The canola fields in the Western Cape flower from August to September, when the farmland turns into a patchwork of bright yellow. Some of the best are along the N2 between Bot River/Hermanus and Mossel Bay, past towns like Caledon, Riviersonderend, Swellendam and Riversdale. Tulbagh is another good area: take the N7 or R44 and watch the roadsides on the way to Tulbagh and Citrusdal. Canola grows on private farms, though, so ask the farmer before you walk into a field for photos.
Canola produces small yellow flowers, making a vibrant magical scene. The Canola fields in the Western Cape offers a picturesque landscape during the months of August to September as the farmlands become a patchwork of bright yellow flowers. Many people visit the rolling Canola fields to witness the blooming Canola flowers and to take Instagram-worthy pictures.
- When
- August to September
- Where
- Along the N2 between Bot River/Hermanus and Mossel Bay, and on the road to Tulbagh and Citrusdal (N7 or R44)
- Good to know
- The canola is grown on private farms. Check with the farmer before walking through the fields.
Where to find the best canola fields in and around Cape Town
Along The N2 Highway
Some of the best Canola fields can be found all along the N2 Highway between Bot River/Hermanus and Mossel Bay near the Garden Route. This includes towns along the N2 like Riviersonderend, Caledon, Onrus, Botriver, Swellendam and Riversdale.
As you drive along the N2 you will see these picturesque fields on the side of the road and you will be able to choose the best ones that capture your fancy. Please be aware that the Canola is grown on private farms and that you may be trespassing while wandering through the fields looking for those great photos.
Rather check with the farmer before rampaging through their fields and damaging their crops.
Tulbagh
Another fantastic area to see these beautiful Canola fields is an area just outside of Cape Town called Tulbagh. The road to Tulbagh and Citrusdal is often framed by beautiful yellow in South Africa’s spring months. So head down the N7 or R44 and keep your eyes out for that instagram worthy field.
Namaqualand Wild Flowers
Another fantastic experience can be found along the West Coast of South Africa and the world famous Namaqualand & Cape Wild Flowers. Read more here.
What is canola?
Canola is a variant of the ancient crop rapeseed and a member of the Brassica family which includes broccoli, cabbage, mustard, cauliflower, turnip, and radish. It is one of the most important agricultural crops today. The crop is grown for the seeds found in its pod. The Canola oil extracted from the seeds is used in making margarine, cooking oils, salad oils, and edible oil blends. The oil is low in saturated fat and contains both Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids. After the oil extraction, the by-product of Canola is used by livestock growers as a protein-rich meal to feed cows, horses, sheep, pigs, and chickens.
These yellow flowers do not only attract people from Cape Town, but also attract bees and birds. In fact, the Canola fields in the Western Cape serve as a major breeding ground for South Africa’s national bird, the blue crane.
For another drive, we have a separate guide to the canola fields in the Overberg. Spring is wildflower time too: our flower season guide covers where to see them, and we also list the Cape Town flower shows. If you’re driving out to Tulbagh, one of the Tulbagh waterfall hikes makes a good day of it. More ideas are in the spring section.
Frequently Asked Questions
From August to September. That’s when the farmlands turn into a patchwork of bright yellow flowers.
Some of the most photographic Canola fields in and around Cape Town are along the N2 highway between Onrus and Mossel Bay. This includes towns like Swellendam, Riversdale, Riviersonderend, Onrus, Botriver and Stilbaai.
Another fantastic area is along the R44 towards Tulbagh.
Canola is grown on private farms, so wandering through a field for photos may be trespassing. Check with the farmer first, and don’t damage the crops.
For the seeds in its pods. The oil pressed from them goes into margarine, cooking oils, salad oils and edible oil blends, and what’s left after extraction becomes a protein-rich meal for cows, horses, sheep, pigs and chickens.
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