Gannabos Guest Farm
“The old people always said vygies are the shroud of winter,” says Merwe van Wyk of four-star Gannabos, about 30 km northeast of Nieuwoudtville. Merwe and his wife Nakkie (pictured right) will welcome you with Hantam hospitality – as will Goliat the Pomeranian. Gannabos is known for its quiver tree forest, which you can visit year-round. In August and September (depending on the rains), the veld bursts into colour. Then there’s the peace and quiet, and the ocean of stars at night… Nakkie is a consummate photographer and leads guests on photography walks in the quiver tree forest, where thousands of trees grow on the koppies. Where can I see flowers? The flowers are so abundant you can see them from your stoep. Gannabos is on the 80 km Rondekop/ Naresie flower route in the area between Calvinia, Nieuwoudtville and Loeriesfontein (ask Nakkie for directions). In a good year you’ll see sambreeltjies ( Felicia australis), geeloogsuring ( Oxalis obtusa), Heliophila carnosa, Senecio cakilefolius and kruipvygie ( Lampranthus maximiliani). Facilities: Twin-sleeper Gannabos B&B is a one-bedroom cottage with an en suite bathroom. It’s close to the main house and there’s a pretty garden with a swimming pool and a lapa where you can braai. Kareeboom is a six-sleeper farm cottage with solar power, a gas stove, gas fridge and oil lamps for atmosphere. The cottage has a fireplace, a braai and a stoep overlooking a landscape of quiver trees. Firewood is supplied, as is fresh bread or roosterkoek. Rates: Gannabos B&B R550 per person, breakfast included. Kareeboom from R1 800 per night for up to three people; R2 000 for four people; plus R500 per extra person. How to get there: Follow the R357 from Nieuwoudtville towards Loeriesfontein for 22 km and turn right onto the Gannabos dirt road. The quiver tree forest is 3 km further on the right; the farmstead is about 8 km further. GPS: S31.22673 E19.24258 (quiver tree forest); S31.24245 E19.31950 (Gannabos) Contact: 027 218 1249; gannabos@hantam.co.za; gannabos.co.za – Erns Grundling HANTAM NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN There are short hiking trails at this blooming marvellous spot just outside Nieuwoudtville – and a few porcupines. Entrance fee R20 per adult; R12 per child. How to get there: Follow Voortrekker Street south out of town; turn left at the first T-junction and right about 1,2 km further. GPS: S31.39796 E19.14041 Contact: 027 218 1200; sanbi.org