South Africa is... Blooming amazing!
Exclusive for Mail on Sunday readers only! Join star gardening presenter Nick Bailey on this stunning tour of the country’s gardens and wildflowers
NO PLACE on Earth can beat South Africa for its flowers and gardens. With more than 9,000 plant species, the country is about as rich as it gets for astonishing flora, and on this wonderful 13-day trip – which is exclusive to readers of The Mail on Sunday – you will see the country at its most spectacular. Joined by gardening presenter and horticultural expert Nick Bailey, your tour ranges from artful gardens and exotic tree collections to the startling wildflowers of Namaqualand that are due to bloom when you travel. And you will also have the chance to enjoy the other reasons that make South Africa one of the world’s favourite destinations, from the Cape winelands to its spectacular coastline – all in superb style. ‘The plant life is astonishing,’ says Nick. ‘As a garden designer, it has been a huge privilege to work in South Africa and I look forward to joining you there.’
FIVE REASONS TO BOOK 1 MEET NICK BAILEY IN THE CAPE
Nick will join the group for two days in the Cape region and travel with you around the area’s most beautiful gardens. Nick is the former head gardener at the famous Chelsea Physic Garden, and has worked all over the world, designing and managing gardens in the UK, Spain, Australia and South Africa. He is a fascinating and entertaining speaker and will take part in a Q&A session and share insights into his career as a broadcaster and gardener.
2 VISIT WONDERFUL GARDENS
The gardens on this trip are second to none. You will take private guided tours of some of South Africa’s most spectacular, including four botanical gardens: Kirstenbosch, nestled at the foot of Table Mountain; the coastal fynbos of Harold Porter; the wildflowers of Hantam; and the unique succulents of Karoo Desert. You will also see the extraordinary Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden on the slopes of Stellenbosch, as well as Babylonstoren and Kokerboom Nursery.
3 MARVEL AT SUPERB WILDFLOWERS
Just in the Cape Peninsula alone – an area roughly the size of London – there are more plant species than in the whole of Britain. Accompanied by a specialist guide throughout, you will learn what makes this region so rich in plant life and see the best it has to offer. Your visit is also timed to see the annual Namaqualand wildflower displays, a wonderful spectacle in the West Coast National Park and Ramskop Wildflower Nature Reserve.
4 EXPLORE THE WONDERS OF THE CAPE
From the winelands to the rugged beauty of the coastline, South Africa is rightly known as one of the world’s most beautiful countries.
Your tour will include a guided trip up Table Mountain, visits to the Cape’s wine region, an opportunity to explore the magnificent coastline, including on an ecocruise boat trip, to spot Southern Right whales, to enjoy scenic drives – and, of course, the chance to tuck into a braai (barbecue).
5 STAY IN LUXURY ACCOMMODATION
Enjoy fantastic stays at the historic Portswood Hotel in Cape Town, the De Hoop Nature Reserve, the Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort, with its spectacular views, and Langebaan Country Estate.