Explore the Floral Magic of South Africa

Intricate pink proteas, delicate purple petals, and blooms of pink and orange surrounded by lush tropical greenery; an earthy aroma of rooibos in the air. This barely scratches the surface of the winning display at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show in London. And this mesmerising exhibit is just a small window into the magic of South Africa’s diverse flora.

Let’s take a journey… From the gold-winning floral installation at one of the world’s greatest showcases for horticultural excellence to the diverse flora along two coasts that inspired it, get ready to be enchanted.

South Africa’s Flora: RHS Chelsea Flower Show Winners

At the 2025 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the beauty and stunning diversity of South Africa’s floral kingdom stole the show. The South African team won a gold medal and was awarded both the “Best Exhibit in the Pavilion” and the “Best New Design”.

The exhibit that received perfect scores from the judges was made possible through the dedicated work of landscape designer Leon Kluge and artist Tristan Woudberg, as well as support from Grootbos and other private sector partners.

With up to 25,000 stems of fynbos cut flowers, the exhibit was a sight to behold.

“This year’s display was inspired by South Africa’s two mighty oceans, the Indian and Atlantic, which have given rise to a multitude of habitats, from the fynbos of the Cape to the more subtropical lushness of KZN,” explained Leon in his Instagram post.

In the display, a dramatic canyon cut through a plethora of proteas to reveal waterfalls and cliffs dotted with cliff-dwelling plants. The Storms River mouth, along the border of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape, inspired the construction of the ravine and cliffs. For the amber-coloured water, hundreds of rooibos tea bags were steeped. Other plants featured in the display included the blue Streptocarpus (an indigenous relative of the African violet), disa orchids, Sandersonia aurantiaca (Christmas bells), and lilies.

Where To Experience South Africa’s Floral Magic

The South African RHS Chelsea Flower Show display took inspiration from the country’s coastlines, with the west coast bordering the Atlantic Ocean and the east coast the Indian.

From the fynbos trails of Grootbos to the Cederberg Mountains and KwaZulu-Natal’s lush coastline, let’s explore three of the best places to immerse yourself in the exquisite natural beauty of South Africa’s flora.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve in Gansbaai, Western Cape

An eco-conscious reserve along the Atlantic Coast of South Africa, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve offers you the chance to explore a unique floral biome and marine wilderness.

At the tip of the continent, this nature reserve encompasses mountains, forests, and coastline – there are 3,500 hectares of pristine wilderness in which to immerse yourself. Nature lovers will delight in the 100 endangered plant species found here. Plus, seven plant species were actually discovered here!

The diversity of natural wonders is truly awe-inspiring. Walk through the fairytale setting of the over 1,000-year-old milkwood forest, go on 4×4 botanical tours for an in-depth look at the rich flora-rich environments, and learn how native inhabitants have used fynbos for centuries.

A stay at Grootbos features luxurious accommodations complete with mesmerising vistas and relaxing pools at the Forest Lodge, Garden Lodge, and Private Villas.

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat in the Cederberg Mountains

With crystal-clear rock pools and 755 species of indigenous fynbos plants (many of which are endemic to the region), Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve is one of the best places to explore South Africa’s biodiversity.

The fynbos vegetation of the 7,500-hectare private reserve is under the Cape Floral Region, which covers less than 0.5% of Africa’s surface area yet accounts for almost 20% of its plant species. It has triple the floral diversity of the Amazon, and more than half of the 9,000 species recorded here are found nowhere else on earth. The endemic plant species and unique ecological processes of the region make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Inspired South African cuisine further makes the five-star accommodation here even more sublime. The produce from the onsite organic gardens as well as the indigenous fynbos of the Cape Floral Kingdom, including rooibos (endemic to the Cederberg) and wild herbs, features in the incredible meals here.

Makakatana Bay Lodge in KwaZulu-Natal

Nestled in iSimangaliso Wetland Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and along the banks of Lake St Lucia lies Makakatana Bay Lodge, the perfect base from which to explore the natural diversity of KwaZulu-Natal.

The park is located along the warm Indian Ocean, so flora here differs from the biodiversity of the interior of the country and the west coast. Here, a vast array of habitats can be explored, from wetlands, grasslands, and coastal forests to marine environments.

Makakatana is a solar-powered lodge featuring just eight rooms. Perfectly designed to take advantage of the incredible surroundings, you can enjoy views of the wilderness from your private deck and outdoor bathroom amenities.

From your luxurious base at Makakatana, you can explore Africa’s largest coastal sand dunes, glide across Lake St Lucia in a solar-powered eco-boat, and go birding to spot the over 500 species found here. Whale watching can be done when visiting the Indian Ocean, as well as snorkelling to discover the biodiversity beneath the surface.

The diversity of the South African floral kingdom – from fynbos to coastal forests – is pure magic. Seeing the RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold-winning exhibition will give you just a taste of what can be experienced in this multifaceted, exciting country.