Flower Tours

There is nothing I enjoy more than taking guests on tours that celebrate the outdoors.

This Year’s Flower Season

This year’s flower season was a mixed bag. The winter rains arrived early in Namaqualand and the Koue Bokkeveld, falling in May and June and encouraging an early bloom. Flower lovers were excited by the prospect of a beautiful, long season.

Unfortunately, the rain stopped in mid-June and, by mid-July, the flowers were already past their best. Undeterred, I took my first group of flower seekers out during the second week of August to see what we could find.

Conditions were very dry, and the sweeping displays we would normally see in the Biedouw Valley, the Knersvlakte, and on Matjiesfontein and Boereplaas farms had already faded. However, once we left the vehicle and explored on foot, we discovered some absolute gems—flowers that might normally have been hidden among the mass displays.

During these tours, I also discovered two guesthouses in the heart of the Bokkeveld, far from other human habitation. They are perfect for anyone seeking peace and quiet.

Flower sightings became progressively more difficult on my next three tours. Fortunately, old favourites such as West Coast National Park, Tienie Versfeld Wildflower Reserve, and Groote Post Vineyards came to the rescue with magnificent displays.

A Cederberg Mountain Escape

In late September, I ventured into the Cederberg Mountains. We spent two nights at Mount Ceder Lodge and chose the self-catering option.

Although our stay was all too short, we walked in the mountains, found a beautiful waterfall, and were amazed by the unusual rock formations and ancient rock art.

Proposed Five-Night Tour

I was so impressed that I am considering offering a five-night tour next year, in late July or early August. The proposed itinerary would include:

• A two-night stay at Mount Ceder;

• A journey to Nieuwoudtville;

• Time in Paternoster and West Coast National Park; and

• Stops at Groote Post Wine Estate and Tienie Versfeld Wildflower Reserve.

If you would be interested in joining me, please contact me via WhatsApp on 00 (27) (0)83 400 4451 or by email at titealistair@gmail.com.

Garden Route

In June, I spent a wonderful long weekend with my family exploring parts of the Garden Route that I had never seen before.

If you would like to experience a four-day Garden Route tour that ventures off the beaten track, please get in touch. I can arrange a private tour showcasing fascinating places along this wild and beautiful coast.

Day Trips

Camellia Tours

During the latter half of July, I led several tours through the Camellia Gardens of Excellence at Vergelegen Wine Estate. Heavy storms in late May and June damaged many of the camellia bushes, so the flowers were not as prolific as usual. Nevertheless, the displays were still spectacular.

These outings offer more than camellias. I can also include wine tasting and a safari to see Vergelegen’s quagga breeding project and other less common antelope.

Train Tours

In July, I took a short train trip from the small town of Bot River. We travelled along the old railway line in a 1930s commuter carriage to the Railway Market in Grabouw, where we spent a very pleasant two hours before returning to Bot River.

This is an unusual and enjoyable way to spend a Saturday or Sunday during the school holidays.