The South African Spring: Gardens of the Western Cape

11 days | Coming soon! | 12 - 22 October 2027

Including Kirstenbosch, Babylonstoren, Grootbos and a range of private visits

This is a very special garden tour based in and around Cape Town in South Africa’s Western Cape and includes visits to the world-famous botanical garden of Kirstenbosch and an exclusive tour of the gardens of Babylonstoren, the ‘mother-garden’ to The Newt in Somerset. BUT also, there will be a warm welcome by the enthusiastic owners of a variety of stunning private gardens ranging from a restoration of an historic Cape Dutch farmstead to a garden set amongst the riches of the Cape’s natural flora, as well as visits to wine estates with particularly fine gardens (and wines to taste). Opportunities will arise to view the wild flora of this remarkable region and to travel the southwest coastal route where penguins can be spotted and perhaps, if lucky, whales. We have carefully chosen three hotels for this tour: The Vineyard Hotel, offering heritage luxury with views of Table Mountain; Grootbos Lodge, luxurious accommodation in a private Nature Reserve and Lanzerac Hotel in Stellenbosch, a historic hotel which blends old grandeur and modern amenities surrounded by manicured gardens and rolling vineyards.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

We take an overnight flight from London, arriving in Cape Town Wednesday 13^th October.

Day 2

Transfer from the airport to check-in and settle at The Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town with a light lunch included. In the afternoon visit the historic Cape Dutch farmstead of Stellenberg for a warm welcome by owner Sandy Ovenstone who has been responsible for the restoration of the house and garden. In the early evening, we are invited by plantsman Dirk Muller for drinks at his home and to explore his garden with views of Table Mountain. Dirk is a leading light and wonderfully knowledgeable volunteer at the Kirstenbosch branch of the Botanical Society of South Africa (BotSoc). We return to The Vineyard Hotel for dinner.

Day 3

We start with a visit to the well-known Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens guided by Dirk Muller. Following an inclusive light lunch we visit a private garden in Constantia, one of the oldest districts of Cape Town and home to many wine estates. Return to The Vineyard Hotel for dinner.

Day 4

A morning visit to the restored gardens of the ancient Vergelegen Wine Estate with an included lunch. In the afternoon we visit a leading equestrian and wine estate, Cavalli Estate, to see large expanses of modern native planting surrounding an award-winning building. A wine tasting is included. Return to The Vineyard Hotel for dinner.

Day 5

Leaving Cape Town, we travel along the coast south-eastwards for a short visit to Betty’s Bay to see the penguins. Nearby, in the centre of the coastal fynbos, is the Harold Porter Botanic Garden where a light lunch is included. In the afternoon we arrive at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve for a botanical expedition by buggy with an expert guide. The Grootbos Reserve is home to over a 1000 native species, and has served as a custodian of the precious region for 25 years. Check into the Grootbos luxury accommodation where we will stay for the next two nights with evening meals included.

Day 6

A whole day to sample the range of experiences Grootbos has to offer including its modern Florilegium Gallery which holds a unique collection of botanical illustrations by a collaboration of local and international artists. The collection depicts the rare and endangered plants found on the Grootbos nature reserve and surrounding regions. There is also a pioneering Gardening School. Just a short drive away are unpopulated and unspoilt beaches to explore.

Day 7

Travelling back inland to the apple growing area around the town of Elgin, we visit three very different private gardens, all part of the Elgin Open Gardens scheme. Fresh Woods is the home of keen gardeners Peter and Barbara Knox-Shaw. Jessie Walton has invited us to lunch at her native garden at Keurbos, surrounded by apple orchards. Fairholme is the family home of Cape Town based garden designer Mary Maurel. Its large garden features many of the plants grown at the adjacent Fairholme Nursery started by Mary’s parents, and offers a magnificent view of the valley. Check-in to The Lanzerac Hotel with time to settle in before dining together.

Day 8

Today we visit Babylonstoren, one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms, set at the foot of Simonsberg in the Franschhoek wine valley and the original home of Koos Bekker and Karen Roos. In 2007 they asked French architect Patrice Taravella to assist them in planning the layout of their garden – a partnership that was repeated at The Newt in Somerset some years later. The garden contains numerous different areas showcasing mostly edible plants but also bees, ducks and chickens. Along the edge of the garden, a natural stream flows from the Simonsberg Mountain to the Berg River, creating a space for indigenous wild olives to flourish. In their shade a collection of some 7000 clivia lilies explode in a spectacular display every spring. After a special guided tour, we will enjoy a lunch with produce from the gardens. In the afternoon we visit two adjoining, private artists’ gardens in Franschhoek before returning to The Lanzerac Hotel to dine together.

Day 9

Today we are very privileged to visit two private gardens of distinction near Stellenbosch, both belonging to the owners of distinguished wine estates. Rustenberg has been in the hands of the Barlow family for over 85 years, its current owner, Simon and Rosanne Barlow making their mark on the extensive garden, working closely with their experienced head gardener Pietman Diener. We will enjoy a delicious lunch at the nearby Delaire Graff wine estate, owned by Laurence Graff, the English jeweller and businessman. We then visit the garden at Tokara which centres around a modern interpretation of the Cape vernacular architecture, the original house having burned down. An old tennis court has been transformed to represent a local take on a traditional Japanese moss garden, started c.7 years ago by a Kyoto-based robotic engineer. Return to The Lanzerac Hotel to dine together.

Day 10

This morning there will be free time to explore the historic centre of Stellenbosch before an afternoon visit to the spectacular Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden, a sculpted indigenous garden featuring more than 60 works by the artist Dylan Lewis. Located between two worlds, one wild and one tamed, this garden borders the manicured suburbs of Stellenbosch and a rugged mountain wilderness where leopards still roam. Return to the airport for our flight back to London.

Day 11

Arrive back in the UK early morning.

The Vineyard Hotel

At The Vineyard Hotel, nature and human connection live side by side. Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, this stunning hotel offers a quiet retreat in the centre of Cape Town. Wander through eight acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, where peaceful pathways, lush greenery and the hotel’s much-loved resident tortoises invite you to slow down and connect with nature. Each room includes thoughtful amenities and bright, comfortable furnishings. During your stay, feast on timeless favourites imbued with South African flair across one of their four restaurants and cafés.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

At Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, nature takes centre stage. Set between the ocean and ancient milkwood forests, this extraordinary retreat offers a peaceful escape in one of South Africa’s most biodiverse landscapes. Wake to sweeping views across fynbos-covered hills and explore the reserve’s pristine surroundings, from coastal caves and secluded beaches to fragrant gardens and winding nature trails. During your stay, enjoy exceptional food and wine inspired by the seasons and the rich flavours of the Cape.

Lanzerac Hotel

At Lanzerac, heritage, nature and understated luxury come together. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and dramatic mountain scenery, this historic estate is situated just moments away from the vibrant town of Stellenbosch. Spend your days exploring the estate and sampling its renowned wines, before heading into Stellenbosch to browse its boutiques, galleries and charming shops.

Departure Dates:

12 - 22 October 2027

Duration:

10 nights / 11 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Return flights (Economy class) from London to Cape Town
Three nights' bed and breakfast at The Vineyard Hotel
Two nights’ all inclusive at Grootbos private Nature Reserve
Three nights' bed and breakfast at the Lanzerac Hotel
Private coach transfers and excursions
Eight evening meals and eight lunches
Guided visits to the sites listed in the programme
Services of the tour host and a tour leader
Detailed programme and garden notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Host & Leader

Stephen Anderton

Stephen is the long-standing garden writer for The Times, as well as a journalist, broadcaster, lecturer and author. Trained originally in Drama and then Landscape Design, he worked in historic gardens where, latterly as National Gardens Manager for English Heritage, he was responsible for several major restoration projects. His book Discovering Welsh Gardens was published in 2009 and his official biography of Christopher Lloyd appeared in March 2010. He now lives in the Black Mountains where he is making a new landscape garden of 20 acres.

Sophie Piebenga

Born in The Netherlands and based in the Cotswolds, our expert Sophie Piebenga has lived most of her life in the UK. She trained as a gardener with the National Trust and qualified at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Whilst working as head gardener of a private estate, Sophie developed a particular interest in the conservation of historic gardens. This eventually led to a doctoral study at the University of York, researching the work of the early Victorian landscape gardener, William Sawrey Gilpin. Sophie has since worked freelance, mostly in the field of historic landscape conservation, and, for the last 30+ years, has regularly led Boxwood tours around the UK and to Ireland, France, Spain, Greece and The Netherlands.

Travel Information
The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Boxwood Tours use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.