Discover the Diverse Wildlife of Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Nestled amid an ancient Milkwood forest, with expansive views of rolling fynbos-covered hills and the whale sanctuary of Walker Bay, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is a 2-hour drive from Cape Town. This pristine paradise showcases the Cape Floral Kingdom’s beauty and the southern tip of Africa’s marine life. The contemporary Forest Lodge exemplifies sophisticated design, with high ceilings, large windows offering stunning vistas, and 16 luxury suites accessed via an enchanted forest pathway. Each suite boasts a canopy bed, spacious en-suite bathroom, separate lounge with a fireplace, and a private wooden deck with panoramic views.
The main lodge features elegant dining venues, a bar, lounge, curio shop, and a conference center. Spacious wooden decks and an infinity pool provide a tranquil setting, and cozy fireplaces and subtle lighting create a romantic dining atmosphere as evening descends. Grootbos’s core philosophy combines conservation with social development, contributing to the Grootbos Foundation’s initiatives and sustainable nature-based livelihoods for local communities. This approach has made Grootbos an award-winning leader in sustainable tourism, a movement known as “Progressive Tourism,” inviting guests to play a pivotal role in these efforts.
Each suite includes a spacious bedroom with an en-suite bathroom featuring double washbasins, a double shower, and a bathtub. Additionally, there is a separate lounge with tea and coffee making facilities, a minibar, a cozy fireplace, a flatscreen TV, and a DVD player for in-room entertainment. The spacious suites open onto a private deck with outdoor showers, and two out of the 16 suites feature a private plunge pool.
Exploring a place on horseback adds a unique charm to the experience. Whether you’re taking a leisurely trot to admire the scenic views or riding down the sweeping sand dunes, you’ll find the fresh air invigorating and a sense of exhilaration coursing through you.
At Grootbos, horse riding is accessible to everyone, whether you’re a complete novice or an experienced rider. You can opt for a relaxed ride through the fynbos or choose one of our horses specially trained for beach excursions. Our stable houses 22 well-exercised and expertly trained horses, while our guides boast years of experience in caring for these magnificent animals.
Embrace the art of stillness and attentive listening, and you’ll be astonished at the revelations awaiting you during a botanical safari. With the world’s most abundant temperate flora and six newly discovered plant species, your journey at Grootbos will forever transform your perspective on plants and flowers.
Within our 2,500-hectare pristine wilderness, you’ll encounter a staggering 800 documented plant species that unravel the captivating narrative of fynbos and forests. Engage your senses as you touch, smell, and behold the natural wonders surrounding you. Discover the intricate fit of a sunbird’s beak within a flower, the unique honey crafted by our bees, and the vital role of sweeping fires in rejuvenating life.
As a guest at Grootbos, the beach offers an array of experiences. Enjoy a leisurely walk on the serene shoreline, bask in the sun on its pristine sands, or explore the coastal wonders while watching playful whales.
Our knowledgeable guides know the ideal spots for swimming, sunbathing, whale watching, angling, and other oceanic adventures. We provide convenient beach transportation, supply a picnic lunch, and furnish all the necessary beach essentials for your sun-filled day.
For those seeking in-depth knowledge, join our guided beach tours. Discover the unique intertidal ecosystem, rich marine life, coastal vegetation, and the geological forces that sculpted this striking coastline.
“Experience the enchantment of Grootbos with a leisurely stroll through our lush Milkwood forest or a rejuvenating hike through the fynbos-covered mountains, revealing the unique beauty that defines Grootbos. Whether it’s a sunbird sipping nectar from a flower or a breathtaking ocean vista, surprises await around every corner.
Our well-marked trails offer the choice of self-guided or guided walks, allowing you to delve deeper into these captivating and mysterious ecosystems. Admire the intricate petals of the King Protea, inhale the fragrant blackcurrant scent of the buchu plant, or simply embrace the exquisite silence enveloping you.
