Our Spring Walks

Every year as the cool and wet winter weather of the Cape eases into spring, the veld comes into spectacular bloom, with Rondebosch Common being no exception. A beautiful array of colourful blooms can be seen for those lucky enough to visit the Common at this time of year.

Each spring the Friends of Rondebosch Common (FRC) host a series of spring walks to showcase and raise awareness about the fascinating history and extraordinary ecology of the Common. Please see our Events page for the latest dates.

The spring walks are also a great way to learn more about the conservation and restoration project work undertaken by the FRC, together with our partners and stakeholders. Each walk is led by an enthusiastic volunteer with varied knowledge to share with the community.

These spring walks take place on Sunday mornings from the end of July until mid-November. The dates are published in our newsletter, this website and on our social media platforms (Facebook & Instagram). Ahead of each walk we also try to get an announcement published in the local neighbourhood newspapers.

As many of the flowers bloom with the sun’s warmth during the late morning, the walks start at 11h30. The duration of each walk varies between one and two hours depending on the walk leader and the enthusiasm of the group. Participants are naturally welcome to leave the group at any time.

The meeting point for all spring walks is on the grass lawn next to the main car park. If you’d like to meet our committee and the rest of the walk group, we recommend arriving a few minutes before the walk begins. At the start, a FRC committee member is present for anyone who wishes to buy our book or cards, or to join/renew their FRC membership.

Spring walks usually take place even if there is some rain or in cooler weather. We recommend you dress with Cape Town’s changeable weather in mind. During the walks earlier in the season there is likely to be standing water on the Common, so wellington boots or other waterproof shoes are a good idea.

The Friends of Rondebosch Common’s spring walks are a wonderful way to learn about this biodiversity gem at the heart of Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs. As the spring season progresses, different flowers come into bloom so no spring walk is ever the same.

In early spring (July and August), look out for the pink blooms of Oxalis and Romulea, growing alongside Lampranthus filicaulis which can be seen in the wetter areas on the Common. The yellow flowers of Lachenalia reflexa are easily recognisable. Also look out for the delicate flowers and foliage of Pelargonium triste, also coming into bloom in early spring.

As we move into September the spring flower displays carpets of spring daisies and rain daisies (Dimorphotheca pluvialis) can be seen along with true blue daisies (Felicia heterophylla) and South African marigolds (Ursinia spp.).

In November the Ixias are the crowning glory of the Common. Rondebosch Common is one of the only places in the world where extensive displays of the Endangered Ixia monodelpha with its pink and blue flowers can be seen. Another November highlight is the pale yellow flowers of Ixia paniculata. Its long-tubed flowers are pollinated by long-tongued flies.

In addition to our annual spring walk schedule, the Friends of Rondebosch Common also offer guided walks on the Common to visiting groups including schools.
Please contact the Friends via email so that we can assist you.