Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Just 2 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.

Hermanus, Garden Route, South Africa
CHOICE
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
  • The best place on the planet to see the marine Big Five: Whales, Sharks, Dolphins, Seals and Penguins

  • A wide range of social and environmental projects here. Grootbos is an award winning, world leader in Responsible Tourism

  • So much to explore here at the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, on the hills of the reserve and down on the beach at Walker Bay

  • Delicious fresh and locally sourced food at both lodges, and an enviable wine cellar


Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is in a beautiful location above Walker Bay, a short distance from Hermanus on the Garden route, with sweeping views over the bay and out to sea. Grootbos is split into two lodges - Garden Lodge and Forest Lodge.

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 colors enhance the feeling of harmony with nature; 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, 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 meters of the rocky shoreline.

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Top tip:

Take a guided tour around their amazing social projects before heading down to the waterfront to spot whales. Children will be in heaven playing with the rabbits, riding the ponies and taking part in beach games.

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Facilities

Horse Riding

Horse Riding

Treatments

Treatments


Location

Hermanus, Garden Route, South Africa

Only 2 hours from Cape Town en route to Hermanus and the Garden Route, Grootbos is centerd 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.


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