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Season Celebrations: A Journey of Flowers, Wine, Whales and Wildlife

Timed for the end of September to early October, it captures the best of the Darling wildflower season and Hermanus whale watching — often aligning with the Darling Wildflower Festival and the Hermanus Whale Festival.

Step into South Africa’s natural rhythm with the Season Celebrations South Africa itinerary. This beautifully timed journey blends blooming wildflowers, breaching whales, fine wines and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Hence, it is not only crafted around nature’s best moments, but it’s also designed for curious travellers who appreciate colour, flavour and freedom. Whether you’re coming for the first time or returning for more, this itinerary takes you through South Africa’s seasonal magic.

City, Culture and Table Mountain Views

Firstly you start your adventure, arrive in Cape where vibrant urban life meets breathtaking scenery. You’ll explore the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap, visit local markets and take a cable car up Table Mountain. At the same time, the buzzing food scene invites you to try everything from street food to fine dining. Because Cape Town blends history, creativity and stunning views, it makes the perfect starting point for your adventure.where vibrant city life blends effortlessly with natural beauty. Not only can you explore the lively V&A Waterfront,

Darling Flower Festival & West Coast Blooms

Secondly, travel north to Darling, a small town that bursts into colour during spring. As you drive through the West Coast, the landscape comes alive with daisies, proteas and vygies. Since the annual Flower Festival brings in local art, fresh produce and regional flair, it’s more than just a floral display — it’s a celebration of the senses. For photographers and flower lovers alike, this stop is a dream.

Whale Watching in Hermanus

Afterwards, continue to Hermanus, where southern right whales visit the bay between July and November. Because the cliffs offer some of the best land-based whale watching in the world, you won’t need to step on a boat to see the action. During the Whale Festival beginning of October, the town fills with music, food, and marine-focused fun. Above all, this coastal stretch offers a peaceful yet exciting experience.

Savour the Cape Winelands

Then head inland to the Cape Winelands. During your stay in Franschhoek you’ll discover rolling vineyards, world-class wines and mountain views that feel straight out of a painting. While you sip and savour, you’ll also enjoy vineyard picnics, cellar tours and farm-style hospitality. Moreover, this is the ideal place to unwind before your safari begins.

Big Five Safari Finale

Finally, end your Season Celebrations South Africa itinerary with a private safari. Whether you opt for the Kruger or Eastern Cape, the experience is equally magical. Expect open-vehicle game drives, bush walks and starlit dinners. Because it’s all fully inclusive, you can simply focus on soaking up the wildlife and scenery. In conclusion, this is the perfect ending to your seasonal journey — in other words; wild, warm and completely unforgettable.

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Your Itinerary

Day 1-4 - Cape Town, The Mother City

You arrive in Cape Town and immediately feel the city’s vibrant energy. Your days start with breathtaking views from Table Mountain’s summit, the city sprawling beneath you. Wander the bustling V&A Waterfront, watching boats bob in the harbour and stopping for a coffee by the water. Explore colourful streets of Bo-Kaap, where every door tells a story. Evenings bring world-class dining,  imagine sipping local wine paired with fresh seafood as the sun sets over the ocean. A day trip to Cape Point reveals dramatic cliffs and playful penguins at Boulders Beach, perfectly balancing city excitement with nature’s calm.

Fynbos flowers

Day 5 & 6 - Darling Flower Festival

You drive north to Darling, a charming town bursting with colour during the Flower Festival. Picture yourself strolling through fields carpeted with wild daisies and vibrant proteas, the air fragrant with fresh blooms. Local markets buzz with artisans selling handcrafted treasures, while cosy cafes invite you to relax with a cup of rooibos tea. The laid-back pace here lets you breathe deeply and soak in nature’s vivid palette — a perfect reset before the next adventure.

Season Celebrations - whale watching

Day 7 & 8 - Whale watching in Hermanus

Next, you reach Hermanus, famed for its whale-watching just steps from the shore. Imagine standing on the cliff paths, spotting the huge backs and tails of southern right whales breaching nearby. If it’s festival time, the town hums with live music, delicious street food and conservation talks that deepen your connection to the ocean. After a day of wildlife marvels, you unwind with fresh oysters and crisp white wine while waves gently lap the shore.

Season Celebrations, vineyards

Day 9 - 11 - Time for the Winelands

In the heart of the Winelands, Franschhoek’s rolling vineyards stretch before you. Days are filled with leisurely wine tastings at boutique estates, where passionate winemakers share their craft. Imagine picnicking under the shade of ancient oaks, savouring artisanal cheeses and freshly baked bread. Evenings bring gourmet dinners, where local flavours are elevated to art. The peaceful countryside invites you to slow down, breathe in the cool mountain air, and savour every moment.

Umlani Deck

Day 12 - 14 - Safari Time

Your final chapter takes you to a private safari lodge near Kruger. Imagine waking at dawn to the sounds of birdsong and distant wildlife calls. Morning game drives bring encounters with lions lounging in the shade, elephants moving majestically through the bush, and graceful giraffes browsing treetops. Back at the lodge, enjoy refreshing swims and delicious meals served al fresco. As night falls, starlit dinners and the crackle of a campfire immerse you in the magic of the African wilderness — a fitting end to your Season Celebrations South Africa journey.

Alternative option - Eastern Cape Safari

Your grand finale takes place in the malaria-free Eastern Cape at Kariega’s Ukhozi Lodge. Set in a private Big Five reserve, the lodge combines comfort and character with sweeping views over the river valley. Each day begins with a dawn game drive, where you might spot elephants, rhino and lions in the golden morning light. Between drives, unwind on your private deck or enjoy lunch with views of the bush. As night falls, gather around the fire for a drink before a starlit dinner. With all meals, drinks and activities included, this is a relaxed, luxurious end to your Season Celebrations journey — and it pairs beautifully with the Winelands.

What's included?

Included:
  • Accommodation & Meals as specified
  • Rental Car Group K (Toyota Corolla Cross or similar). Including unlimited kilometres, zero excess with premium insurance cover and one additional driver.
  • Return airport transfer from Hoedspruit to Umlani
  • Umlani Bush Camp includes all meals, house drinks, game activities and conservation levies
Exclude:
  • International and Internal Flights
  • Non-specified meals, drinks, excursions
  • Expenses of a personal nature, i.e. laundry, telephone expenses, gratuities, porterage fees, etc
Details:

Please note that this itinerary is based on festivals that take place end September and first week October.  All prices are correct at the time of writing.

Flight prices change a lot and for this reason, the flights are not part of the quote.

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Cape Town
Cape Town is as much about the surrounding areas as the city itself. Recommended visit time is 5 days to be able to comfortably fit in all the main sights from Cape Point, Table Mountain, V&A Waterfront and Robben Island. More More
Winelands
Only a 'hop and skip' from Cape Town, the Winelands offers an excellent combination of indulgence, history and visual pleasure! Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are the popular towns, each offering its own unique charm and you are spoilt for choice of excellent restaurants and wine farms to visit. More
Hermanus
Only 2½ hours from Cape Town you will find the 'whale capital' of Hermanus that offers some of South Africa's best 'land based' whale watching. The town offers some super Blue Flag swimming beaches and a beautiful mountain setting. More
Garden Route
Stretching from Swellendam to Tsitsikamma, the Garden Route offers visitors a diverse experience ranging from rolling landscapes, semi-desert arid region of Oudtshoorn to the lush forests of the Knysna and Plettenberg Bay areas. Lovely white beaches in the Mossel Bay, Wilderness and Plettenberg Bay completes this destination as an excellent choice for all ages. More
Eastern Cape Safaris
Situated in the eastern part of South Africa, the Eastern Cape is fast becoming South Africa's hottest holiday destination. The region is malaria free, offers a host of top class "Big Five" game destinations, with the added advantage that travelling closer to the coast, you can also enjoy the "Big Six", namely whales, the silent giants of the sea. More
Durban
Durban is the gateway to the warm beaches of Natal as well as the Drakensberg and game regions of Hluhluwe. There is an international airport with numerous daily flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg. More
Hluhluwe & Battlefields
This area offers such a diversity - from the excellent big five game viewing of the Hluhluwe area with a good selection of big five reserves, heading inland you reach the Battlefields where raconteurs take you back to a by-gone era of the Zulu Wars. Nearby you have access to kilometres of isolated beaches and warm Indian Ocean waters. More
Drakensberg
The vast expanse of the Drakensberg is a must for any person who enjoys tranquil surroundings and hiking. Easily accessible from both Johannesburg and Durban and complimentary to any longer holiday in South Africa. Excellent hiking for all fitness levels. More
Kruger
The Kruger area offers a diversity of experiences from some of South Africa's best big five game viewing to the spectacular Panorama Route. This is a must visit destination in its own right. More
Mozambique
Becoming one of Africa's hottest destinations with its tropical beaches, warm waters and palm trees. Most connections between lodges within Mozambique are achieved by scheduled and charter flights as well as boat transfers, as road networks are not as developed. A great way to end off any African holiday by spending a few days relaxing on the beach and indulging in tropical spoils.
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Madikwe & Waterberg
The ‘big five’ game regions of Madikwe Game Reserve and the Waterberg Game Reserve are increasing in popularity and giving Kruger some healthy competition. These areas are malaria free, located within a 3–4 hour drive from Johannesburg and also offer a great safari experience. More

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