Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Gansbaai, South Africa

Just two hours from Cape Town, Grootbos is a superb family-run nature reserve set on the fynbos-clad hills above Walker Bay. 27 luxurious suites are divided between two lodges set amongst ancient milkwood trees overlooking a majestic sweep of coastline.

Grootbos Garden Lodge’s 11 suites provide the ideal getaway for families while the newer Forest Lodge with its fresh, contemporary style and spectacular sea views is ideally suited to couples and groups of friends. The large suites, each with a private deck, offer guests the chance to unwind amidst the splendours of nature while enjoying all the comforts of home. The use of natural textures and colours enhances the feeling of harmony with nature and well-appointed bathrooms with large windows overlook a carpet of diverse flora stretching down towards the sea. Combine this with a beauty or massage treatment in the comfort of your own room and you will be left feeling utterly peaceful and at one with your surroundings.

In addition to guided nature walks and drives activities at Grootbos include horse-riding, fishing, bird watching, great white shark cage diving and whale watching. Southern right whales migrate into Walker Bay to shelter from the storms in the south Atlantic and to calve from June to November. The cliffs of Walker Bay offer some of the best land-based whale viewing in the world and you can get even closer to these beautiful creatures by boat. Watch spellbound as mothers, calves and energetic bulls come to within 30 metres of the rocky shoreline.

• Grootbos Private Nature Reserve accommodation 11 Suites at Garden Lodge and 10 suites at Forest Lodge
• Location of Grootbos Private Nature Reserve Gansbaai, Walker Bay
• Getting to Grootbos Private Nature Reserve 11.5hr international flight, 2hrs by road
• Children at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve Good facilities for children at Garden Lodge. Children under 12 not accepted at Forest Lodge.
• Facilities Swimming pool at each lodge
• Free activities Horse riding, guided walks or drives in the reserve
• Paid activities Whale watching, great white shark cage diving, other boat activities, in-room beauty and massage treatments
• Weather Year round destination, best from Oct to Mar