Accommodation at Grootbos Nature Reserve, Western Cape, South Africa

Safari Lodges and Accommodation in South Africa

Accommodation at Grootbos Nature Reserve, Western Cape, South Africa

GROOTBOS NATURE RESERVE

Luxurious country lodge in Hermanus
Nine exclusive cottages
Sundecks with mountain and sea views
Swimming pool overlooking Walker Bay

Luxury suites, set amongst indigenous gardens with sweeping views of Walker Bay, provide privacy and supreme comfort. Rich textures, the finest bedding, spacious sunny bathrooms, separate living room with cozy fireplace, mini-bar and spacious wooden decks are standard features in all suites. Gourmet cuisine and fine wines are served by candlelight in the stone and thatch lodge, which boasts a warm African decor.
Nestling in the Milkwood Forest in the Grootbos Nature Reserve in Hermanus are nine private luxury cottages built from locally-hewn stone and timber.

- Thirteen spacious luxury suites. All with separate lounge, bedroom(s) and en suite bathroom and large wooden decks
- All cottages have stunning panoramic sea and mountain views
- Extra-length beds with heated blankets in winter, 100% down duvets and cotton bedding
- Large, bright, sunny bathrooms
- Double washbasins, spacious double showers and/or baths, heated towel rails, hair dryer
- all rooms are equipped with a safe for valuables
- Filter coffee machine and selection of quality teas
- Well stocked mini-bar
- Fresh fruit basket daily; indigenous fynbos flower arrangements
- Fireplace and wall heaters
- Private parking

The large, bright and sunny bathrooms have double washbasins, spacious double showers and/or baths, as well as heated towel rails for those chilly winter nights. Bathrobes and hairdryers are also provided.

The spacious wooden sundecks with panoramic sea and mountain views convey a classical 'Out of Africa' feeling.

Each cottage has its own filter-coffee machine, selections of the finest quality teas, a fully stocked mini-bar, reading materials and binoculars. A fresh fruit basket is placed in your cottage each day and the ambience is enhanced by indigenous fynbos floral arrangements.

The cuisine is of international standard and the menu is different every day. Relax around the pool and enjoy magnificent views of Walker Bay.

GROOTBOS PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE - EASTERN CAPE:
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve lies only one and a half hours away from Cape Town and overlooks the magnificent Walker Bay.

Grootbos provides nature lovers with the unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the Cape’s beautiful flora and fascinating coastal and marine life.

Dedicated conservationists accompany guests daily on botanical tours and nature trails, 4X4 drives, horse riding expeditions and land based whale watching trips. A magnificent thirty kilometres coastline provides secluded white sandy beaches and fascinating archeological caves. Grootbos provides an unforgettable combination of nature, hospitality, friendship and professionalism, all passionately supervised by the Lutzeyer Family.

IN THE HEART OF SOUTH AFRICA’S FLORAL KINGDOM:
- 17 Square kilometres of pristine fynbos, with over 650 indigenous plant species and over
50 Red Data species;
- The largest private fynbos garden and one of the largest Milkwood forests in the world;
- Most spectacular views of the Walker Bay, home to the Southern Right whales from June to
December (enjoy land and boat-based whale watching);
- World famous for cage diving among the Great white sharks;
- Internationally acclaimed for its initiatives in conservation, education, eco-tourism and
research.

RESTAURANT:
- Resident master chefs, Grootbos prides itself in its excellent cuisine
- Four-course dinners specializing in seafood are served in our circular restaurant with views of the bay
- All dietary requirements are catered for
- Spoil yourself at our breakfast buffet in the main lodge; breakfast includes fresh fruit salad and juices, assorted cereals, yoghurt, homemade bread, fynbos honey, cold meats and cheese, farm eggs.
- Buffet lunch is served in the restaurant
- Fresh herbs from our herb garden
- Own borehole with potable tap water

FACILITIES:
- large swimming pool set within natural rock features and indigenous plants, superb views
- Centralized telephone, fax, e-mail and postal service.
- Restaurant with a central fireplace
- Full bar with a very good selection of South African wines
- Ecological interpretation and research centre with displays, plant and animal species lists and full herbarium
- Lounge area with a spacious wooden deck over-looking Walker Bay, and a vista to Cape Point
- Extensive Library
- Binoculars available to guests at reception
- Gift shop stocked with local art and crafts
- Leica spotting scopes for watching whales and birds from the Lodge
- Laundry service
- Full private hospital at Hermanus, 35 km away
- Doctor, dentist and chemist at Gansbaai 9 km away, 24 hours/day

AWARDS: Imvelo Awards for Responsible Tourism:
- Winner: Best Environmental Management
- Winner: Most improved over one year

British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow:
- Highly Commended: Protected Areas and National Parks.

MTN & Western Cape Tourism:
- Winner: Eco-tourism Experience of the Year

AA Travel Guides:
- Gold Achiever: Accommodation Awards

"New Guests!" is the cheerful greeting often heard in the lodge at Grootbos. Greeted with a smile and welcomed with a glass of fine South African sparkling wine, guests at Grootbos are made to feel instantly special.Allow your travel fatigue to dissolve before a spectacular view of the "Bay of Whales", while you breathe the invigorating scents of the fynbos vegetation. Feel welcome at a truly unique place where conservation and relaxation have found the perfect home.

Space, light and the time to enjoy them. Set among the ancient milkwood trees, our large, private cottages give the weary traveller a chance to unwind, surrounded by the splendours of nature and pampered by all the comforts of home. Each cottage has its own secluded balcony from which you can admire the sunsets over the ocean or start the day in tune with the forest birds. Original hand painted floral and bird themes bring the harmony of nature into your cottage. Spacious, finely appointed bathrooms complete the feeling of utter luxury. Strolling between your cottage and the main lodge, winding pathways will guide you past all the colours and scents of the largest private fynbos garden in the world.

FEAST ON EXPERIENCE:
Knowing that our guests have enjoyed an active day in the fresh air is all the encouragement needed to provide the perfect meal to end a perfect day.

Drawing inspiration from the abundance of scents and colours in nature around them, our chefs conjure up magical combinations that replenish and inspire body and soul.
Fish caught on the day, succulent meats and fresh home-grown vegetables are enhanced with flavours from our flourishing herb garden.

Prepared with innovative flair, presented with a touch of brilliance and colour, and served in a restaurant with unbeatable views.
The award winning wines of the Cape provide the ideal accompaniment to our gourmet cuisine.

EYE TO EYE WITH OCEAN GIANTS:
Our coastline offers a marine experience like no other. See 40-ton southern right whales only metres from your boat.

Travel to the island refuge of huge sea bird colonies and admire the underwater antics of a 60000 strong Cape fur seal colony.

Be amazed by the awesome spectacle of a great white shark breaking the surface and transfixing you with an unblinking stare.

The cliffs of Walker Bay, right at our doorstep, offer the best land based whale viewing in the world. watch spellbound as mothers, calves and energetic bulls come to within 30 metres of the rocky shoreline.
See your lone footprints fade into the distance behind you while exploring deserted beaches or visit a stone-age coastal cave and be reminded of the countless generations who have walked these beaches before you.

THE CAPE FLORAL KINGDOM:
Is one of a kind. Nowhere else is plant life more diverse. Grootbos Nature Reserve conserves 1700 hectares of pristine fynbos, the Cape's unique vegetation type. Within our borders lies a welt of more than 650 species of indigenous plants. Huge stands of extravagant proteas paint the hillsides and bulbs burst into flower after fire. Pollination, seed dispersal and germination- there is always something happening and a story to be told.
Our expert botanical guides will open your eyes to the intricacies of the fynbos ecosystems and leave you with another lasting impression of the wonders of nature.

Experience nature like never before. Let our expert guides introduce you to the wonders of the fynbos. Discover the fascinating relationships between the insects, birds, mammals and flowering plants of this diverse ecosystem. Smell the aromatic wild herbs, watch for exquisite birds and be awed by the scenery that surrounds you.

Take a meandering path through an ancient Milkwood forest, where thousand-year-old-trees send exploratory branches in search of sunlight, or visit one of the remnant Afeo-montane forests on the reserve.Young and old can explore this natural wonderland on foot or by four-wheel drive vehicle, or take a horse ride to enjoy the views from the elevation of a comfortable saddle on a well schooled horse or pony.

AN INVESTMENT IN THE PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT:
Grootbos is dedicated to the conservation of the Cape Floral Kingdom and adjacent marine ecosystems. Our successful model of eco-tourism has been widely acclaimed, won numerous awards, and has initiated a number of conservation projects in the region. Central to our strategy is the Grootbos Green Futures Foundation; a non-profit organisation with its three pillars of conservation, education and research.
The Foundation is working in close cooperation with partners from around the world to achieve its objectives. In 2003 Grootbos established the Green Futures Horticultural and Life Skills College, which provides annual, practical based training for unemployed people from local communities.
By staying at Grootbos you are directly contributing to the conservation of the reserve and surrounding natural areas as well as the development of sustainable livelihoods amongst local communities.

INCLUDED IN THE RATE:
Welcome drink on arrival. Al fresco lunch, gourmet dinner, Full English and Continental breakfast and teas/coffees. All Grootbos Reserve activities, accompanied by our expert guiding team, botanists and conservationists:

- Fynbos and Milkwood Walks
- 4X4 drives through the reserve
- Horse riding
- Marine and Beach excursions including coastal beach walks and picnics
- Visits to Klipgat Cave, one of the most important archaeological sites in South Africa
- Land based whale watching (June - December)

ACTIVITIES:

Grootbos offers a wide variety of activities for guests to enjoy during their stay. Our specialist guides lead 4X4 drives and trails through the fynbos and forests of the reserve, visit to archeological and cultural sites, boat tours to a nearby seal island and coastal walks.

We can also organize boat trips down to the beautiful Stanford River, to an offshore island to view seals and penguins or to view the great White Shark.

COASTAL MARINE WALKS - THE WALKER BAY NATURE RESERVE:
The Walker Bay Nature Reserve has a spectacular 20 kilometres of unspoilt coastline. It is the home to a variety of coastal birds including South Africa’s specialised endemic seabird, the African Black Oystercatcher. Here you can experience long stretches of white sands, spectacular rocky cliff formations and the power of the mighty Atlantic Ocean. Your guide will lead an hour and a half walk along the coast towards Hermanus over white beaches and rocky promontories and will explain the ecology of marine and inter tidal ecosystems. You also have the opportunity to relax, swim or enjoy yourself collecting shells anywhere along the route as the guide will turn back after 45 minutes and return to the vehicle along the same route.
An energetic walk in the fresh sea air can end in a cooling dip in the ocean at safe swimming beaches, so remember to take along your swimming costume. Towels will be provided. We recommend plenty of sun block and a sun hat.

COASTAL MARINE WALKS - THE DE KELDERS CLIFF WALK:
The De Kelders coastline provides a rugged landscape where sea meets land. The rocky cliffs provide interesting geology as well as a variety of land and marine fauna and flora. Join our guide on an hour and a half long walk along the cliff path. You will be able to look down into Duiwelsgat (Devils hole) a ten metre deep crevice created when the roof of a subterranean cavern collapsed into the ocean. Your guide will explain some of the amazing adaptations that the marine and land plants have to use to enable them to survive this hostile environment. You may also catch site of South Africa’s second rarest sea bird the Black Oystercatcher.This energetic walk in the fresh sea air will provide you with a lasting impression of the power and beauty of the Atlantic Oceans coastline. Remember to wear good walking shoes, while a sun hat and sun block are essential.

COASTAL MARINE WALKS - KLIPGAT CAVES:
The Klipgat Cave provides a window into pre-historic times. For at least the last 80 000 years our human ancestors have lived along the Walker Bay coastline. The Klipgat Cave provided the perfect shelter, being close to the sea - their primary source of food, having abundant fresh drinking water from a nearby spring and providing protection from the harsh coastal winds. Archaeologist have uncovered some remarkable information regarding the way of life of these Strandloper (beach walker) inhabitants through excavations in the Klipgat Cave.Accompany our guide on an interpretative tour of the Klipgat Cave and learn about the fascinating history of the strandloper’s of Walker Bay. You will be driven down to the De Kelders coastline, which takes approximately 10 minutes. The path down to the entrance of the cave includes a number of steep steps and some scrambling over rocks. We do not recommend this tour to visitors who are unsteady or have difficulty in walking. Solid walking shoes are essential, while a sun hat and sun block are recommended.

DYER ISLAND TOURS:
Dyer Island is a haven for a diversity of marine life, home to between 40 000 and 60 000 Cape Fur Seals, a breeding colony of rare African Penguin and thousands of sea birds.

This tour offers you an opportunity to visit Dyer Island by boat and experience the wonders of the island's marine life. The drive from Grootbos to the small fishing harbour of Kleinbaai takes approximately 15 minutes. There you will be met by our experienced skipper Wilfred Chivell who will navigate the boat out through the harbour mouth, over the four kilometres to the island and skilfully take you to within meters of the seal and penguin colonies.

The tour takes approximately two hours and provides a marine experience of a lifetime.

Remember to take a windproof jacket, as it can get cold on the sea. You can also take binoculars and cameras, as these can be stored in a dry hold while the boat is moving.

FYNBOS NATURE TOURS:
Grootbos is situated in the heart of the Cape’s Unique Floral Kingdom-botanically one of the worlds richest regions of plant life. More than 570 species of plants, 100 birds, 20 mammals and 18 reptiles have been recorded on the reserve. This fauna and flora is intricately interwoven into a fascinating web of life in which each creature has its special place.

Our fynbos nature tours provide you with an unique opportunity to experience the wonders of the fynbos first hand with one of our knowledgeable guides. They will explain to you how the fynbos miraculously depends on fire in order to survive, why the region supports so much and interpret some of the many fascinating stories that make the fynbos such a unique natural laboratory.

HORSE RIDING:
The 1050 hectare Grootbos Nature Reserve provides excellent opportunities for horse riding. Grootbos has its own stables with thirteen well-trained horses. Our horse tours are led by experienced horse riding instructors and we cater for all levels of riding experience and ability, including complete novices.
Experience the beauty of the fynbos from horseback, surrounded by the flowers and sunbirds unique to the mountains of the Cape coast. All around stretch the panoramic views of mountain and sea. Rides usually take one and a half hours.

Horse riding lessons as well as pony rides for children can be arranged.Please wear long pants and sturdy, close-fitting shoes when horse riding. Don’t forget to put on plenty of sun block. Hard hats are available at the stables. Please note that the maximum riding weight is 90 kg. You will need to sign an indemnity form before riding. For children under the age of 18, parents must sign the indemnity forms.

MILKWOOD WALKS:
Grootbos is Afrikaans for Big Forest. The first farm purchased by the Lutzeyer family in 1989 had originally been named Grootbos in the early 1800's after the large Milkwood forest that grew within its boundaries. When the farm was converted to a private nature reserve in 1995 it was decided to retain the original name, as the Grootbos Forest is the heart of the natural landscape. The Grootbos forests measures 23 hectares in total making it one of the largest forests of its type in the world. These unique Milkwood forests are restricted to the area between Stanford and Danger Point and the Grootbos Milkwood forest is the only one falling within a protected area. It is dominated by the white milkwood (Sideroxylon interme), some of which are many hundreds of years old.

Join one of our guides on an hour long walk in this ancient forest. You will learn about the amazing web of life linking the milkwood trees to many other organisms within the forest. The dense canopy is home to many bird species, including Barthroated Apalis, the Cape Batis and Rameron Pigeon, whilst the forest floor is crossed by trails of bushbuck, porcupine, golden mole and other forest creatures.

Good walking shoes are recommended. The trail covers easy terrain and takes approximately one hour to complete. The trail is clearly marked, so you may wish to take the self-guided option. Brochures with a map and other information are available from the info desk.

THE PINCUSHION TRAIL:
The Pincushion Trail takes you on a leisurely, circular walk over the foothills above the Grootbos lodge and back through the ancient Grootbos Milkwood forest. You will walk through hillsides covered in magnificent orange pincushion proteas, view the rare Grootbos Erica in its natural habitat and see trees older than 800 years of age in the milkwood forest. While walking the Pincushion Trail you can admire views of the milkwood forests and Walker Bay, perhaps catch aglimpse of a shy bushbuck or baboon and enjoy a kaleidoscope of color as you travel through the mosaic of habitats, contemplating the interesting combination of factors responsible for its fragile existence.

The Pincushion Trail is a circular route that takes approximately two hours to complete. It covers easy terrain with no steep radiants. Proper walking shoes are recommended and your guide will carry water. A self-guided option is also available. Ask at the information desk for a map and directions to the start of the trail.

THE PROTEA TRAIL:
The Protea Trail takes you on a hike to the summit of the highest mountain in the reserve (Protea Peak - 504 metres) with spectacular views over the grootbos Nature Reserve, surrounding farms and Walker Bay. Protea peak is home to an amazing diversity of fynbos plants including 12 of the 17 protea species found on Grootbos. Walking the Protea Trail you can admire views of the entire nature reserve and perhaps catch a glimpse of a shy antelope.You will be driven to the start of the trail (approximately 15 minute drive). It is a circular route that takes approximately 2 hours to complete. It is fairly strenuous and includes a steep uphill gradients. Proper walking shoes are recommended and your guide will carry water. A self-guided option is also available. Ask at the information desk for a map and directions to the start of the trail.

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EXCURSIONS IN THE VICINITY OF GROOTBOS:
We can assist you to explore the other attractions in the area. Boat trips include free transfer. Please note that boating activities are weather dependent and prices are subject to change:
- Boat trips to nearby Dyer Island to view Cape fur seals, African (Jackass) Penguins, thousands of cormorants and other seabirds (2 hours)
- Boat based whale watching (July-December) (3 hours)
- White shark cage-diving can be arranged
- Visit to the brewery, or wineries in the area for wine tasting
- Visit to Hermanus for craft market and shopping; Fernkloof Nature Reserve
- Elim: a Moravian mission village with 19th century water mill; Geelkop Nature Reserve
- Trip to the southernmost tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas (only 105 km away)

STANFORD:
This little town was founded on the farm Klein River and was named after the owner Captain Robert Stanford. In 1849 the British decided to establish a penal colony in the Cape. When the local farmers refused to supply food for the convicts Captain Stanford was the only one who did not stand with the other farmers. This loyalty to the Crown earned him his knighthood.

The area is famous for it's fynbos and is also known for The Plaat a favorite angling area.

HERMANUS:
Hermanus is built along the shores of Walker Bay near the Southern most tip of Africa. Magnificent mountains watch over the town which is home of the Southern Right Whale. Nature lovers from all over the world visit Hermanus to view these magnificent creatures from the best land based whale watching destination in the world.

Each year between June and December, Hermanus becomes home to a large number of Southern Right Whales. They flock to the shores of the Western Cape to mate and calve, but more importantly, to awe spectators.

Hermanus has become known for being the best place in the world to do land based whale watching. With a 12 kilometer stretch of cliff paths, visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the village, while being entertained by the antics of these giants of the sea. Whales can sometimes be seen from as close as five meters from the rocky cliffs.

Interpretative signboards, providing visitors with essential information on the Southern Right whales can be found at various points between Grotto (Blue Flag) Beach and the New Harbour.

Although the season starts in June, the peak whale season, with sightings virtually guaranteed on a daily basis, is from August until the end of October. Most calves are born during August and September, with the whale population peaking during October.

For the past few years a couple of Tour Operators were granted licenses to take whale watchers out on the sea. Strict regulations prevent boat based operators from venturing closer than 50m to the whales. This doesn't seem to be deterring the whales though; there are regular reports of them making unannounced appearances very close to the boats.

The Worlds only Whale Crier:
Hermanus also houses the worlds only Whale Crier, Wilson Salukazana, who patrols the streets and cliff paths, alerting everyone to the whereabouts of the whales by blowing on his kelp horn. Different horn "codes" refer to different points along the coastline where whales have been spotted. The key to these codes is found on the sandwich board he wears as part of his outfit.

From June to November, the Whale Crier can be found doing his rounds along the coastline between 10:00-16:00 daily. During this time, he can also be contacted for up to date information on sightings, cell: 073 214 6949. For the rest of the year Wilson works at the Hermanus Tourism office, where he can be contacted for interviews or public appearances.