Inside Africa’s Nieuwoudtville, the Bulb Capital of the World

Situated some 400 km from South Africa’s capital city Cape Town, lies the quaint little town of Nieuwoudtville. The pretty hamlet was established in 1897 on a farm belonging to a Mr H Nieuwoudt. But did you know that Nieuwoudtville, a popular tourist destination in South Africa, is also known as the ‘Bulb Capital of the World’?

It is because of the hamlet’s unique placement in the Karoo, a semi-desert natural region of South Africa. The place looks magical especially during the wildflower season. The Karoo is also known as the Bokkeveld. After winters, the entire region turns into a wildflower garden! The beauty of the place can’t be described in a few words.
The field has over 1350 species of plants and more than 600 species grow in the proximity of the town. Among these, 40 species are endemic to the Bokkeveld while some only grow around Nieuwoudtville. These flower bulbs are known as geophytes (plants typically with underground storage organs, where the plants hold energy and water).

Besides flowers, there are several other attractions in the village. There are several pretty sandstone buildings built from rocks mined in the region. There’s also a pretty Dutch Reformed Church sandstone church. The Doorn River, Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve and Hantam National Botanical Garden are some of the other prominent attractions.

So, if you are planning a visit to South Africa, do it between August and September because it is the best time to experience the bulb capital in its glory!