South Africa Botanical Travel Guide: Top Tips for Cape Town & Beyond
- capelily
- Oct 28
- 9 min read
The unique floral kingdom of South Africa inspires everything we do at Cape Lily. When we started this business in 2017, the first thing we did was take flower lovers on small curated "Botanical Journeys" to South Africa. Although the COVID pandemic forced us to pause our Botanical travel offering, we still return to our homeland annually for inspiration, hoping that every plant enthusiast gets to experience the wonders of South Africa at least once in their lifetime. While the flight is long, it passes swiftly overnight and the reward waiting for you is worth it. South Africans are eager to share their country with tourists and and a favorable exchange rate allows for an affordable yet luxurious travel experience.
Why South Africa should be on every Plant Explorers Bucket List:
South Africa is home to the smallest and most botanically diverse of the world’s six floral kingdoms, the Cape Floral Kingdom. Here you will see a landscape where rugged mountains meet coastal fynbos and wildflowers bloom in every shade of color imaginable throughout the year. If you love flowers, design, and nature, Cape Town and its surroundings offer a truly unforgettable botanical journey.
Below is the short version of our curated botanical guide to South Africa with a selection of highlights to inspire your itinerary through the Cape floral region. For our full PDF guide including where to eat, stay and safari, follow the link below to subscribe to our newsletter.
Wildflower Safaris
The Western Cape’s wildflower season is nothing short of spectacular. One of the best ways to experience it is on a wildflower safari at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, a luxurious eco-reserve just a few hours from Cape Town. Guided drives take visitors through one of the most biodiverse floral landscapes on Earth, where indigenous flora thrives in harmony with coastal fynbos.
For a more rugged experience, head north to the West Coast wildflower region in late August and early September, when the fields burst into technicolor. It’s South Africa’s own version of a super bloom, and a prime location to spot native plants like carpets of Namaqualand Daisies and Mountain Aloe in full flower.
Favorite South African Florists
Cape Town has a growing community of floral designers who push the boundaries of creativity, color, and texture with indigenous flora. Many offer workshops, private classes, and studio visits and we suggest you contact them via e mail or their socials to inquire:
DP Ferreira of Ecozest (@ecozest_dp)
Mabel Floral Academy (@mabelfloralacademy)
Fleur le Cordeur (@fleurlecordeur)
E Flower Studio (@eflowerstudio)
Okasie (@okasie)
Alwijn Burger (@theblomboy)
These ateliers embody South Africa’s distinct floral design principles: bold, textural, always original and rooted in celebration of local flowers and culture.
Foraging + Floral Design
For those who want to get hands-on, reserve a Foraging workshop with Veld and Sea at Cape Point. Led by the lovely, almost spiritual yet grounded plant expert, Roushanna Grey, this experience blends sustainable foraging practices, with creativity and a delectable edible experience. Flower friends who have traveled to South Africa on a Cape Lily Botanical Journey with us credit this experience as "life changing".
Located on an indigenous plant nursery at Cape Point, the scenery is spectacular and the land feels sacred and stewarded by very capable and caring hands..
Flower Farms
Cape Town’s surrounding farmland is home to some of South Africa’s most beautiful flower farms, many of which celebrate indigenous flora alongside cultivated varieties. A few standouts include:
The Wild Bunch Flower Farm. - Our friends Konrad and Louise grow the most special flowers in Wellington and supply Cape Town's top florists.
Adene Flowers – Known for its dahlias, roses, and seasonal blooms, offering tours and workshops for visitors.
Flourish Farm - nestled in Constantia and run by horticulturist-turned-flower-farmer Susie, this garden-based farm offers seasonal workshops, pick-your-own buckets and garden-fresh blooms grown with low-carbon, wildlife-friendly principles.
Jaftha’s Flower Farm – A historic farm now part of the thriving local floral scene.
These farms are ideal for those interested in learning about plant ecology, seasonal growing cycles, and floral design rooted in place.
Check their websites or contact via Socials to see if visits are possible or where to find their flowers in the city.
Flower Markets
If you prefer to wander and discover, Cape Town’s flower markets offer an authentic way to experience a traditional market scene. Fresh, fragrant bunches of proteas, pincushions, and fynbos line the stalls, offering a feast for the senses and a celebration of South African floriculture.
Some highlights include:
Adderley Street Flower Sellers – An authentic experience in an historic square in the heart of the city where you can find proteas, fynbos, and bunches of indigenous flowers being sold by generations of the same families for over 150 years. More info
Cape Town Flower Market at the Old Biscuit Mill – A bustling weekend market with local growers and artisanal florists. More info
Oranjezicht - This is Cape Town’s largest community-market at Granger Bay (V&A Waterfront), held every Saturday and Sunday (plus seasonal Wednesday evenings), featuring over 40 small organic farmers and 80 artisanal vendors offering produce, flowers, handcrafted goods and cooked meals. More info
Super Floral - This is the wholesale flower market located in the industrial area of Paarden Eiland. We don't recommend a visit unless you have legit flower business in Cape Town. More info
Visiting these markets supports small growers who help preserve endemic species and combat invasive alien plants, while offering the perfect opportunity to explore South African flora up close.
Botanical Gardens & Fynbos Hikes
No botanical trip to Cape Town is complete without a visit to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, one of the world’s great botanical gardens, set against the slopes and embedded at the foot of Table Mountain. Managed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), it’s a showcase of South African floral splendor, naturally integrated into the imposing and moody Table Mountain. From the Botanical Garden you can hike along various paths up the Mountain itself.
The gardens at Babylonstoren have, similarly, become a pilgrimage site for flower and garden lovers from around the world. Set on a beautifully restored Cape Dutch farm spanning five hectares, the property’s meticulously structured fruit and vegetable beds are inspired by Cape Town’s original Company’s Garden. The on-site restaurant, Babel, is equally remarkable — a feast for both the eyes and the palate — showcasing colorful, seasonal dishes crafted from produce harvested from the gardens. Reservations are needed for both the garden and the restaurant.
For more adventurous floral hiking experiences, guided fynbos hikes in Silvermine Nature Reserve or up Lion's Head offer the chance to see native plants up close.
We do not advise hiking without a guide or a good map and prudent hiking supplies. The weather on Table Mountain is famous for changing on a dime and you should always carry warm gear with you.
Where to Eat
After a day of floral adventures, the world is your oyster in terms of low or higher budget culinary indulgences.
Cape Town
The Pot Luck Club, Woodstock - A Cape Town favorite for bold, shareable small plates that reinterpret South African flavors in a sleek, industrial setting. Book in advance, as tables go quickly.
Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room, Bree Street - A laid-back all-day spot known for its simple, fresh dishes, natural wines, and unpretentious atmosphere. Ideal for a casual dinner or a late breakfast before your next floral stop.
West Coast
Wolfgat, Strand Veld - The singular splurge-worthy meal you need to reserve. The Strandveld tasting menu is a celebration of hyper-local, coastal ingredients that pairs beautifully with the surrounding wildflower landscape. Reservations are needed months in advance. This should be the first thing you do, even before booking your flight. At the time of writing. Wolfgat offers a seven course tasting menu at R1450 per person (Approx $84 USD).
Die Strandloper - For a more relaxed and very affordable 10 course sea food bonanza, at R440 per person, try Die Strandloper, right on the beach at Paternoster. Guests dine barefoot around open fires as fresh-caught fish, mussels, and crayfish are grilled over the coals - a long, lazy lunch that captures the essence of the West Coast.
Our Favorite Day trips from Cape Town
Cape Point
At the tip of the Cape Peninsula, Cape Point sits within the Table Mountain National Park, where dramatic cliffs meet turquoise seas. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the famous lighthouse lookout, offering panoramic ocean views and rich fynbos vegetation. Keep an eye out for baboons, African penguins and coastal birdlife along the way.
Hermanus
Just under two hours from Cape Town, Hermanus is one of the world’s best whale-watching destinations. Between June and November, Southern Right Whales can often be seen breaching close to shore. The town also offers scenic coastal walks and excellent local seafood restaurants.
Franschoek, Stellenbosch and Wine Country
Nestled in the heart of South Africa’s wine country, these neighboring towns are known for their rolling vineyards, Cape Dutch architecture, and award-winning wine estates. Spend the day tasting wines, exploring art galleries, and enjoying long lunches at estates like Boschendal, La Motte or La Petite Colombe at Leeu Estates. Think farm-to-table foodie experiences like Blue Hill at Stone Barns at a fraction of the price.
Beyond Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, the broader Cape Winelands region is a tapestry of valleys and mountains. Visitors can enjoy world-class wines, olive tastings, and garden tours, making it a perfect blend of nature, culture, and indulgence.
For a scenic and slow-paced journey, take the Franschhoek Wine Tram - a hop-on, hop-off rail experience that winds through vineyards and historic estates, offering tastings along the way.
Coffee Culture
Between hikes, workshops, and market strolls, Cape Town’s coffee scene provides the perfect pause. Its roasteries and farm cafés reflect the same dedication to craft as its florists, understated, thoughtful, and rooted in place. Stop by Origin Coffee Roasting in De Waterkant, one of the city’s pioneers in specialty coffee, or Truth Coffee Roasting on Buitenkant Street, a steampunk-inspired café known for its meticulous brews and award-winning beans.
Recommended Reading
To make the most of your trip, consider packing:
Field Guide to Wild Flowers of South Africa , John Manning
Common Wild Flowers of Table Mountain & Silvermine, Hugh Clarke and Bruce Mackenzie and Corinne Merry
Wild Flowers of South Africa, Braam van Wyk
These guides will help you identify unique species like the Leopard Orchid, Lucky Bean Creeper, and countless fynbos endemics during your hikes and floral walks.
Indigenous Flowers
Cape Town and the surrounding Cape Peninsula are home to a stunning diversity of indigenous flora, many of which are found only in the Cape Floral Kingdom. Exploring these species is a highlight for plant lovers, whether on a hike, at a flower market, or in botanical gardens.
Some notable species you may want to check off your field guide include:
Protea cynaroides (King Protea) – South Africa’s iconic national flower, known for its dramatic, large blooms.
Aloe ferox and Aloe maculata (Cape Aloe, Spotted Aloe) – Striking succulents with architectural leaves and vibrant seasonal flowers.
Gladiolus dalenii (River Crinum) – Often found along waterways, with elegant trumpet-shaped blooms.
Ornithogalum thyrsoides (Chandelier Star) – A delicate white flower native to the Western Cape.
Lachenalia aloides (Cape Cowslip) – Small, bell-shaped flowers in fiery reds and oranges, typical of fynbos habitats.
Dierama pulcherrimum (Angel’s Fishing Rod) – Graceful, arching spikes of purple flowers that sway in the wind.
Other species to keep an eye out for include the Leopard Orchid (Disa uniflora), Lucky Bean Creeper (Clitoria ternatea), and Epiphytic orchids growing in forested areas. Visiting local flower markets, botanical gardens, and guided fynbos hikes is the best way to see these species in context while learning about their ecological roles.
The Botanical Society of South Africa also provides up-to-date information on native species and conservation initiatives.
Travel Tips
International Flights: Fly direct when possible to minimize layovers and jetlag. From the US. United Airlines flies direct from Newark to Johannesburg or Cape Town
Domestic Flights: Book in advance as local flights can get pricey. We like Safair for a reliable no frills option.
Jetlag: Allow 2–3 days to adjust upon arrival.
Packing: As my father always says: "South Africa is a cold country with a hot sun!" Make sure to pack lightweight layers, something warm for the evenings, good walking / hiking shoes, a sunhat, a small field notebook, and of course your floral snips and/or florist knife for workshops or foraging.
Want our Full Botanical Guide to South Africa?
This blog is just a taster of all our favorite things. The full Botanical Guide to South Africa includes:
Complete restaurant lists
Insider tips on where to stay
Full list of attractions for Cape Town and surrounds
Extended itineraries for the Garden Route, Karoo, Johannesburg and the the Kruger National Park
Example one and two week itineraries
Contacts for local guides
On the ground travel management companies and drivers
Preferred travel agents
Our favorite safaris to see the Big Five
How to do a self driving safari the South African way
Subscribe to receive the complete guide straight to your inbox.
Comments