NOT TO BE MISSED : A Right Whale Of A Time In The Western Cape

 

 

 

 

ON TOUR WITH NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

Walking into Forest Lodge at Grootbos Nature Reserve was like a breath of fresh air. The very modern but relaxed atmosphere made us feel at home and after a refreshing welcome drink we all hit the dinner table with a vengeance.
  
Having arrived late the previous evening none of us were prepared for the view that greeted us the next morning. It is a view that certainly I cannot adequately describe and is one that a photo could not really capture. Imagine rolling fields of Fnybos, a backdrop of the Klein River Mountains and the ocean not far from Africa's southern most tip and you might be getting close.

Grootbos does not boast the so-called big five, but it does boast the oceanic big five (Southern Right whales, Great White sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins) and is a botanists' and birders' paradise. But to me it's a place to relax, unwind and take in the majestically beautiful surrounds.

Spring I've been told is the best time to visit, as that is when the Fynbos comes alive and you are inundated with thousands of different species of flowering plants. It's also the best time to go whale watching.

That morning we took a boat trip out to go and hopefully find some whales. Not only did we see whales up close and personal, we saw three massive Great White sharks, an albatross(a first for me)and one of the largest seal colonies I have ever seen.

Later that day we had a surprise “Oyster & Champagne” sundowners stop, on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the ocean. If that wasn't enough, as soon as the sun had set, two Southern Right whales started to breach in front of us - the end to a perfect day. That night we had a lovely dinner in the wine cellar, with Peter Finlayson from Bouchard Finlayson Wine Estate doing a private wine tasting for us.

Next day and after yet another superb breakfast the group all went off in different directions to enjoy other activities that Grootbos has to offer. Some went horse riding, others on a flower safari, others hiking and I went birding through the Fynbos and Milkwood forest -  interestingly some of the trees are over 1000 years old.

So if you are looking for something different, this is definitely it!
 



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