Hidden high above the famous Walker Bay between the towns of Stanford and Gansbaai, lies South Africa’s Premier Marine and Floral Destination, Grootbos Nature Reserve. Situated less than 2 hours from Cape Town between mountains and sea, Grootbos offers stylish 5 star accommodation, International / African cuisine, warm hospitality and nature based tourism activities that could only be described as world class. Highly skilled field guides with intimate knowledge of the local history, fauna and flora host all our activities. Grootbos is a nature lover’s paradise, a multi-award-winning lodge that benchmarks nature tourism with its collection of eco-sensitive guided trips that will take one into the intricate world of plants and animals both on land and at sea. Join us at Grootbos for an experience that you will never forget.

A place that the Eden Project in Cornwall has adopted as a major partner in its quest to develop its domes South African display and promote the link between people and plants internationally. Situated less than two hours from Cape Town and overlooking the spectacular Walker Bay, Grootbos encapsulates not only brilliant service but also a unique environment of conservation and human development.

Fundamental to this ethos is the amazing diversity of flowering plants on Grootbos. Protecting 1768 hectares of unique Cape Floral Kingdom, with over 660 species of indigenous flowering plants, a walk, horse ride or 4x4 drive through Grootbos Nature Reserve offers young and old an introduction to natures more subtle nuances. Whether ones interests are birding, gardening, wild flowers, whale watching, diving with great white sharks or relaxing on spectacular unspoilt beaches Grootbos has it all.

Accommodation is in spacious luxury suites, all with sweeping views across the dunes and ocean, private wooden decks, bathrooms, finest bedding and separate living rooms with cosy fireplaces. A sunset at Grootbos is one of the most beautiful under African skies with views sweeping across vast expanses of ocean and distant mountain ranges. At Grootbos you will feel welcomed to a truly unique place where conservation, luxury and relaxation have found the perfect home.

Made from stone, thatch and a selection of fine timber, the lodge is stylish and modern with a strong African feel. Telescopes allow the guests to survey the stunning view and the library offers a superb collection of nature books to peruse at your leisure. Why not sit on our amazing deck or while away the afternoon next to the sparkling rock pool. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve has 11 spacious luxury suites available for accommodation in a spectacular natural setting. Each suite, covering a minimum of 75 m², is privately located and tucked into the Milkwood forest and indigenous gardens, has its’ own lounge, one or two elegantly furnished bedrooms, each with a large en suite bathroom, open plan lounge complete with a freestanding fireplace for cozy and romantic evenings.

The suites are fully fitted for comfort and warmth including fully serviced tea/ coffee making facilities, a well stocked mini bar and TV. The décor is tasteful yet understated and is complemented by the magnificent views of Walker Bay and the Klein River Mountains. Each suite opens onto a private wooden sun deck with sweeping views of Walker Bay for relaxing moments of sunbathing or bird watching. Comfortable double or twin single beds and peaceful views of forest and sea from the picture windows, promise a relaxing and restful stay.

Each bedroom is well heated during the cooler months of the year to ensure a good night’s sleep. All bedrooms have bathrooms en suite, and are fitted with a safe. Fresh cut flowers complete the vision of welcoming elegance. Heated blankets in winter are an added comfort. The bathrooms are immaculately finished with generous mirrors, double showers or shower and bath, double basins, good lighting and beautiful views. All bathrooms are fitted with adapters for internationally approved appliances such as shavers, hairdryers, and etc. heated towel rails with ample soft towels are standard.

Guests are welcome to relax in the lounge area of the Lodge, where the newspaper, local and international journals and reference books are available for reading. The lounge leads out onto the swimming pool and sun deck, where a magnificent view of the Walker Bay fills the horizon, from Cape Point to Danger Point.

All social activities at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve center around the Lodge and spacious reception lounge. Fresh flowers and a fully stocked bar where the atmosphere is friendly and sociable make it a firm favorite with the guests. The deck and swimming pool at the Lodge are ideal refuges from the summer heat while the large central fireplace provides a focus for the evening meal in the restaurant. The curio shop at reception displays local craft, jewellery and designer outdoor clothing for purchase. Telephone, fax and e-mail services are available at Reception. Letters for postage, laundry and medical requirements are also handled at Reception.

The intimate restaurant is an African dining experience not to be missed. The cuisine is a central feature of the Grootbos experience. Gourmet cuisine featuring seafood specialties and fine wines are served by candlelight in the warm African décor of the lodge where an unforgettable combination of hospitality, friendship and professionalism may be experienced. The large circular fireplace, superb South African wines and mesmerizing views sets the tone for the gastronomical delight prepared by our team of local and international Chefs. Our Chefs only use the freshest fish and local ingredients and all their experience to bring a distinctive African flavor that will surpass all expectations. A highlight of any evening at Grootbos is to begin your African Dinner Experience with a wine tasting followed by a fusion of culinary delights. The personal and attentive service is a hallmark of this fine establishment.

Activities in and around Grootbos Nature Reserve:
Grootbos offers a wide variety of activities for guests to enjoy during their stay. Our specialist guides lead 4 x 4 drives and walks through the fynbos and forests of the reserve. Trips to the nearby coast to view the Southern Right whales from land, walks along deserted beaches, visits to archeological and cultural sites, boat based whale watching trips, boat tours to a nearby seal island to view coastal birds, penguins, seals and great white sharks.

Guided activities with specialist guides

Fynbos Nature Tours
Milkwood Walks
The Pincushion Trail
The Protea Trail
Horse riding
Guided Coastal Marine Excursions
Walker Bay Nature Reserve
The De Kelders cliff walk
Klipgat Caves

Feel the sand beneath your feet while breathing in crisp salt air that carries the unmistakable freshness and magnificence of the ocean. See you 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.

Accompany our specialist guides to explore the tidal rock pools and coastal caves while listening to stories that make you wonder at the mysteries of early inhabitants and famous shipwrecks along the coast. Spend an afternoon lazing on one of our many pristine beaches and swim in the crystal clear waters of the southern oceans.

Experience nature like never before. Let our expert guides introduce you to the wonders of the fynbos. Discover the fascinating relationships etween 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.

Babysitting services, special children’s menus and activities make Grootbos an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Directions
From Cape Town: Take the N2 from Cape Town, past the Airport to Somerset West. Either follow the N2 over Sir Lowry's Pass turning on to the R43 after the Houhoek Pass, or take the R44 along the coast and turn onto the R43 to Hermanus. Drive through Hermanus, Grootbos is situated 13km past Stanford on the R43.

From the Garden Route: The N2 brings you west past Swellendam and Riviersonderend. 10km past Riviersonderend turn on to the R326 to Stanford. At Stanford turn left on to the R43. Grootbos is situated 13 km from Stanford on the R43.