Why winter is the best time to visit us
Every season offers its blessings in the wilds of South Africa, but for many bush lovers, winter is the best of all. (Just ask a local).
While our Bellevue Forest Reserve (situated in the Greater Addo region of the Eastern Cape within easy reach of Port Elizabeth /Gqeberha and the Garden Route) may have glorious verdant mountains, they aren’t the very sky-grazing sort that catch the snow. Just the perfect height to ensure the sparkling champagne air and dazzling bright sunlight that comes from being a touch closer to heaven.
It’s here, among the richness and biodiversity of the Albany thicket, that scores of wild species find refuge throughout the year. They are just a lot easier to find and see when the summer lushness gives way to winter’s sparservegetation! Buffalo, kudu, zebra and eland are a few of the species likely to be encountered, soaking up the warmbeams of sunshine. If we are lucky, we may even spot the charming meerkats (suricates) stretched out on top of their burrows, tummies pressed against the earth’s residual heat.
With a bird species count of 165, there are sure to be some still active during winter, and mornings generally findthem sitting still on their sunny perches until the temperatures rise a bit – perfect for spotting them with binoculars and cameras,
Here are a few of the things we absolutely love about our season of cool dormancy – and we know you will too:
- Feeling vital and energetic! The fresher temps put a spring in our step as we bustle about to get the bloodflowing. There’s no better time to march out on a guided walking tour to see our majestic giraffe up close.Adrenaline is great for getting the blood pumping too!
- Those starry nights. The still cold air of midwinter renders the night skies a truly magnificent spectacle of abillion points of light.It’s definitely worth putting on that extra layer and sitting outside after dark to witness this nightly miracle.
- Roaring log fires. What is Africa without its most traditional meeting place – a fire pit? It’s the essence of a bush trip, gathering close to the crackling logs, listening to the sounds of the wild, sharing stories, making friends, rekindling love…
- Misty breath and steaming hot drinks, hands cupped around the warming mugs on a sharply crisp morning, legs tucked under a fluffy blanket, snug in beanies and puffer jackets as you head out on a game drive to discover new bush delights.
- Hearty meals. There’s no better time to tuck into our five star, locally sourced bush cuisine, lovingly preparedby passionate chefs. (And we all know you need more calories in the cold, so indulging is absolutely fine!)
Our wildlife paradise is a real winter wonderland all of its own. We know you’ll find a few more reasons to love it.
Please come and spend it with us!
