​Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

​​​​​Africa

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  • Discover a world of luxury and serenity set amidst the beauty and mystery of an ancient Milkwood forest. The secluded suites, unique immersive experiences and world-class cuisine are enhanced by the warm hospitality and panoramic views of Walker Bay.

    With the unrivalled beauty of the ancient forest and unique fynbos at the site of Forest Lodge, it was vital that no part of the lodge disturb the environment. The result of which is a lodge surrounded by nature, with meandering forest-lined paths and a spectacular view of the richly diverse and unique fynbos.

    From Forest Lodge's elevated location guests can enjoy unobstructed 180-degree views of the reserve, Walker Bay, and the horizon beyond from the comfort of the lodge or suites. In addition to the lodge's various lounges and bar areas, there is also a deck where guests can enjoy unforgettable sunsets over the bay.

    Forest Lodge is an oasis of peace and relaxation. Surrounded by the quiet, calm sounds of nature, the secluded suites and the main lodge exude a deep sense of tranquillity.  This undisturbed and blissful atmosphere is perfect for sharing unforgettable moments with your loved ones.

     

The Accommodation

Fit for a king

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  • Absolute luxury set amidst the backdrop of an ancient Milkwood forest. Each of the spacious and opulent Forest Lodge suites nestled within the lush forest, offer unobstructed views of the breathtaking landscape and coastline.

  • Luxury Suites

    From 85 – 90 m2

    Secluded, tranquil and opulent, these are suites for romance, contemplation and connecting deeply with both nature and yourself. Taste the fresh air, listen to the sound of the ocean and breathe in the smell of the unique fynbos that surrounds you. Stroll under a natural green canopy until you discover your Luxury Suite set apart on top of a hill, with endless ocean and fynbos vistas laid out before you. Relax on your sumptuous bed, feel revived in the expansive bathrooms and then contemplate life with a glass of award-winning wine in hand.

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Dining at Grootbos

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  • Every mouthful. Every drop. Every glance at every view. Dining at Grootbos is an experience in its own right, with its unique combination of fresh organic produce, a world-class natural setting and the hugely experienced culinary team.

    Taste the spray of the sea in every forkful of your delectable fish fillet. Bite into a homemade tortellini as the flavour bursts into your mouth. Delight as you nibble on a whisky infused chocolate torte with salted caramel. Every meal at Grootbos is an exceptional dining experience packed with texture, flavour and colour.

  • Dining Experience

    Every plate of food served up at the tables is a perfect, colourful piece of art. Only the very freshest of ingredients are used, all sourced as close to Grootbos as possible, with many coming from the reserve’s own organic farm.  This means that as you’re swooning over that home-made linguini or Thai-spiced soup, you’re also contributing to the food production and social upliftment projects that Grootbos is involved in. And the best part? All meals are included in your rate.

  • Organic Food

    Grootbos believes that nothing tastes better than organic, freshly picked vegetables and herbs which is why there is an organic farm on the reserve from which ingredients are harvested, cooked and on to your plates as fresh as possible.  At the same times, this supports the local community with training and employment through the Growng the Futures project

  • Mountain Spring Water

    There are a few obvious benefits in prodiving guests with water that comes from a sandstone aquifer on the reserve.  It’s clean, delicious and full of healthy mineral contact.  The less obvious benefits are that it helps to reduce the property’s carbon footprint with the replacement and elimination of plastic bottles by using recycled glass bottles.  The business that provides the bottled water is run by locals which also helps in the support of the community around Grootbos.

  • Honey

    The reserve plays host to the endangered Erica Irregularis plant which only grows here. Once each year, it bursts into flower turning the hills into a shimmer of pink.  The reserve’s bees then get to work after which the beekeeping team harvest the honey and sell it back to the reserve thus supporting local families.  The Grootbos honey is not just a glaze on your salmon, it’s part of a vision for a sustainable future that is endemic within the philosophy of Grootbos.

  • Pork

    Hand-reared pigs on the reserve enjoy leftover food from the kitchens ensuring the minimisation of waste and maximisation of flavour.  From the tasty sausage you eat at breakfastto the crispy bacon in your Caesar salad, every pork element served at Grootbos comes from the reserve.

  • Vegetables and Herbs

    The menu at Grootbos is planned around the seasonal availability of ingredients.  70% of all the herbs and 100% of the micro herbs used in the kitchens are cultivated by the Grow the Future team on the reserve which as well as reducing the carbon footprint by minimising food miles provides employment opportunities to the local community.

Experiences at Grootbos

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve offers a wealth of experiences, below is simply a taste of what can be offered. 

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    • Horse Riding on the Reserve

      There’s something special about seeing a place on horseback. Take a slow trot as you appreciate the views or ride down the sweeping sand dunes, the fresh air filling your lungs and exhilaration pumping through your veins.

      Horse riding at Grootbos is suitable for anyone, whether you’re a complete novice or a more experienced rider. Go for a relaxed ride through the fynbos or ride one of the special horses that are specifically trained for the beach. The 22 horses at the Grootbos stables are well exercised and expertly trained, while all of the guides have years of experience in dealing with these noble animals.

    • Land-based Whale Watching 

      (June- December)

      The Southern Right whales visit Walker Bay each year and being witness to them in action whilst they breach and blow is a very special experience to observe.These peaceful giants of the deep come to Walker Bay to mate and calf in the sanctuary of the Bay.

      The Walker Bay rocky outcrops offer close viewing points from elevated positions.The Grootbos guides know all the best spots and this guided experience is an experience of a lifetime.

    • Boat-based Whale Watching 

      (June - December)

      Grootbos Nature Reserve has an exclusive boat trip, through Dyer Island Cruises, leaving every morning from Kleinbaai harbour. Besides seeing the amazing whales, this trip offers a complete experience of the Marine Big5, which includes the whales, dolphins, African Penguins, Cape Fur Seals and surface viewing of the Great White Shark. The boat comfortably accommodates 20 guests, has a toilet, upper decks, shelter from the sun as well as snacks and drinks provided onboard. The boat also has specialized guides, who can provide all the facts about the whales as well as other interesting information about the magnificent marine life. As these gentle giants are very curious, they often swim right up to the boat to get a better view of the boat and the guests. This trip takes about 2 hours and is a marine experience not to be missed!

    • 4x4 Flower Safari

      Keep still, listen intently and you’ll be amazed at the things you learn on a botanical safari. With the richest temperate flora in the world and six completely new species never discovered by science before, your time at Grootbos will mean that you’ll never look at plants and flowers in quite the same way again.

      The 800 recorded plant species in Grootbos’ 2500 hectares of pristine wilderness will bring the fascinating story of fynbos and forest to life as you touch, smell and see the natural miracles that surround you. Learn how a sunbird’s beak fits perfectly into a flower, why the honey the bees produce is completely unique and how important ravaging fires are for bringing forth new life.

    • Shark Cage Diving

      One of the most exciting experiences at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is the Great White Shark cage diving. Gansbaai has the reputation for being the shark capital of the world. 

      Divers and adventurers travel from all over the world to watch this magnificent creature in the waters around Dyer Island. Every day a number of boats leave Kleinbaai harbour to spend a few hours on the water to view the Great White Sharks from the boat or to go diving in a cage with these elegant and large predators. This is a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed!