Grootbos is a private, family-managed nature reserve and collection of lodges that is accessible via South Africa’s famous Garden Route. It is situated directly on the coast, high above Walker Bay and not far from Hermanus. The reserve is large (6,000+ acres) and encompasses a diverse range of habitats: mountain and ocean; gorgeous beaches and stunning heathland covered in cape fynbos.
For nature enthusiasts wanting to explore this most beautiful region of the Western Cape, Grootbos offers a range of well-managed guided tours and activities—on land and sea—designed to allow you to really understand the fauna and flora of the region. Experienced botanists lead guided tours, which take place on horseback, foot or by vehicle. Grootbos is also a reliable option for families, with a number of child friendly activities.
There are two separate lodges within the Grootbos reserve: the Garden Lodge and Forest Lodge. Both are beautifully furnished to a five-star standard. The Garden Lodge is smaller and a little more remote, but in terms of facilities both lodges are comparable.
Grootbos Nature Reserve is open throughout the year. It is located approx. 2 hours from Cape Town and easily visited as an extension to a tour of the Garden Route.
Accommodation
Grootbos Nature Reserve offers 27 luxury suites, beautifully sited among the cape fynbos and Mildwood forests, and divided between the Forest and Garden Lodges (16 and 11 rooms, respectively). The units are constructed of stone, timber and thatch giving them a real African feel, but boast modern interiors equipped with all the amenities and features you would expect of a five-star hotel.
The units are all generously-sized and feature either one or two bedrooms, private lounge with fireplace, and spacious en-suite bathroom.
In addition to the Garden and Forest Lodge suites, Grootbos also offers a private villa that accommodates up to twelve guests in six private suites. The villa comes with a private butler, cook and naturalist guide.
Dining
Dining at Grootbos is among the highlights of the experience! Delicious 4-course meals, accompanied by a good selection of wines, await you in the candlelit restaurant upon your return from an active day. There is also a bar that enjoys a fantastic view across Walker Bay to Cape Point.
The Grootbos villa enjoys a private chef and kitchen.
Facilities
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Stunning garden
Activities
There is a wide range of activities on offer at Grootbos, including:
- Explore the reserve on foot, horseback or 4x4 Jeep
- Hike along Protea Trail and Pincushion Trail
- Dyer Island Cruises (domain of the Southern Right Whale)
- Shark diving
- Visit a bird sanctuary
- Cape Fur seals
- Guided tour of the local flora fauna
- Horse riding
- For children: Beach trips, horse rides, stable visit, bug collecting
Available locally (mostly at an additional cost)
- Numerous mountain biking and cycling routes
- Hot springs
- Hiking
- Bird watching
- Balloon flight
- Fishing
- Wine and cheese tasting
- Horse riding
- Game drives
- Golf
- Adrenalin activities: Shark diving, sea kayaking, motor cycling, quad biking, scuba diving
Child Policy
There are no age restrictions at Grootbos and the staff from our experience will go out of their way to accommodate families. The larger suites and private villa are suitable for families.
Participation in some activities and water sports is restricted to older children and adults for safety reasons.
