About an hour out of Cape Town is the West Coast National Park, the Western Cape’s answer to tourists and locals looking for beautiful flora and an escape from the city… even if it’s just for the day.

While some come seeking those inimitable west coast landscapes, others pursue a chance meeting with an Eland in its natural habitat. No matter your reasons, you’re sure to find solace and soul renewal in the regions natural beauty.

The Cape Flower Route

While the West Coast National Park is well known for an abundance of birdlife, it’s probably best known for the spring flowers. Every year from August to October the West Coast National Park region comes alive in a beautiful display of flowers and many will take time out on the weekend to drive up and experience this botanical masterpiece.

As you leave Cape Town on the R27, the change in landscape becomes infinitely evident as the terrain takes on a distinctly ‘Namibian’ look and feel. With Table Mountain and the city in your rearview mirror, the West Coast Road winds gently up the side of South Africa, and as you pass Melkbosstrand (just half an hour from Cape Town) you already feel a million miles from anywhere.

Indigenous fynbos dots the undulating sand dunes left and right of the road, while the odd dent in the coastline opens itself to a small town with roadside vendors offering ‘Bokkoms’ – a Cape delicacy consisting of dried, salted fish… not for the faint hearted. After a short time you’ll start to see why the R27 has earned its moniker – ‘The Cape Flower Route’. With nearly 4000 species of flowering plants expect to see a smorgasbord of colourful flowers at their best including (but not limited to); Gazanias, Felicia, Watsonia, and Ixia.

Cape Flower Route Tip: Take note on your return (from the West Coast National Park to Cape Town) as the flowers turn towards the sun. From August to October (spring time) the sun shines from the north, so if you’re driving south (towards Cape Town) you’re bound to get an even better view of the sun facing flowers.

The R27 takes you further north and the west coasts reputation as an untamed wilderness is firmly cemented as sightings of withered shipwrecks become more regular.

Before long an unsuspecting tortoise crosses the road signaling your close proximity to the West Coast National Park. Sparing a thought for the crusty old bugger you swerve gently to the right and continue to the West Coast National Park gate.

Accommodation near West Coast National Park

The Shelley Point Hotel, Spa & Country Club provides a laidback if not luxurious weekend getaway accommodation close to the West Coast National Park as well as it being perfectly positioned along the Cape Flower Route.

Book Shelley Point Hotel accommodation for just R975

A fairly recent addition (opened its doors in 2009) to the West Coast accommodation assortment, the Shelley Point Hotel is a family friendly 4 Star destination. Just 90 minutes from Cape Town, it’s perfect for a self-drive breakaway from the city.

The Shelley Point Hotel, Spa & Country Club on the West Coast

Shelley Point Hotel Special

Take advantage of Travelstart’s Shelley Point Hotel special*. For just R975 per room per night, you and your family can be basking in the West Coast sun. Take time out to shoot the breeze on the hotel’s 9-hole Links course, or relax in the state-of-the-art spa while the kids make new friends in the resorts youth centre.

The Shelley Point Hotel package includes:

• Breakfast daily
• Room for 2 adults & 2 children sharing
• Access to tennis courts, golf, gym and swimming pools

All of this for just R975 per room per night! Book Shelley Point Hotel now.

*Offer valid until 10 January 2012

West Coast National Park images: Aaron Brodovcky