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Following the selling out of our previous trips, we are delighted to offer another tour of a rich destination for flora: South Africa. Travel at the time of year when the breathtaking wildflowers of the Rainbow Nation are at their most colourful and meet one of the most popular figures in horticulture: Gardeners' World presenter Nick Bailey.
Nick has worked in the industry for more than 25 years and has created and managed gardens on four continents, including gardens in South Africa. He began his broadcasting career presenting Gardens Wild and Wonderful in South Africa from 1995 to 1996 so he is perfectly placed to guide you on this incredible trip.
You will experience the spectacular wildflowers on a visit to the West Coast National Park and join Nick on tours of the region's most beautiful gardens, among them Babylonstoren, one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms, and the famed Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Nick will also offer his expert insights into the country's vibrant plant life.
In addition to the presence of Nick, after visiting the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden, you will travel to Grootbos to meet master botanist Sean Privett, who has enormous passion for the conservation of the Cape's unique flora and upliftment of its people. Sean, who also assisted in establishing the South African flora display at the Eden Project will join you on a guided walk through the fynbos and, later that evening, take part in a private question and answer session about the area's flora. He will also share with you the highlights of his career, which include the discovery of several species that were previously unknown to humankind.
"I am so excited to be returning to South Africa - Earth's ultimate horticultural haven."
Nick Bailey
You will have ample time to explore the wonderful Cape Town and majestic Table Mountain and sample the other delights of the region, from the superb sauvignon blanc produced in the Cape Winelands to the stunning coastal regions and their wealth of sea life. This is the perfect opportunity to see why South Africa is consistently voted one of our readers' favourite places to visit.
Nick Bailey is a leading garden designer who has created and managed gardens on four continents. He splits his time between designing gardens, horticultural consultancy, public speaking, writing, and presenting on Gardeners' World. Nick will give a talk and host a Q&A session based on his experiences.
Sean is one of South Africa's leading botanists, and the head botanist at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve in the Cape Floral Region of South Africa.
Depart London on the direct overnight British Airways flight to Cape Town.
On arrival your group will be met and transferred towards Clanwilliam. After a stop for lunch, you will arrive at the Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat. In the evening you will attend a welcome dinner.
Today is yours to try one of the activities on offer at Bushmans Kloof, such as hiking, cycling, canoeing, a nature drive, archery lesson or a visit to see the ancient rock art.
You'll visit Vanrhynsdorp, as well as Nieuwoudtville, the bulb capital of the world, for a trip to a flower farm to witness the floral carpets. Enjoy a picnic lunch before a tour of the Hantam National Botanical Gardens, one of the world's very special biodiversity treasures.
Travel this morning to visit the fascinating Rooibos tea factory in Clanwilliam and then visit the Ramskop Wildflower Nature Reserve. Continue on your journey, stopping for lunch, before arriving at charming lagoonside town, Langebaan. Dinner will be enjoyed this evening in the hotel's Panorama Restaurant
Explore the West Coast National Park. One of the natural wonders of the world, wildflower season in the park is at its peak annually from August to September, and during these two months visitors will see a wide variety of flowers. Lunch will be served at the Geelbek Restaurant, a Cape Dutch building situated on the lagoon and listed as a National Monument.
Travel south to Cape Town and enjoy a trip up to the city's most iconic feature - Table Mountain, full of spectacular wildflowers at this time of year.
Today is a free day to explore Cape Town - perhaps take a helicopter trip over the city or visit historic Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years.
The group will be joined today by Nick Bailey. You'll visit Babylonstoren, before stopping at the Vrede en Lust Wine Estate. Sample some of the wines before lunch and enjoy a private guided walk around the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden. An evening Q&A session with Nick will be a perfect end to the day.
In the company of Nick you will visit the Ardene Gardens, home to the finest collection of exotic trees in South Africa, and take a tour of the famed Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. A walk around the beautifully manicured gardens of the Vineyard Hotel will be followed by afternoon tea.
Today you'll travel the scenic coastal route around False Bay to Betty's Bay, to enjoy a visit to the Stony Point Nature Reserve. You'll also visit Harold Porter National Botanical Garden, before meeting master botanist Sean Privett this afternoon. You'll join him on a walking route which includes a diverse range of habitats. A question and answer session this evening with Sean Privett will be followed by dinner.
Today you will take another foray into the area's glorious flora with a 4x4 flower safari in open-top Land Rovers. This afternoon you'll drive down to the coast to enjoy a marine walk along the magnificent pristine white beach in the Walker Bay Nature Reserve.
After breakfast there will be the option to join a whalewatching boat trip to Dyer Island, home to sea birds and seals. After lunch you will bid goodbye to your fellow travellers as you travel to Cape Town aiport to catch your direct overnight British Airways flight to London.
Luxurious Bushmans Kloof is an ecological oasis in the foothills with wildlife viewing possibilities.
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat is an ecological oasis at the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains, where abundant wildlife roams free. Only a few hours' drive from Cape Town, it offers a distinctive wilderness experience against a backdrop of wide open plains, rock formations and crystal-clear waterfalls. The multi award-winning Relais & Châteaux Lodge is famed for its splendid luxury, creative cuisine and trademark warm hospitality. Guests are accommodated in 16 plush guest rooms and suites, while private villa Koro Lodge offers total exclusivity. The reserve is home to over 150 kinds of birds, 755 plant species and over 35 species of mammals, and is custodian to over 130 ancient Bushman rock art sites in the reserve - some over 10 000 years old. At Bushmans Kloof guests can rejuvenate revive body and soul at the Spa, engage in exhilarating outdoor activities such as nature drives, mountain biking, canoeing and swimming in rock pools - or do absolutely nothing but inhale the beauty and tranquillity of nature.
An authentic coastal farmstead experience
Overlooking the tranquil Langebaan lagoon, the Farmhouse Hotel is within walking distance of two beaches, and it offers guests an authentic coastal farmstead experience. The well-appointed rooms are complemented by facilities which include a swimming pool, garden, gym, snooker room, lounge and in-house museum. The heartbeat of the hotel are the Panorama Restaurant, which specializes in traditional seafood cuisine, and the charming Legends Bar.
Classic hotel with Leading Hotel of the World status
Set on the historic Waterfront, the five-star Table Bay Hotel sets standards in international service, cuisine and luxury. The hotel is a contemporary architectural treasure, capturing the essence of the Cape in Victorian elegance and contemporary charm. Panoramic views either overlook the bay to Robben Island, prison home of South Africa's former president Nelson Mandela for the greatest part of his 27 years of political incarceration, or across the harbour to the majestic Table Mountain with its shifting table cloth and tumbling clouds. The restaurants and bar are complemented by an outdoor swimming pool, spa and a fitness centre, with the many attractions of the Waterfront right on the doorstep.
Luxury eco-reserve by the Southern tip of Africa tucked between forest, mountains and sea
"A melting pot of biodiversity, culture and natural wonder", Grootbos Private Nature Reserve comprises 2500 hectares of wild land, including three milkwood forests over a thousand years old. Luxury accommodation is designed in harmony with the natural setting, airy rooms are both homely and relaxing and wine and culinary experiences only add to the romance of this wild escape.
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