Botanical Tour
A Biodiversity Day botanical tour with horticulturalist, Geoff Nichols
The Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area is home to fynbos species found nowhere else globally.
BOTANICAL TOUR
Secretive fynbos like the ‘shy rose’ (Protea pudens), ‘wetland rose’ (Leucadendron laxum) and ‘Elim heather’ (Erica regia) form part of our Critically Endangered Elim Ferricrete Fynbos.
Well-known horticulturalist Geoff Nichols, winner of the prestigious Marloth Medal (awarded by the Botanical Society), will guide a small group of plant lovers through the fynbos of the Nuwejaars Wetlands SMA, in search of those fynbos endemics that you’ll not find elsewhere, as well as those species that light up the fynbos landscapes.
Botanical Tour
Join the tour on the International Day for Biological Diversity, and experience Geoff’s passion for nature, and lessons on how we can become part of the solution (the Biodiversity Day 2021 theme). We’ll transport you from the Black Oystercatcher to two fynbos sites. From here we’ll walk around 2km in total, with Geoff pointing out the fynbos specials along the route.
Booking is essential and numbers are limited
Details
Date: Saturday 22 May
Time: 8am – 11.30am
Place: Meet at the Black Oystercatcher Wines, and we’ll transport you to 2 fynbos locations
Price: R200 (Tour includes coffee, tea and rusks in the fynbos)
For more info, contact the Nuwejaars Wetlands SMA on: book@nuwejaars.com, or phone: 076 833 6341
Our botanical tour tips:
- Bring your gumboots along, in case we walk through some wet patches (it’s exceedingly wet here following recent floods)
- Bring your binoculars to enjoy the bird life along the way
- Bring a rain mac for if it rains during the walk, and dry clothes for after the walk (you can get into your dry clothes at the Black Oystercatcher, and enjoy a coffee and pizza)
- This is an easy walk, approximately 2 to 3km’s in total, through the fynbos
Meet Geoff Nichols
Geoff Nichols worked in the Durban Parks Department for 21 years and has diplomas in agriculture, horticulture and parks and recreation administration. He pioneered the growing of indigenous medicinal plants at the Silverglen Medicinal Plant Nursery.
His interest in indigenous gardening and reintroducing native plants to the urban environment resulted in the birth of his own horticultural consultancy in 1996 and the development of the habitat gardening concept.
In 2016, he was awarded the prestigious Marloth Medal by the Botanical Society of South Africa.
Make it a weekend getaway and stay over at our NWSMA members’ accommodation.
Black Oystercatcher Cottages
The Black Oystercatcher offers 4 self-catering cottages, on the road between Bredasdorp and Elim. The cottages overlook the Agulhas Plain – and from here you can eat delicious meals and taste wine at the Black Oystercatcher Restaurant, or visit local sights (for example in nearby Elim).
028 482 1618
Klipfontein Keep
This house is situated on the beautiful Klipfontein Farm – a birder’s paradise (and also just down the road from Struisbaai). The house sleeps 10 – and visitors can walk, enjoy the game (including eland), cycle, or just enjoy the setting.
028 424 1990
Strandveld Vineyards
Strandveld is the home of the First Sighting and Strandveld wines. The winery has two cottages – both with an indoor fireplace, and kitchen facilities, en-suite bathrooms, not to mention wonderful garden views. Conveniently located close to Elim and Struisbaai.
028 482 1902
Langrug Lodge
This farm cottage is a perfect combination of old and modern. It has two bedrooms, with en-suite bathrooms. The cottage is situated on the Zoetendalsvlei – and you’ll enjoy the views from the kitchen. There’s no electricity here; this getaway is about connecting with nature, not technology.
028 424 1990
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