“Every year one particular plant transforms the landscape into a canvas of unbelievable pink. Found nowhere else in the world, this rare Erica irregularis joins in as the whole wilderness comes alive.”

For most regions springtime is when nature bursts into a vibrant collaboration of blossoming flowers and birdsong. But at the southern region of Africa, winter is the time when the Overberg puts on a magical show. Situated in the hub of the Cape Floral Kingdom, the rolling hills of fynbos come alive with colour and the creatures of the area come out to play. 

This blushing burst of colour is thanks to the rare Erica irregularis. This particular Erica is only found on the foothills between the towns of Gansbaai and Stanford, on an area covering roughly 300 hectares. The entire population is found on Grootbos Private Nature Reserve which means that the majority of this unique plant is protected from harvesting and alien vegetation.

Growing in sandy coastal soils, the shrubs with their upright branches can grow up to 1.5m tall and are covered in their trademark pink, rounded flowers. The flowers are constricted at the opening and carried on long woolly stalks that arranged in an irregular fashion, hence the latin name ‘irregularis’. Flowering from July to October, the Erica irregularis has become somewhat of a celebrity in the area and as its warm glow spreads across the hills you can feel the crisp winter air dissipate. 

Painting the Reserve in a palette of rosy hues, this symphony of precious flowers create a stark contrast against the white sandy dunes of Die Plaat and deep blue waters of Walker Bay. This creates a masterpiece on a canvas of blue sky and green landscapes.

Now you can experience these delicate bells of the ball during the Secret Season at Grootbos. The drive up to the lodge will give you the first look at the flushed landscape after which you can quite literally dive into the soft hues of the fields with a 4x4 Flower Safari or Horse Riding Experience. Venture through the Reserve in one of our comfortable 4x4’s or on horseback as one of our knowledgeable guides tell you all about the secrets of the soils while breathing in the fragrant fynbos-scented air.

Watch our Erica & The Bee video for a quick look:

This is the Secret Season at Grootbos.

Remember to keep an eye out for the next journey of the Secret Season: Bird Watching