Secret Season: Honey Harvesting

19 June

Secret Season

“Harvest your own honey from the hives in the fynbos..”
 
The Overberg conceals a world of intricate curiosities hidden away from most during a large part of the year. But as the dawn breaks on the magical Secret Season, this changes in a heartbeat. The fields of low shrubs transform into a mosaic of soft tones and earthy aromas which attracts all manner of winged creatures of the land.

Experience honey harvesting with our Secret Season Special 

Established in an area with such rich biodiversity, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is dedicated to preserving its natural treasures for guests and future generations alike to explore and experience. Along with protecting pockets of ancient Milkwood forest and the beautiful fynbos species found here, like the Erica irregularis, the Reserve also aims to conserve the microscopic ecosystems that form part of this incredible landscape. 
 
Amongst the minute creatures of the fields, Grootbos has taken a particular interest in the yellow and black busy bodies that feed on the endemic fynbos here. Setting up hive boxes throughout the Reserve, Grootbos has ensured the protection of the bees in the area, the continued pollination of the area’s unique plant species as well as creating something special.

To learn more about this, Grootbos invites you to join our very own beekeeper in heading out in the Reserve and harvesting your own honey. Heading to our farm, Siyakhula, you’ll meet up with our beekeeper (apiarist) and  make your way out to visit the beehives stationed in the fynbos. Be enthralled as his passion for these intriguing insects shines through while explaining all about the hives, the bees and how they make their delicious fynbos honey. Kitted up in our brand new bee wear (including suits, gloves, boots and visors), you’ll be able to view and learn about the inner workings of the beehives safely, for both human and bee.

Back at Siyakhula, you’ll be taken through the process of harvesting, filtering and bottling of the uniquely sweet fynbos honey. The Reserve currently has 120 hives from which they harvest the golden honey and aims to increase this in the following years. Something special to note during the Secret Season is that during these months when the Ericas flourish, the honey is produced from mainly Erica irregularis pollen - which is found nowhere else in the world. Once bottled, guests can take home your very own jar of Grootbos fynbos honey. 
 
The delectable fynbos honey is also a very popular feature on the Grootbos Menu - from being used in the glazing of Salmon and baby carrots to the berry fynbos compote on your French toast and of course, in the making of our famous home-made fynbos ice cream.

This is the Secret Season at Grootbos. 
 
Be sure to join us for our next adventure: The Gardens at Grootbos

SECRET SEASON - VIEW PACKAGE HERE