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January 06, 2012

Property Pick

Grootbos Villa
Grootboos Nature Reserve, South Africa

The Grootbos Private Nature Reserve lies just two hours outside Cape Town and signifies the beginning of the Garden Route, a stones throw from Hermanus. This reserve is known for its dazzling sea of flowers and extensive stretches of fynbos amidst ancient milkwood forest that has stood, as today, for 1500 years. The surrounding area is rich in both floral and marine life and offers total privacy whilst being mesmerised by panoramic views of unsullied Walker Bay and its whales.

Overlooking the whale watching capital of the world, nestled neatly within the Grootbos Nature Reserve, is Grootbos Villa – the latest addition to the Grootbos portfolio and the epitome of peaceful seclusion. This is one of South Africa’s most luxurious and exclusive hideaways - a magnificent sole-use residence - 1000 square metres of superlative luxury. The Grootbos Villa boasts six tastefully appointed suites, two lounges, dining room, outside and inside barbeque areas, media room, fully equipped kitchen, wine cellar and gym. There are also large exterior decks and a pool from which to submerge in the beauty of the fynbos and forest-clad hills.

A private team consisting of butler, chef and guide are on hand to exceed every expectation and to ensure that the Grootbos experience is optimised. Gourmet cuisine is crafted for dining pleasures from the freshest local ingredients and enjoyed whilst marvelling at the incredible surrounding landscapes. Whether interests lie in birding, wild flowers, horse riding, shark diving or sheer relaxation either in the comfort of the villa or on the unspoilt beaches – Grootbos provides it all, pervaded by exquisite luxury.

Hidden away at the southern most tip of Africa, this pristine piece of wilderness proffers unique experiences that imprint on the memory, truly remarkable and unforgettable, one of the most idyllic locations on Earth.




RELATED ITEMS

January 16, 2012

The short rains have come: the annual Serengeti migration is underway.

by Sandor Carter

The migration actually never stops: wildebeest, zebra and gazelle travel constantly clockwise over a huge territory in pursuit of fresh grazing. For the animals that prey on them, they’re literally a moveable feast.

January 15, 2012

Elephants drop in for dinner at Zambia’s Mfuwe Lodge

by Michael Lorentz

I’m constantly grateful to the numerous trackers who shared their legendary bush skills with me, particularly a San gentleman called Vet Piet who could read the landscape like a newspaper. A lot of the time, the real story of the bush is hidden in tiny details: a bent piece of grass, or the imprint left by a swirl of dust that shows where a predator has struck.

RICHARD COKE
January 14, 2012

In the Presence of Greatness

by Richard Coke

A month and a half ago I spent a few days in the Virunga Volcanoes in the hope of seeing the endangered Mountain Gorilla. On one particular day of trekking we were blessed with beautiful blue skies, mild temperatures and manageable muddy trails - if you have done this trek you will understand what I mean about the mud!

January 13, 2012

Tanzania Invitational Safari - Gnus & Gorillas

Passage to Africa offers the unique opportunity of joining an exclusive ‘invitational safari’, lead by professional guide, Squack Evans.

This incredible adventure immerses the safari lover in the untamed wilds of Tanzania’s northern circuit, beginning in the undulating landscapes of Tarangire where ancient baobab trees dot the wide-open plains, dwarfing the abundant wildlife beneath.

January 12, 2012

Inspiring Destination - Kaokaveld, Namibia

In the far northwest, The Kaokoveld is one of Africa’s last true wildernesses and Namibia at its most enticing, yet most inhospitable. The Kaokoveld is different – so removed from civilisation that it is difficult to relate – a fragile ecosystem easily scarred yet unforgiving in climate and meagre in resources to sustain life.

MICHAEL LORENTZ
January 11, 2012

Photo Essay - Elephant Bull

Image: Elephant Bull
Location: Amboseli National Park, Kenya
Photographer: Michael Lorentz, PTA Director and Partner Guide

This elephant bull is so substantial, confident and determined that it seems impossible that his species could be threatened by extinction. Yet mankind’s relentless expansion has resulted in habitat destruction and the ensuing conflict over resources.

January 10, 2012

Conservation: Possibly the largest haul of ivory ever found, 15 tonnes, seized in Malaysia.

Courtesy of the Zambia Wildlife Authority

Part of the largest ever seizure of ivory of 15 tonnes seized in Malaysia adds to staggering annual toll.

December 2011. Malaysian authorities have seized a staggering 15 tonnes of elephant ivory in Port Klang, just west of Kuala Lumpur; the sixth and by far the largest major seizure involving Malaysia in recent months, quite possibly the largest ever.

CHEF BRUCE ROBERTSON
January 09, 2012

From the Kitchen: The ‘Bush’ Bobotie

CHEF BRUCE ROBERTSON
Serves 8 very hungry people!

THE INGREDIENTS
* 2 Fairly thick slice ‘crestless’ bread (white or brown)
* 375ml Milk
* 25ml Oil
* 10ml Butter
* 5ml Turmeric
* 2 Onions, sliced
* 2 Cloves garlic, crushed
* 1 Apple, grated
* 35ml Curry powder

January 08, 2012

Book Pick - A Passage To Africa

As a five-year-old, George Alagiah emigrated with his family to Ghana—the first African country to attain independence from the British Empire. A Passage to Africa is Alagiah's shattering catalogue of atrocities crafted into a portrait of Africa that is infused with hope, insight, and outrage.