Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve, nestled in the Western Cape’s Langeberg region, recently reopened with 11 brand new cabins. Thanks to modern functionality and green building technology, the new cabins promise a dreamy forest getaway. Want to win a two-night stay for two?

Declared a World Heritage Site in 2004, Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve is home to 250 hectares of indigenous forest – think ancient yellowwood, stinkwood and ironwood trees. Now 11 new cabins, all sleeping four guests, make this forested wonderland a fantastic holiday spot.

Wake up to views of the valley or indigenous forest while birdsong announces the new day. The reserve is home to almost 200 bird species and two bird hides are specially raised to give you a treetop view. You can go hiking or mountain biking, but you could just as easily do the bare minimum, breathe in the fresh forest air and rejuvenate your spirit in one of Grootvadersbosch’s new cabins. See for yourself…

Originally known as Melkhoutskraal, the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve encompasses 250 hectares of indigenous forest in the Langeberg region, close to Heidelberg. The name translates to “big father” in honour of Roelof Oelofse who owned the land in 1723. It has only been a reserve since 1986 and was declared a World Heritage Site in 2004. This is the most significant stretch of indigenous afromontane forest left in the south-western Cape, with nearly all of the 35 typical forest tree species, including red alder, ironwood, stinkwood and yellowwood. Visitors to this beautiful reserve will relish the opportunity to get out into the forest on day walks and mountain biking trails. This is an excellent birding destination with more than 196 bird species regularly spotted. Hikers are likely to bump into bushbuck and spot baboons and smaller mammals when out on the trails. Sighting the forest emperor butterfly and a subspecies of the rare ghost frog would be the highlight of a visit here, as they can only be found in this particular forest.

Pictures courtesy of CapeNature

Originally known as Melkhoutskraal, the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve encompasses 250 hectares of indigenous forest in the Langeberg region, close to Heidelberg. The name translates to “big father” in honour of Roelof Oelofse who owned the land in 1723. It has only been a reserve since 1986 and was declared a World Heritage Site in 2004. This is the most significant stretch of indigenous afromontane forest left in the south-western Cape, with nearly all of the 35 typical forest tree species, including red alder, ironwood, stinkwood and yellowwood. Visitors to this beautiful reserve will relish the opportunity to get out into the forest on day walks and mountain biking trails. This is an excellent birding destination with more than 196 bird species regularly spotted. Hikers are likely to bump into bushbuck and spot baboons and smaller mammals when out on the trails. Sighting the forest emperor butterfly and a subspecies of the rare ghost frog would be the highlight of a visit here, as they can only be found in this particular forest.

Originally known as Melkhoutskraal, the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve encompasses 250 hectares of indigenous forest in the Langeberg region, close to Heidelberg. The name translates to “big father” in honour of Roelof Oelofse who owned the land in 1723. It has only been a reserve since 1986 and was declared a World Heritage Site in 2004. This is the most significant stretch of indigenous afromontane forest left in the south-western Cape, with nearly all of the 35 typical forest tree species, including red alder, ironwood, stinkwood and yellowwood. Visitors to this beautiful reserve will relish the opportunity to get out into the forest on day walks and mountain biking trails. This is an excellent birding destination with more than 196 bird species regularly spotted. Hikers are likely to bump into bushbuck and spot baboons and smaller mammals when out on the trails. Sighting the forest emperor butterfly and a subspecies of the rare ghost frog would be the highlight of a visit here, as they can only be found in this particular forest.

Originally known as Melkhoutskraal, the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve encompasses 250 hectares of indigenous forest in the Langeberg region, close to Heidelberg. The name translates to “big father” in honour of Roelof Oelofse who owned the land in 1723. It has only been a reserve since 1986 and was declared a World Heritage Site in 2004. This is the most significant stretch of indigenous afromontane forest left in the south-western Cape, with nearly all of the 35 typical forest tree species, including red alder, ironwood, stinkwood and yellowwood. Visitors to this beautiful reserve will relish the opportunity to get out into the forest on day walks and mountain biking trails. This is an excellent birding destination with more than 196 bird species regularly spotted. Hikers are likely to bump into bushbuck and spot baboons and smaller mammals when out on the trails. Sighting the forest emperor butterfly and a subspecies of the rare ghost frog would be the highlight of a visit here, as they can only be found in this particular forest.

Originally known as Melkhoutskraal, the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve encompasses 250 hectares of indigenous forest in the Langeberg region, close to Heidelberg. The name translates to “big father” in honour of Roelof Oelofse who owned the land in 1723. It has only been a reserve since 1986 and was declared a World Heritage Site in 2004. This is the most significant stretch of indigenous afromontane forest left in the south-western Cape, with nearly all of the 35 typical forest tree species, including red alder, ironwood, stinkwood and yellowwood. Visitors to this beautiful reserve will relish the opportunity to get out into the forest on day walks and mountain biking trails. This is an excellent birding destination with more than 196 bird species regularly spotted. Hikers are likely to bump into bushbuck and spot baboons and smaller mammals when out on the trails. Sighting the forest emperor butterfly and a subspecies of the rare ghost frog would be the highlight of a visit here, as they can only be found in this particular forest.

Originally known as Melkhoutskraal, the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve encompasses 250 hectares of indigenous forest in the Langeberg region, close to Heidelberg. The name translates to “big father” in honour of Roelof Oelofse who owned the land in 1723. It has only been a reserve since 1986 and was declared a World Heritage Site in 2004. This is the most significant stretch of indigenous afromontane forest left in the south-western Cape, with nearly all of the 35 typical forest tree species, including red alder, ironwood, stinkwood and yellowwood. Visitors to this beautiful reserve will relish the opportunity to get out into the forest on day walks and mountain biking trails. This is an excellent birding destination with more than 196 bird species regularly spotted. Hikers are likely to bump into bushbuck and spot baboons and smaller mammals when out on the trails. Sighting the forest emperor butterfly and a subspecies of the rare ghost frog would be the highlight of a visit here, as they can only be found in this particular forest.

Originally known as Melkhoutskraal, the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve encompasses 250 hectares of indigenous forest in the Langeberg region, close to Heidelberg. The name translates to “big father” in honour of Roelof Oelofse who owned the land in 1723. It has only been a reserve since 1986 and was declared a World Heritage Site in 2004. This is the most significant stretch of indigenous afromontane forest left in the south-western Cape, with nearly all of the 35 typical forest tree species, including red alder, ironwood, stinkwood and yellowwood. Visitors to this beautiful reserve will relish the opportunity to get out into the forest on day walks and mountain biking trails. This is an excellent birding destination with more than 196 bird species regularly spotted. Hikers are likely to bump into bushbuck and spot baboons and smaller mammals when out on the trails. Sighting the forest emperor butterfly and a subspecies of the rare ghost frog would be the highlight of a visit here, as they can only be found in this particular forest.

Originally known as Melkhoutskraal, the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve encompasses 250 hectares of indigenous forest in the Langeberg region, close to Heidelberg. The name translates to “big father” in honour of Roelof Oelofse who owned the land in 1723. It has only been a reserve since 1986 and was declared a World Heritage Site in 2004. This is the most significant stretch of indigenous afromontane forest left in the south-western Cape, with nearly all of the 35 typical forest tree species, including red alder, ironwood, stinkwood and yellowwood. Visitors to this beautiful reserve will relish the opportunity to get out into the forest on day walks and mountain biking trails. This is an excellent birding destination with more than 196 bird species regularly spotted. Hikers are likely to bump into bushbuck and spot baboons and smaller mammals when out on the trails. Sighting the forest emperor butterfly and a subspecies of the rare ghost frog would be the highlight of a visit here, as they can only be found in this particular forest.

What’s new?

  • All cabins consist of two bedrooms, a bathroom with shower, a kuierkamer (covered braai and dinner area), a fully equipped kitchen, and a lounge with a built-in fireplace.
  • Each unit has an outside braai pit with picnic table.
  • Units 1-3 were designed with Universal Access in mind.
  • Six of the units have garages.

How to win!

Want to win a midweek two-night stay for two in one of Grootvadersbosch’s brand new and comfy forest cabins? Email the answer to our simple question below before 12 February 2017 to [email protected]. Entrants must be 18 years or older. Remember to include your full names and contact details. Wild will randomly select a winner. The winner will be notified telephonically.

QUESTION: When was Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve declared a World Heritage Site?

Winner: Anton Cronje

Nothing beats awakening to a cacophony of bird calls in the middle of the seemingly endless leafy canopy of this pristine strip of indigenous forest.
– Ilse Bigalke, journalist

How to get there

  • Follow the N2 from Cape Town towards George.
  • Shortly after Swellendam and Buffelsjag River, take the Suurbraak/Barrydale turn-off (to your left).
  • Continue through Suurbraak, passing the Barrydale via Tradouwpass turn-off. Take note that the tar road becomes a dirt road.
  • When you reach a T-junction, turn left and keep left at the next fork in the road. The entrance to Grootvadersbosch is well indicated.

Bookings

Cabins are available at R950 per night for 1 to 4 people – both during peak and off-peak season. Call CapeNature’s Central Reservations office on +27 (0)21 483 0190 or send an email to [email protected].

Click here and download a map of the new cabins’ layout.

Be sure to get your copy of Wild autumn 2017 for more about Grootvadersbosch’s new cabins. Want to receive a quarterly copy of Wild magazine for free? Become a Wild Card member now!

Terms and conditions

This competition is open from 12 January until 12 February 2017. All entries must adhere to the entry guidelines stated in the blog post to be considered. The prize consists of accommodation for two midweek nights, and is valid for up to two people. The prize is not transferable. The prize is valid for booking and travel before 12 August 2017, subject to availability. This competition is not open to employees of CapeNature, their families and any associated marketing partners including, but not limited to, employees of Tip Africa Publishing. CapeNature does not accept responsibility for any injuries and/or losses incurred as a result of entering and/or winning this competition. By entering, you absolve CapeNature of any liability. All other standard competition terms and conditions not mentioned herein apply.

*Video courtesy of CapeNature

by wildcard
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