Wilderness Touring Cape Town invites travellers to experience the wonders of the Cape Floral Kingdom with a guided “Botanical Art & Safari” excursion to the iconic Grootbos Private Nature Reserve – a global leader in floristic conservation and botanical artistry.
“This new full-day tour allows our guests to explore one of the most biologically diverse floral regions on Earth in a private and immersive setting”, said Brendan McCarthy, Wilderness Touring Cape Town Operations & Product Manager. “Through our partnership with Grootbos, we’re proud to offer something truly distinctive – a journey that blends scientific insight with artistic beauty, connecting travellers to the deep ecological story of the Cape Floral Kingdom”.
Just 2.5 hours from Cape Town, a sanctuary of biodiversity awaits, home to more than 922 species of fynbos and one of the most biologically rich floral regions in the world. The experience combines the thrill of a 4×4 flower safari with the elegance of world-class botanical art, enhanced by the expertise of a private Wilderness guide to and from the safari. “We’re proud to be among the first luxury operators to present this experience in such a carefully curated format. It’s ideally suited for travellers seeking unique, off-the-beaten-path adventures to complement their safari or South African stay. It also offers locals an enriching and distinctive way to explore their own backyard, or makes for a truly special gift experience”, added Brendan.
The highlight of the journey is a visit to the Hannarie Wenhold Botanical Art Gallery, home to the Grootbos Florilegium – one of only five botanical art galleries in the world. This remarkable collection celebrates the intersection of science, conservation and art, using exquisitely detailed botanical illustrations to document the unique species of the Cape Floral Kingdom. The Florilegium has swiftly gained international acclaim, becoming a sought-after destination for nature lovers, art collectors and conservation enthusiasts from across the globe.
This unique day trip showcases the floral beauty of the region, with its launch perfectly timed to coincide with the famed spring season when nature is in full bloom. The scenic drive en route is a highlight in itself, passing through the renowned wine regions of Elgin and the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley – both celebrated for their cool-climate vintages and sweeping landscapes. It also places guests in the heart of the Whale Coast, offering a chance to witness southern right whales during their annual migration, which runs from June to November.
Experience Highlights:
- 4×4 flower safari through Grootbos
- Guided visit to the Hannarie Wenhold Botanical Art Gallery
- Insights into fynbos conservation and botanical art
- Vehicle, private Wilderness guide, snacks, mineral water, and in-vehicle Wi-Fi included
- Lunch at Grootbos (exclusive to Wilderness guests)
This partnership further underscores Wilderness’ commitment to collaborating with and supporting pioneering conservation-led properties such as Grootbos – and offers guests a unique and often overlooked addition to a South African safari itinerary.
