Nestled along the tranquil shores of the Bot River lagoon in Walker Bay, Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate is preparing to merge fine wine, dramatic landscapes, and world-class wildlife art. From October 3, 2026, through March 31, 2027, the estate will host Where the Wild Things Come to Rest, an outdoor exhibition featuring twenty striking bronze and resin sculptures by acclaimed British wildlife artist Carol Bryant.
Rather than placing these artworks inside a traditional gallery, the exhibition integrates them directly into the coastal landscape. Visitors wandering through the estate can encounter life-sized animal forms scattered along the lagoon’s edge, woven into the fynbos walking paths, positioned across the restaurant terrace, and nestled in the winery precinct and villa gardens.
Capturing the Soul of the Wild
Bryant’s sculptures stem from intimate field observation. Having studied predators and plains game across Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, and South Africa—including hands-on conservation work at the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre near Pretoria—her creations capture real moments from memory rather than imagination.
Highlights among the anchor pieces include Chasing Cheetah, Giraffes, Rhino, Warthog, and Elephant’s Child. The latter was inspired by a touching safari moment when a stranded young calf sprinted back to its herd, greeted by a reassuring touch from the matriarch.
Beyond her wildlife collection, the exhibition features a notable exception: a bronze portrait bust and maquette of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Bryant sculpted Tutu personally after he jokingly challenged her to get his nose right—a bronze cast of which now resides at his grave in St George’s Cathedral in Cape Town.
A Feast for the Senses
The initiative was conceived by Benguela Cove owner and CEO Penny Streeter OBE as a way to enrich the visitor experience. Streeter notes that the sculptures offer an invitation to pause, look closely, and engage tactilely, perfectly complementing the estate’s wine tasting and dining offerings.
Located just 15 minutes from Hermanus and 90 minutes from Cape Town, Benguela Cove offers the ideal weekend day trip or overnight escape. Guests can combine an art walk with lunch at Moody Lagoon Restaurant, a wine tasting session, or a stay at the waterfront villas.
Visitor Information
- Exhibition: Where the Wild Things Come to Rest by Carol Bryant
- Dates: October 3, 2026 – March 31, 2027
- Hours: Daily, 10:00 – 18:00
- Admission: Free entry
- Location: Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate, R43, Walker Bay, Hermanus, Western Cape
- Purchases: All twenty limited-edition pieces are available for purchase, with prices available on enquiry. Each piece features a QR code linking to the digital catalogue.
