Last week I was lucky enough to be whisked away for a mid-week break to the beautiful Grootbos Private Nature reserve just past Stanford. The main reason for our visit was to experience the brand new Just Pure amenities range created specifically for Grootbos. The unique, signature scent is a heavenly blend of fynbos and essential oils… but more about that tomorrow.
First up was a drive through the nature reserve to experience the fynbos kingdom up close, magical views and masses of pincushion proteas had us in awe.
From there we headed to their working farm to meet the amazing team from the Grootbos Foundation and to learn about what they do. This non-profit organisiation has three main programmes which they operate…
Green Futures – focuses on conservation and includes research projects, training courses at their Green Futures Horticulture and Life Skills College and more.
Football Foundation – promotes sports and social development in Gansbaai, an area with typically high unemployment rates and few educational, recreational and developmental resources and opportunities.
Siyakhula – focuses on the creation of sustainable livelihoods through enterprise development. The Siyakhula Organic Farm also produces honey, water, veggies and herbs for the Grootbos lodges.
This hard-working team has achieved incredible results and it was fantastic to meet such passionate people who really are making a difference. Hop over here to find out more.
As you can see, we were treated to a fabulous feast prepared by Chef Ben and his team, using fresh produce from the Siyakhula farm.
Siyakhula has been experimenting with creating sustainable veggie boxes for the local community and we were each given our own mini version. Let’s hope that my green fingers prevail! A big thank you to the Grootbos Foundation for the wonderful experience.
All photography: Lana Kenney ©
Candice Lee Kannemeyer
15 December
What a lovely trip. So inspiring. And so, so nice to spend some time with you, Lana. X