JOIN US AT THE RETREAT AT GROENFONTEIN
– Merrilee Berrisford
I was in the Klein Karoo last week, and stayed at The Retreat at Groenfontein in the foothills of the Swartberg. Last spring I was there, mostly on hands and knees looking at flowers, I felt it would be a good place for a Kogelberg Branch stay. There are two possible plant people who could guide us. As John Rourke says, it is not a really botanically rich spot but it is Klein Karoo, different. There are special places on the way where we may meet to botanise.
Rates are very reasonable with deductions for winter, for staying three nights and a 5% discount if there are more than 10 of us. The cost per person includes a really good breakfast and a three course dinner which makes life easy. Marie and Grant Burton are excellent hosts.
There are a number of short and longer marked trails in the hills, a river and a dam. Good birding too. And pets are welcome. Not another source of light at night in the valley, just clear stars.
Prices without the 5% off: Standard room – R550 per person per night sharing; suites in converted weaving shed (2) and milking shed (2) are R680 and R740 pppn sharing. NOTE: These prices are for three days, but would be more for a shorter stay.
The time to be there would be September, Tuesday 5th to Friday 8th. We might even be able to fill the place – 16 minimum, more if sharing in family suites.
The Retreat is 20km north-east of Calitzdorp and 59km north-west of Oudtshoorn.
There are limited rooms so we’ll fill them on a first come, first served basis. We’ll be asking you to pay directly to The Retreat.
If you’d like to be really well prepared, find a copy of the Vlok’s Plants of the Klein Karoo to take with you – Jan Vlok and Anne Lise Schutte-Vlok published by Umdaus Press.
If you would like to join us please let me know at mberrisford@xsinet.co.za.