Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve: April 2021

Our Search for California Redwoods & The Strawberry Rain Frog  – Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve

(Dramatic views of the Duiwenhoks River valley and the breathtaking Langeberg mountains)

With so many articles written about Grootvadersbosch, it is not difficult to understand the allure. With the vast amount of bird species, endless mountain trails for mountain biking enthusiasts to explore, and the majestic Afromontane forest, this is one of the places one has to visit at least once in your lifetime. This article will tell you more about our search for Giant Sequoia and our visit to Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve.

(Boosmansbos Wilderness Area, here the forest melts away into the Fynbos)

(Champion Californian Redwood Trees, this must be the largest grove of these trees in South Africa)

(Grootvadersbosch main gate and Office Complex)

MISSION NUMBER TWO:  THE ELUSIVE LITTLE STRAWBERRY RAIN FROG

The Strawberry rain frog is a unique little frog species, not like many others.  These cute little critters burrow backward into the sand and live a life hidden from the world above the ground for most of their lives.  They only make their appearance when it rains.  

The Features to Look Out For:
They have short legs, which are used to walk and not jump as we would expect most frogs to do.  They have a very human-like face, but rather sad-looking.  A fat little torso, with little bumps, similar to that of a strawberry.

The females are much larger than the males, and mating can only occur due to the excretion of a sticky-like glue substance from her body, which helps the male frogs to stick to her and perform their very important act of nature.  Once mating is over, they part ways and she will reverse back into the underground world to lay and hatch her eggs.

There is very little information documented about the Strawberry Rain Frog and we tried our best to find one.   They only make their appearance once it starts to rain.   The clouds promised rain but not nearly enough during our visit for us to find one to photograph.  We will not stop here in our aim to one day find and experience the cuteness that is a Strawberry Rain Frog.

(Dramatic views of the Duiwenhoks River valley and the breathtaking Langeberg mountains)

(Driving through the dense forest towards the Self-Catering Cabins)

(Towering Giants, majestic trees that dominate the forest, 66m high and impressive)

Afromontane Forest

Found in the Langeberg and near Swellendam in the Western Cape, the Afromontane Forest is a massive 250ha area. This indigenous forest is a valuable and significant landmark of the Langeberg region and was designated a World Heritage Site in 2015. This area now forms part of the extension of the Cape Floral Kingdom Protected Area World Heritage Site.

(Duiwenhoks River Rock Pools, Brown tannin-stained water breaking a sea of green)

(Towering Giants, majestic trees that dominate the forest, 66m high and impressive)

(This way to the Californian Redwood Trees)

Lords of the forest: Our Search for Giant Sequoia (Californian Redwood)

The forest boasts various tree species, including ancient yellowwood, ironwood, and Stinkhout trees. However, what caught our attention is the grove of Champion Californian Redwood trees. These giants are dated at more than 2000 years old and can grow to over 380 feet. They have not yet reached these heights in South Africa, but the prospect of encountering these remarkable trees was cause for much excitement.

(Camping Decks with sweeping views over the valley)

(Luxury self-Catering Cabins, Sunset over the valley)

(Another Spectacular Sunset, Camping in style, Thanks Cape Nature )

Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve

Accommodation in the Reserve is nestled in the Afromontane forest and features eight camping decks with eleven self-catering cabins. Cape Nature manages this Reserve and is immensely popular; booking accommodation proved to be problematic. When we visited the Reserve in April 2021, construction on the six brand new self-catering Glamping units was almost complete.

(The new luxury Tented style Glamping units with endless views and all the amenities)

(The new luxury Tented style Glamping units with endless views and all the amenities)

(The new luxury Tented style Glamping units with endless views and all the amenities)

New Facilities at Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve

One can truly become one with nature from the new luxury tented style chalets with built-in kitchens and shower areas. You can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Langeberg mountain and Duivenhoks River Valley from your private balcony. Each unit has its outside braai area, built-in fireplace and inside the kitchen. There is plenty to do in the Reserve, from mountain biking to hiking trails and birdwatching or you can spend some quiet time at the pool and gym facility.

(Champion Californian Redwood Trees, this must be the largest grove of these trees in South Africa)

(Cycling Trails in the Boosmansbos Wilderness Area, breathtaking scenery)

Our Experiences

We eventually managed to secure a booking over the Easter long weekend in 2021. We were finally going to get the opportunity to visit and experience this National treasure ourselves. Our booking involved camping for two nights, after which we would spend two more days enjoying the self-catering cabins.

(Swellendam in the distance, you can also see the Self-Catering Cabins location top center)

(An elevated view of the Camping Deks, image taken from the other side of the valley)

(The Boys enjoying the Great Outdoors)

Initially, the idea of having to split our accommodation was annoying. However, it became an enjoyable and fulfilling experience since it allowed us to experience both aspects of what the Reserve has to offer. The two locations provided us with an entirely different perspective, and we got to appreciate two distinct areas within the Reserve and what each one has on offer.

(A splash of orange breaks the monotony of the forest greenery)

(Duiwenhoks River Pools, great location to cool off on a hot summers day)

Arriving at Our Destination

We arrived late when it was already dark, and the first task at hand was to set up camp. After setting up, we could finally sit back and enjoy a glass of wine while listening to the calls of the Fiery necked nightjars.

(Cycling Trails in the Boosmansbos Wilderness Area, breathtaking scenery)

(Another spectacular Sunset, Swellendam in the distance)

(Early morning dramatic start to the day, this was our Cabin for the weekend)

Day 1 – Our Search for Giant Sequoia

We got up early to capture the magnificent sunrise images, but unfortunately, the mist and clouds rolled in from the North, and the sun disappeared for the remainder of the weekend. Undeterred, we headed into the dense forest, beginning our search for the Champion Californian Redwood trees and some adventure.

(Stunning views across the Duiwenhoks River Valley and the dramatic Langeberg mountains)

(The Second Bird Hide, deep in the forest, a birders paradise)

(Best Seat in the House, from this bird hide you can enjoy it all and soak up the tranquillity)

The Bushbuck trail leads you past one of the raised bird hides with a splendid view of the valley and majestic mountains. With over 200 birds recorded in the Reserve, it is no wonder they had to build two hides. We progressed at a leisurely pace while savouring our surroundings with indigenous yellowwoods, stinkwoods, red alder trees, and ironwoods. The Redwood grove has grown to immense proportions, breaking the forest thickets and towering like massive pillars 100 feet high. An unforgettable sight with their soft and furry red bark, the grove of Redwood, ruling the forest.

(Champion Californian Redwood Trees, this must be the largest grove of these trees in South Africa)

(Towering Giants, majestic trees that dominate the forest, 66m high and impressive)

(Walking amongst Giants, Bushbuck trail passing the Redwood Trees)

Interesting Facts About the Californian Redwood

 

·      Latin name for the Californian Redwood: Cupressaceae: Sequoia semprevirens

·      Afrikaans name: Kaliforniese rooihout

·      Dating back to prehistoric times – The earliest Redwoods were viewed on Earth shortly after dinosaurs and before birds, humans, spiders, and flowers. These ancient trees have been around for 240 million years.

·      Wild creatures like coho salmon, mountain lions, and marbled murrelets are dependent on the redwood forests for survival, primarily due to climate changes when they have to adapt quickly. The endangered sea bird, marbled murrelet, only nests in Douglas fir trees and the tallest redwoods.

(Waking Trails in every direction, we listened to the Forest Birdsong and enjoyed the Great Outdoors)

(Towering Giants, majestic trees that dominate the forest)

(Towering Giants, majestic trees that dominate the forest, 66m high and impressive)

Measuring around 66m in height and more than one hundred years old, these trees were impressive and worthy of their status. Time seemed irrelevant as we surveyed the champions and recorded the scene while moving through the forest. While being mesmerised by the sheer scale of these ancient trees, the eery, dark, moody lyrics of The Cure (A Forest) played in my mind:

 “Come closer and see, see into the trees.

Find the girl, while you can

Come closer and see, see into the dark

Just follow your eyes, I hear her voice calling my name

The sound is deep. I hear her voice and start to run

into the trees, suddenly I stop, but I know it’s too late

I’m lost in a forest, all alone, the girl was never there

It’s always the same. I’m running towards nothing

Again and again” –  Robert Smith

(Superslow shutter speed to capture the flowing water)

(Duiwenhoks river crossing, dark dense forest)

(you can Smell the Damp undergrowth, listen to the river flowing, our happy place)

Day 2 – Our Search for more forest adventure

 

The following day, we decided to follow a different route along Duiwenhoks River, where we visited the waterfall and rock pools. Hiking through the forest canopy gave us plenty of time to look for and listen to the array of forest bird species.

The weather was on our side, and we decided to brave the April’ chill’ in the high mountain air and sleep under the stars.  That night, we could hear all the forest sounds; it was again music to my ears. 

(Our Luxury Self Catering Cabin number 11, we even had a garage)

(Cycling Trails in the Boosmansbos Wilderness Area, breathtaking scenery)

 

Day 3 and 4 – At the self-catering Chalets

 

Moving to the self-catering cabins felt like entering a completely different world with fresh surroundings and the opportunity to enjoy the fynbos landscape of the Boosmansbos Wilderness Area.

 

The mountain bike routes that zigzag through the mountainous terrain are superlative. We were most impressed by the panoramic views, abundant and colourful fynbos fauna and flora, and the prolific birdlife.

(Victorin’s Warbler, a new lifer for me and a great bird to get on film)

(Cape Batis, always special, seen with the Blue Mantled Crested Flycatcher)

(Forest Canary, he posed so well for this image)