Description
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, birdwatching, 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.
Accommodation
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve offers 11 Suites at Garden Lodge and 10 suites at Forest Lodge. Suites in both lodges feature a spacious bedroom with en suite bathroom, separate lounge with tea & coffee making facilities, minibar, cosy fireplace and satellite TV / DVD player for in-room entertainment. The spacious suites open out onto a private outside deck overlooking Walker Bay.
Childcare
Garden Lodge offers good facilities for children. There's a playground near the horse stables and there are a number of activities to inspire and educate them including treasure hunts in the Milkwood Forest. Special children's menus are available as well as refreshments and snacks during activities. Children under 12 years old are not accepted at Forest Lodge.
Facilities
Facilities at the lodges include a swimming pool, the 'Red Indigo' and 'Garden' restaurants serving imaginative interpretations of 'old school dishes' with breathtaking views of Walker Bay and the surrounding fynbos reserve, a boma nestled in the lush surroundings of Milkwood Forest, bar, spacious lounge area, gallery, infinity pool, conference centre and spa treatments.
Activities
Horse riding, guided walks or drives in the reserve are complimentary at both lodges. Activities at an a additional cost include whale watching, great white shark cage diving, other boat activities, wine tours, birdwatching, scenic flights, horse riding and in-room beauty and massage treatments.
When to travel
Garden Route enjoys a moderate climate all year round. In peak summer season, from December to February, temperatures can climb as high as 34ºC, although winter temperatures can drop to as low as 4ºC. Generally, this season has many sunny days with high wind at times. During the winter months of June, July, and August, expect frequent rains and a couple of chilly evenings. From June to December, the Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis) graces Walker Bay with its massive presence.
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Location and directions
Gansbaai, South Africa
Only 2 hours from Cape Town en route to Hermanus and the Garden Route, Grootbos is centred in the heart of the Cape's abundant sea, floral and wild life landscapes. The Garden Route is rightly referred to as the Jewel of South Africa, with lush indigenous forest, free flowing rivers, expansive lagoons, sunkissed beaches and majestic mountains combining to create a symphony of natural beauty.
How to get there
The nearest airport is Cape Town International, an 11-hour 30-minute international flight. The hotel is less than a 2-hour drive. Transfers to Grootbos from Cape Town, or from the Garden Route, can be arranged.
We also have a private airstrip and aeroplane transfers can be arranged!
