Ficksburg Road Trip
"Capture the Colourful Charm of Ficksburg's Cherry and Cosmos Festivals!"
Join us for an unforgettable Ficksburg Road Trip, where you’ll have the unique opportunity to breathe in beauty and capture the breathtaking area. The highlight of the tour is the Cherry and Cosmos Festival, where visitors can meander through the farm lands and also photograph the beautiful pink cherry blossoms and the vibrant cosmos flowers in full bloom, creating a stunning backdrop for your images. Ficksburg, is known as the "Cherry Capital of South Africa," and it offers remarkable landscapes with vibrant cherry blossoms as well as the gentle sight of cosmos flowers in full bloom. This tour is designed for travelers and photographers of all levels, providing expert guidance and insights into composition, lighting, and capturing the essence of this picturesque area. Participants will enjoy scenic drives through the countryside, stop at various viewpoints, and engage in practical shooting sessions amongst the cherry orchards and fingers-crossed, blooming cosmos fields. Experience the local culture with visits to nearby attractions, including quaint towns and local produce markets.
Join us for an unforgettable journey and let the beauty of Ficksburg inspire you.
R 10 500 sharing
R 16 500 single supplement
November 2025
5 days / 4 nights
Included
- Travel
- Bed / Breakfast
- All entrance fees
Excluded
- All beverages
- Lunches
- Dinners
- Any item not mentioned as included above
Travel
We offer comfortable travel in a 8-seater, air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a relaxed experience for all participants. This setup allows you to travel stress-free and focus on what makes you happy.
Accommodation
Accommodation ranges from cozy guesthouses to well researched bed and breakfasts, all designed to provide a retreat after a day of capturing the world around you. Our chosen accommodation has comfortable rooms with modern amenities. Located in or near the heart of Ficksburg, giving you easy access to the Cherry and Cosmos Festivals, local attractions, and scenic spots. Whether you're enjoying a hearty breakfast to fuel your creative adventures or unwinding with fellow photographers over a cup of coffee, your stay will enhance your overall experience.
Highlights
- Small Group Size - Maximum 8
- Expert Photography Guides
- Post-Processing Tutorials ( if you feel like it)
- Cherry Festival
- Cosmos Fields
- Planes and Steam Trains
- Majestic Mountains
Itinerary
Our Ficksburg Road Trip is carefully compiled to immerse you in this really beautiful region, with unique opportunities to capture the breathtaking cherry orchards, fields of cosmos , and lively festival scenes. Each day is carefully planned for traveller and photographers alike, ensuring ample time at every location to explore. While the itinerary provides a detailed schedule, we remain flexible to adjust based on weather or other conditions, ensuring you always experience the most inspiring and rewarding photography moments possible during your journey through Ficksburg.
What to Expect
Our Ficksburg Road Trip offers a rich blend of discovery, learning, and the chance to capture extraordinary images in one of South Africa’s most vibrant festival settings. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Free State landscapes and vibrant festivals that offer photographers many creative opportunities. As we explore this pretty region, you'll have the chance to capture iconic scenes, from sprawling cherry orchards in full bloom to pretty-in-pink-n-white cosmos fields stretching as far as the eye can see. The tour also uncovers hidden gems, such as peaceful countryside vistas framed by the towering Maluti Mountains. From lush fields to vibrant festival moments, each location offers a unique and unforgettable experience in the farmlands of Ficksburg.
Practical Tips and Hands-On Photography Sessions: Throughout the road trip, you'll receive expert guidance (if you would like) ensuring you improve your skills with every shot. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer, we’ll work closely with you on mastering key techniques such as shooting in different lighting conditions and composing the perfect shot. Our small group size ensures personalized attention, so you can ask questions and get hands-on assistance with your camera settings and gear.
Post-Shoot Editing Tutorials Using Lightroom/Photoshop: After a day in the field, we’ll gather for post-shoot editing sessions where you’ll learn how to enhance your images using Lightroom and Photoshop. These tutorials will cover everything from basic corrections like exposure and contrast adjustments to more advanced techniques like colour grading, sharpening, and noise reduction. You’ll walk away with polished, professional-grade photos that truly capture the beauty and essence of the Free State. Or - sit back, relax and smile!
Meet Your Expert Photographer
I am happiest with my camera in my hand sharing the world around us.
Life is truly worth living and I am humbled to have the opportunities to experience as much as I do. I plan our trips where happiness prevails and there is, always, something around the corner to smile at. If you have this inner urge to travel, but possibly, have not yet joined a small group, give me a call. We are often an all-girl trip, but not limited to!
I care - I share - and you have my promise of my undivided attention if you need it.
- Paula Rutherford
Cancellation Policy
We understand that emergencies can arise, and cancelling a trip can be stressful. Please review our cancellation policy below:
- Cancellation Window:
- Full Refund: Cancellations made at least 120 days before the start date.
- Partial Refund: Cancellations made between 61 and 119 days before the start date (50% refund)
- No Refund: Cancellations made 60 days or less prior to the start date will incur a 100% cancellation fee.
- Supplier Determination:
- Our cancellation policy is determined by our suppliers (flights, hotels, transport, etc.). If they can resell a booking, they may offer a refund, which we will pass on to you minus a small handling fee. Once a supplier has been paid, it is at their discretion whether to issue a refund. To ensure you can reclaim your payment in case of cancellation, we recommend purchasing travel insurance.
- Non-Refundable Fees:
- Booking fees, credit card processing fees, and deposits are non-refundable.
- No-Show Policy:
- No refunds or rescheduling for failure to attend without prior notice.
For detailed terms, conditions, and cancellations, please contact us.
Need More Information?
If you have any questions or need additional details about the Ficksburg Road Trip, we're here to help! Whether you're curious about the itinerary, accommodation, camera gear recommendations, or anything else related to the tour, don't hesitate to reach out.
Our team is happy to provide all the information you need to ensure you're fully prepared for this incredible photographic journey. Simply fill out the contact form, or get in touch with us directly via WhatsApp or email.
We look forward to assisting you and making your experience with us truly unforgettable.
FAQ
What photography equipment should I bring?
We recommend bringing a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a variety of lenses (wide-angle for landscapes, macro for close-ups, and telephoto for festivals), a tripod, spare batteries, and memory cards. A polarizing filter and a remote shutter release can also be helpful for landscape shots.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We always aim to make the most of the weather conditions, but if unfavorable weather affects certain activities, we’ll adjust the schedule to ensure you still get the best photography opportunities possible.
Will we have time to explore the festivals independently?
Yes, while the tour includes scheduled guided sessions, there will also be free time to explore the Cherry and Cosmos Festivals independently, allowing you to capture your own unique festival moments.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my tour?
We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation and rescheduling policies are designed to be flexible and fair. Please refer to our cancellation policy. If you need to make changes, contact us as soon as possible, and we’ll do our best to assist you.
Are non-photographers welcome to join the tour?
Yes, non-photographers are more than welcome to join the Ficksburg Photographic Tour! While the tour is designed to focus on photography, it also offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the beautiful landscapes and vibrant festivals of Ficksburg. Non-photographers can enjoy the scenic views, cultural activities, and the relaxed atmosphere, making it a memorable experience for all. Whether you're accompanying a photographer or simply looking to enjoy the region, you'll find plenty to see and do throughout the tour.
What is the maximum group size for the tour?
To ensure a personalized and immersive experience, we limit the tour to a small group of participants. This allows for individual attention from our guides. The maximum group size is typically around 5-8 people, ensuring that everyone has ample space and opportunity to get the most out of their photographic journey.