One thing we love about South Africa is that our winters rarely require us to stay indoors. In fact, winter in the Cape is one of the most magical seasons. A secret season so to speak, where you get to experience unique things. These include the Erica irregularis – which flowers only between July and October – as well as whales and fine wine. Plus, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is home to the majority of the Erica irregularis population, which makes it the perfect winter destination.
Grootbos is set amongst ancient Milkwood forests and fynbos-filled hills and one of its main drawcards is its views across Walker Bay. It’s the perfect eco-escape for a unique winter break, right in the heart of the Overberg, a mere two-hour drive from Cape Town.
Ultimately, it’s the epitome of luxury in a nature-rich setting. In addition, it’s also a world leader in sustainable tourism, pioneering novel solutions to major sustainability challenges. As mentioned, it also boasts a secret season – between May and August. During this season, the reserve presents various unique outdoor experiences.
Apart from the luxury accommodation on offer, Grootbos boasts fynbos galore and vistas that will have you gasp for air.
Here, you can let your hair down and engage in guided nature walks and hikes that include sightings of the incredible Erica irregularis. These blushing beauties are only found between Gansbaai and Stanford, which makes Grootbos the perfect spot for this unique floral attraction.
Furthermore, you can also go on a 4X4 flower safari, which is included in your stay during the secret season. There is also a horseback fynbos experience if you’re not keen on 4X4. While on horseback, you can trot through the reserve together with a knowledgeable guide who will share informative tidbits about the region’s history, fauna and flora.
Some of the area’s earliest dwellings are located along the seashore. You can visit these during an ancient cave experience, and learn more about a time long past.
Then, Grootbos’ Florilegium at the on-site Hannarie Wenhold Art Gallery is yet another must-see. This bespoke botanical experience is one-of-a-kind, including botanical illustrations by both local and international artists. In fact, it depicts rare, endangered and charismatic plants all found on the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, as well as the surrounding areas.
Further to the above, Grootbos also offers its guests the opportunity to harvest your own honey, which is made from the rare Erica irregularis. You can also spot the Southern Right Whales on a whale-watching excursion or a Marine Big Five Safari. Or, experience Walker Bay’s shark colonies – some of the most accessible in the world.
There are also various award-winning boutique wineries in the area, so be sure to pair your locally sourced, seasonal meals with one or two of these fine wines.
Last, but definitely not least, Grootbos can take you on a specialist-guided walk through three of the Western Cape’s ten protected 1000-year-old Milkwood forests.
Clearly, winter’s waved its magic wand and you can experience all of this and more in our very own beautiful country!
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