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Wine, Whales & Grootbos Nature Reserve

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leanne-rodney in South Africa,, Family Holidays,, Food & Wine,, Romance,, Self-drive holidays,,
November 15th, 2011 at 8:03am
Tags: delaire graff estate,

We started our journey by meandering through the beautiful Winelands and onto the famous Whale Coast.There is something about driving through the Winelands, being surrounded by vineyards and mountains from all sides that just lifts your spirit.

We had a quick stop over at Delaire Graff Estate which ranks as one of the best properties on my list of accommodation. Situated on the highest peak of  the Helshoogte pass, this boutique hotel truly offers guests a different experience. From the moment you walk in you can feel that this experience is going to be something special.

Franschhoek Scenery

We were lucky enough to do this trip during the popular whale season so as we moved along we had some amazing sightings wherever we stopped. Although certain whale species can be seen all year round, however further off shore, it is the migration of the Southern Right whale which sees a large influx of tourists to the coastal regions. The official Cape Town whale route starts from Doringbaai located on the West Coast of South Africa through to Storms River Mouth in Tsitsikamma, however Hermanus and the surrounding areas are probably the most well known whale watching region in South Africa and is also home to the annual Whale Festival.

From here we moved onto Grootbos Nature Reserve for our overnight stay. I was really looking forward to seeing Grootbos as it had some really great reviews and I can definitely say I wasn’t disappointed - at all. Located approximately 13km from Stanford, this is  the ideal place for guests doing a self-drive up the coast.

We stayed at Grootbos Forest Lodge, which is a magnificent lodge and has the perfect setting. Each lodge/unit was truly amazing, specially the honeymoon suite with its own plunge pool. The rooms are very spacious with a small kitchenette as you enter, followed by a cosy lounge area with a fireplace which was lit upon our return from dinner. The size of the bedroom did not disappoint with the large open areas and views of the fynbos from the comfort of your own bed, the bathroom a women’s delight.

They have an endless list of activities which are included in their rates from horse riding to bush walks. The perfect lodge for nature lovers and honeymooners. Grootbos has another lodge which is geared more for families called Garden Lodge which has a more intimate setting with two bedroom suites for the children to share with their parents.    

The owner of the lodge has a private house called The Whale House just a few minutes outside of the reserve in a little town called De Kelders, where they take guests for sundowners and whale watching which have some  truly magnificent sun sets for guests to enjoy.

The highlight of my trip whilst staying at Grootbos, was our whale watching tour out to sea bright and early in the morning. The activity is not exactly bungee jumping, however these gentle giants do get the adrenaline rushing through your veins especially when a 46 ft 60t whale swims right up to the boat that it feels you can reach out and touch him.

Almost within arms reach...

A self drive holiday along this route, comes highly recommended and it is great way to experience this part of South Africa on your own time, discovering the little gems along the way and leaving you in awe of the breathtaking scenery.

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