Go Crank
The Grootvadersbosch Conservancy Cycle Trail traverses a challenging route through conservancy farmland and within the adjacent Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve. Vegetation along the route varies from dense montane forest and mountain fynbos to lowland Renosterveld, as well as rural farmland on the Langeberg slopes.
Start from the office to drop down and cross the Duiwenhoks River before the first major climb kicks in. The jeep track consists mainly of coarse sandstone stretches, bush-cutter trail and patches of sand, with a series of very rocky stream crossings. Crank along relatively technical terrain past the old Grootvadersbosch homestead and onto the farmland section. Here you can head on a long loop via Snelsetter (60 km plus) or short-cut back to the reserve for half the distance.
Go Run
If you’re a free-ranging kinda runner, all you need do is pay your entrance fee, get a map from reception and head onto the trails. The trails crisscrossing the reserve and adjacent conservancy will transport runners into a playground of note. Spectacular views across both the Little Karoo and Overberg will delight you while you run along several well-marked trails.
Distance options range from 2-15 km, while the two-day Boosmansbos Trail (30 km) may be tackled overnight with a stop at one of the rudimentary huts en route. If you’re keen to run the area as part of an organised race, your best option is the superb two-day Spur Grootvadersbosch Trail Run. Presented annually in June, you cover 50 km over two days and will see the most beautiful parts of the reserve.
Go Hike
There are two main trails within the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve, namely the Bushbuck and Grysbok trails. These can be combined into various loops ranging from a couple of kilometres to a substantial 15 km meander.
The Bushbuck Trail constitutes a series of circuits and loops in the indigenous forests on the banks of the Duivenhoks River. Individual loops include the Fonteintjiesbos, Melkhout and Stinkhout circuits. The latter will take you past the elevated bird hide, so it makes sense to explore here if you have twitching tendencies.
The Grysbok Trail is substantially longer, at around 15km, but is also configured to include a series of loops (the main ones are Sunbird and Grysboksirkel). These trails are more exposed, so it is best to tackle them outside the heat of the day, and with sufficient water; the only relatively tough part is the steep ascent to the viewpoint.
Go 4x4
Go Bees
John Moodie is an avid beekeeper, which is no wonder when you live on a farm by the name of Honeywood. Suit up and join him for a two-day introductory course in beekeeping and you’ll even get to partake in a practical demonstration.Go Birding
Go Horseback
The sleepy Overberg farming community of Heidelberg, situated on the N2 in the shadows of the majestic Langeberg Mountains, serves as your m...