, all inspired by the blooming flora of the Cape.
The market is open daily from the 10th to the 24th of September. Immerse yourself in the bustling fun of the market and explore the lively mix of stalls. Enjoy tasty treats from food vendors, and discover unique souvenirs from the Cape. This is a great family-friendly Spring outing. Get out of the city and into the countryside to experience this top Spring activity near Cape Town.
Date and opening hours: 10 to 24 September 2025, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Address: 17 Queen Victoria Street, Stanford.
Website: https://stanfordinbloom.co.za/
Contact Number: +27 28 341 8516
Lavender Picking at Canettevallei Lavender and Wine Farm
Emerging from the long and chilly winter, Spring beckons us outside. Nothing feels more restorative than strolling through rows of lavender, breathing in their gentle scent and enjoying the pleasant hum of bees. At Canettevallei Lavender and Wine Farm, you are welcome to enjoy it – and join in. Lavender picking near Stellenbosch is one of those quietly magical springtime experiences. Pick your own bunches of lavender for R60 each. It’s a lovely way to take home a piece of Spring.
Canettevallei’s lavender fields come alive from June until September/October. They paint the landscape in long stretches of purple. For photographers and Instagrammers alike, this is a sight worth capturing. And after gathering lavender, linger to explore the farm shop. Stocked with lavender-infused soaps, oil, shortbread, and preserves, there’s something for everyone. Tucked away, just 10 km outside of Stellenbosch, Canettevallei feels remote but easy to reach.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 10 am to 5 pm.
Address: Ingrid and Daniel de Waal, Stellenboschkloof Road, Vlottenburg.
Website: https://canettevalleilavender.co.za/
Contact Number: +27 72 730 9811
As Spring breathes life into the Cape, there’s no better time to explore its natural beauty, outdoor experiences, and unforgettable events. From wildflower shows and whale watching to scenic drives and lavender picking, Spring in Cape Town is bursting with things to do. Enjoy family-friendly outings, explore outdoor markets, take in the coastal views, and experience the Cape at its most vibrant. Don’t wait, hit the road now – Spring is calling!
