Spring Flowers of Namaqualand 7951

Spring Flowers of Namaqualand 7951

11 Views
15 Days From

$6435

Spring Flowers of Namaqualand 7951

15 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom

Visiting: London, Cape Town, Cape Peninsula, West Coast National Park, Vanrhynsdorp, Nieuwoudtville, Namaqua National Park, Clanwilliam, Worcester, Stellenbosch, Hermanus

Tour operator:

Brightwater Holidays

Tour code:

BNAM

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Active

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $6435

NB: Prices correct on 24-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Namaqualand, in South Africa’s Northern Cape, is a place of rare and exquisite beauty, an unspoilt expanse of open spaces broken by ancient outcrops of granite - and a plant lover’s delight. With an intensity dependant on the winter rains, come spring the barren ground bursts into a carpet of flowers, a vast tapestry of stunningly interwoven colour. In addition to this spectacular display our tour includes coastal and mountain fynbos, succulent plants, bulbs and orchids, proteas and heaths, a game drive, a chance to go whale watching and of course a vineyard! 


We begin in Cape Town with visits to familiar destinations such as Kirstenbosch and Table Mountain, but as we head north we move into less well-known territory, through the homelands of the San people with their distinctive clicking language and on into Namaqualand. A series of visits will bring us into close contact with swathes of colourful flowers for a truly memorable experience. 

Highlights

  • Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, one of the finest in the world

  • Tea tasting with the San people

  • Botanising in the Namaqua National Park

  • Discover the Quiver Tree forest at the Vanrhyns Pass

  • Optional Whale Watching Excursion

Places You'll See

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1

Location: London

Enjoy access to the airport Executive lounge before we depart from London to Cape Town on our overnight flight.

Day 2

Ilse Wiespointner
Abd Abo naser

Location: Cape Town

Accommodation Name: The Commodore Hotel

Meals Included: Lunch

Upon arrival in Cape Town, we will transfer to the hotel to check in and drop off our luggage. We will then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before departing for Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Established in 1913, today it is one of the finest botanic gardens in the world and provides the perfect introduction to South Africa’s flora. We return to the hotel in the late afternoon and this evening is at leisure.

Day 3

Ilse Wiespointner
Abd Abo naser

Location: Cape Town

Accommodation Name: The Commodore Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast we will ascend to the top of Table Mountain by cable car and discover some of the many floral species to be found here – some grow here and nowhere else. Later, we then have a city orientation tour including a walk in the Company’s Garden. An oasis in the centre of the city, it was first established as a refreshment station for the trade routes that navigated around South Africa. Here the star attractions include a species of ginkgo tree with no living relatives, a towering rubber tree and an ancient saffron pear which is propped up by steel beams. We have some time to wander the fountains, ponds and tree lined walkways of this peaceful sanctuary in the heart of the city.This afternoon is at leisure. Alternatively, you may choose to join the optional excursion to Robben Island – the island prison which housed Nelson Mandela during his 18-year incarceration. Hosted by a local guide, the tour includes historical sites around the island including the high wall built by prisoners during the 1960s, the island’s graveyard, the Lime Quarry, Robert Sobukwe’s House, the Bluestone Quary and the military bunkers. The tour culminates with a viewing of Nelson Mandela’s holding cell.

Day 4

Location: Cape Peninsula

Accommodation Name: The Commodore Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today after breakfast we depart for a long but rewarding day as we explore the Cape Peninsula. We head along Chapman’s Peak Drive as it winds its way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay on the Atlantic Coast on the south-western tip of South Africa. We visit the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, which encompasses the entire southern tip of the cape, below Simon’s Town. We will see how soil types and moisture influences the range of plants which grow here in the coastal fynbos. We enjoy an oceanside lunch before visiting the remarkable Boulder’s Beach where we find a colony of African Penguins which were once critically endangered but today, thanks to local conservation efforts, the beach is home to a thriving colony of over 3,000 birds.

Day 5

Location: West Coast National Park

Accommodation Name: Saldanah Bay Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning after breakfast we depart Cape Town for a visit to !Khwa Ttu San Cultural Centre and Nature Reserve. Here we enjoy a Tea tasting at the veld pharmacy – San and other indigenous people have always understood the plants around them were so much more than simply pretty flowers or a tasty snack.12,000 years ago we were all hunter-gatherers and this is an opportunity to rediscover some powerful lost knowledge – what to use to win a wife, or heal a wound, or keep you alive on the long journey ahead. Try the memorable, health-giving tea and hear a story in the !Kung language, with its distinctive click consonants. Later we have the chance to embark on an Open Vehicle Game drive in the reserve where Eland, Zebra, Springbok, Black Wildebeest, Ostrich are just some of the magnificent animals we might encounter on this special 90-minute game drive in the veld, as we learn a little more about the characteristics of the unique flora and fauna found here.This afternoon we visit the West Coast National Park and the Postberg Nature Reserve within the park, which is famous for its carpets of spring flowers such as the rain daisy.

Day 6

Location: Vanrhynsdorp

Accommodation Name: Letatsi Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we depart on another long but rewarding day as we drive up the West Coast and see the beautiful, bright yellow canola fields. We continue through Veldrif and visit Bokkomlaan, to learn about the local dried fish called Bokkom. We then continue to Elandsbaai to enjoy lunch by the sea and, weather permitting, enjoy a lovely walk on the beach.We travel through the towns of Leipoltdville and Graafwater to reach Clanwilliam, with the impressive Cederberg mountains as a backdrop, and the only place in the world where Rooibos tea grows naturally. We visit the House of Rooibos to learn how the plant is grown, harvested and made into tea, followed naturally by a tasting of the final product. There is also a wonderful variety of merchandise on sale, from teas to skin care products.We continue further north and enter the unique region of Namaqualand, with the breathtaking Matzikama mountain range welcoming us to Vanrhynsdorp. We visit a nursery where we see the most incredible succulent plants and learn how they adapt to survive their harsh living conditions.

Day 7

Location: Nieuwoudtville

Accommodation Name: Letatsi Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today after breakfast at leisure, we depart and drive up the breathtaking Vanrhyns pass and visit the quiver tree forest – it is truly a sight to behold! These are not actually trees but aloe plants, and as we take a walk through the forest we will learn all about them and discover many other incredible plant species growing all around us.We visit the beautiful sandstone church in Nieuwoudville for tea and pancakes, before continuing to Matjiesfontein farm to enjoy the fields of flowers that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Day 8

Location: Namaqua National Park

Accommodation Name: Letatsi Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we head further north and stop for refreshments along the way in the town of Garries. We continue through the town of Kammieskroon and visit the Skilpad area of the Namaqua National Park which is close to Springbok. We spend the day here, walking along the flower paths and discovering the native flora and fauna.

Day 9

Location: Clanwilliam

Accommodation Name: Clanwilliam Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast today we depart along the N7 to Clanwilliam, driving through the Pakhuis pass and marvelling at the amazing rock formations. We stop for refreshments at Traveller’s Rest, a beautiful hidden gem situated next to the Brandewyn river, where we can marvel at the majestic Biedouw valley and walk among the spring flowers.  We later visit the Ramskop Wild Flower Garden home to more than 350 species of cultivated wild flowers. The walks through the garden also offer stunning views over the Clanwilliam Dam and the Cederberg Mountains.

Day 10

Location: Worcester

Accommodation Name: De Zalze Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we drive to Worcester and visit the Karoo National Botanical Gardens. Set in magnificent surroundings in the foothills of the Hex River Mountains, the gardens are home to over 400 naturally occurring plant species that include Namaqualand flora, one of the largest collections of indigenous succulents in South Africa.  We later depart for Franschhoek.

Day 11

Location: Stellenbosch

Accommodation Name: De Zalze Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we visit Stellenbosch Botanical Garden, the oldest university garden in South Africa, featuring an enormous variety of plants from across the globe.  These include aquatic plants from the Amazon, tropical orchids, insectivorous plants from Borneo, Puya plants from Chile, Mexican cacti, members of the Proteaceae family as well as Welwitschia from the Namib desert; mesembs (stone plants), euphorbias and stapeliads from the Karoo and Namaqualand, economic plants, herbs and many others.  Because of spatial restrictions the garden concentrates on dwarf plants such as succulents, indigenous dwarf shrubs and pot plants.After a picnic lunch, we visit the Vergelegen Wine Estate where we view their beautiful gardens. Vergelegen (meaning ‘situated far away’) has been a gardener’s paradise from the time the land was first tamed by Willem Adriaan van der Stel in 1700, since when it has passed through a succession of owners. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited during their tour of 1947 and were said to be “overcome by Vergelegen’s loveliness”. The gardens were restored in 1987 and now feature a White Garden, a Rose Garden, and the magnificent Octagonal Garden, which has views to the house along 400m of twin herbaceous borders. Along with summer flowering perennials, annuals such as cleome and nicotiana are planted in September.

Day 12

Location: Hermanus

Accommodation Name: Windsor Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we visit the Caledon Wildflower Garden and Nature Reserve, a place of beauty and conservation. Located in the Klein Swartberg mountains, the reserve is home to some of the most diverse and unique species of fynbos.This afternoon at leisure in Hermanus. Alternatively, you may choose to join the optional afternoon whale watching excursion.

Day 13

Location: Hermanus

Accommodation Name: Windsor Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we depart to Fernkloof Nature Reserve, which covers 1800 ha in the Kleinrivier Mountains above Hermanus and ranges in altitude from sea level to 842m. It protects coastal and mountain fynbos and a small patch of evergreen forest and there is no other place on earth where so many different species can be seen growing in such close proximity, including great numbers of Ericaceae, such as the endemic Erica hermani. Keep an eye out too for animals such as klipspringer, baboon and dassie and birds such as cape sugar bird, sunbirds, rock thrush, jackal buzzard and black eagle.Later, we visit Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens, situated in the centre of the coastal fynbos where the flora is richest. Here we find mountain slopes, heathlands, gorges, marshes, and beachside dunes. Renowned for its waterfalls and amber pools, we explore the collection of fynbos families such as proteas, ericas and restios as well as irises, daisies and orchids.

Day 14

Location: London

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today there is time at leisure before we transfer to the airport for our return flight to London.

Day 15

Location: London

We arrive in London.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

  • Meals as per the itinerary

  • Comfortable coach travel throughout

  • All visits as outlined in the itinerary

  • Services of a professional tour manager

  • Pre-flight executive airport lounge access

What's Not Included

Optional Whale Watching ExcursionThe optional whale watching excursion is not included in the tour package.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes comfortable coach travel throughout, ensuring a convenient and relaxing journey between destinations.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, meals are provided as per the itinerary during the tour.

  • Is accommodation included in the tour?

    Yes, accommodation is included throughout the tour.

  • What is the highlight of the visit to the !Khwa Ttu San Cultural Centre?

    At the !Khwa Ttu San Cultural Centre, you will enjoy a tea tasting at the veld pharmacy and have the opportunity to learn about the powerful knowledge of indigenous plants used by the San people.

  • What can I expect to see at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden?

    Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is one of the finest botanical gardens in the world, offering a perfect introduction to South Africa's flora with a wide variety of plant species.

  • What unique experience is offered at the Vanrhyns Pass?

    At the Vanrhyns Pass, you will visit the quiver tree forest, which is a remarkable sight featuring aloe plants that resemble trees, along with many other incredible plant species.

  • What wildlife might be encountered during the Open Vehicle Game drive at !Khwa Ttu?

    During the Open Vehicle Game drive at !Khwa Ttu, you might encounter magnificent animals such as Eland, Zebra, Springbok, Black Wildebeest, and Ostrich.

  • What is special about the Stellenbosch Botanical Garden?

    The Stellenbosch Botanical Garden is the oldest university garden in South Africa, featuring a diverse collection of plants from around the world, including aquatic plants, tropical orchids, and various succulents.

  • What optional excursions are available during the tour?

    Optional excursions include a whale watching excursion and a visit to Robben Island, where you can explore historical sites and learn about Nelson Mandela's imprisonment.

  • Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?

    You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.

  • What facilities do your coaches have?

    Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.

  • Do I have to go on the included excursions?

    Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.

  • Is there time to relax?

    Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.

  • Do I need to be an expert?

    Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.

  • How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?

    You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding

  • Do you have self-drive holidays?

    Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!

  • What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?

    There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.

  • Where are your departure points?

    UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .

  • What about the company that will be kept?

    For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.

  • What is a Brightwater Holiday?

    Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.

  • Why is there a single supplement?

    Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.

  • How much are your optional excursions?

    Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.

  • Can I pre-book my coach seats?

    Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.

  • How to get there? Easy!

    With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.

  • Do I need to have travel insurance?

    Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Brightwater Holidays offers great value

28-Nov-2019

I would highly recommend Brightwater Holidays. It offers excellent service and value for money. This was my first tour as I normally arrange holidays myself, but this tour - which was to the gardens of Kent and Sussex - was a very pleasant change of pace.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Brightwater Holidays Customer  

My experience with Brightwater Holidays

08-Aug-2019

The tour was well managed, the sites visited were all interesting and linked to the theme of the Picts and their place in history, the hotel was comfortable and the coach journeys were well paced. I have been with Brightwater before and will certainly travel with them again

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Alan Hawkes (Google Reviewer)  

We were on the Tour...

28-Aug-2022

We were on the Tour of the Outer Hebrides. We had a great experience, in no small part due to the excellence of the tour manager and driver.

Brightwater Holidays Custome  

Wonderful experience with brilliant information

31-Jul-2019

The most important factor was an amazing guide in Alastair Walker whose knowledge and care for clients was fantastic. The whole trips are superbly organised

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Eric Webb (Google Reviewer)  

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday...

07-Oct-2023

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday not so good. Various 'issues' to do with scheduling and organisation. I'm happy to report however that - after an interval - a letter expressing disappointment brought a full response - including a generous refund. So - with fingers slightly crossed - we'll be booking with Brightwater again in due course.

John G R (Google Reviewer)  

Now, this is a wee...

08-Nov-2024

Now, this is a wee family run holiday that is run from a bedroom. Outrageous prices for a holiday in scotland.👍

Kevin Barrett (Google Reviewer)  

The recent tour in Northumberland...

30-Sep-2023

The recent tour in Northumberland turned out to be a shambles. Our South London driver took us to Newcastle, but no guide to meet us. Next day still no guide and the bus driver attempted to salvage the tour the best he could despite having no knowledge of the attractions. Fortunately one of the passengers Googled the tides for Holy Island. No holiday guide ever showed up. Coach and hotel were fine. Do these people only offer self guided tours? Take Shearings next time.

ALEXANDRA MCQUEEN (Google Reviewer)  

Been trying to get a...

17-Oct-2023

Been trying to get a reply from them for over a week. Booked Xmas tour, confirmation said pick up subject to numbers, they never said anything when booking and theyve been paid in full. Would not recommend!

Dp Green (Google Reviewer)  

I had heard this company...

20-Feb-2024

I had heard this company was a nightmare to deal with, but thought I'd give it a go. Signed up for a tour, then emailed them about how to pay off the balance. No response to 3 emails. I've never encountered a tour company that ignored questions on how to pay off a balance. Looked into other reviews and found many complaints about cancelled tours and refusals to refund deposits.

Kieran Thompson (Google Reviewer)  

Two of your tour busses...

26-Jul-2021

Two of your tour busses used the A814 from Garelochhead to Arrochar on 24th July 2021. This route is not suitable for large vehicles and your drivers should not have taken the huge coaches that way. There are clear signs at both ends of the road indicating it is not suitable for HGV's. Our car had to go off into the soft verge to allow your coaches to pass. Please amend your routes to avoid this road in future.

Save on this tour

Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!

Send me one now.

1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Friday

Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
$6435

Friday - Friday

Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
$6635

Including UK Flights

Prices last published on 23-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.

    At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Enquire for huge savings

Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.

By submitting this form, I accept Travel Club Elites terms & conditions and privacy policy.

Similar Tours