Grootbos Forest Lodge

With breathtaking panoramic views of mountain and sea, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is a luxurious pristine paradise showcasing the splendour of the Cape Floral Kingdom and the incredible marine life of the southern tip of Africa.

Situated 2 hours from Cape Town, Grootbos is the perfect base to discover all the magnificent attractions of the Cape, offering an extensive variety of guided experiences and luxurious facilities.

Nestled in an ancient Milkwood forest surrounded by rolling hills of fynbos and majestic mountains, the accommodation and lodges at Grootbos offer a complete immersion into the pristine natural surroundings within the gentle embrace of comfort and luxury.

The Forest Lodge is a masterpiece of sophisticated and contemporary design, reflecting the breathtaking natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. The clean lines, high ceilings and large windows frame and accentuate the incredible sweeping views across the rolling hills of fynbos and the whale sanctuary of Walker Bay beyond. On a clear day, it’s possible to see all the way to Cape Point! Orientated towards the setting sun, every evening offers another grand spectacle of light and colour.

One-Bedroom Luxury Suite

Each suite features a spacious bedroom with en-suite bathroom with double washbasins, double shower and bath, separate lounge with tea & coffee making facilities and a separate bathroom, minibar, cosy fireplace, flatscreen TV and DVD player for in-room entertainment. The spacious suites open out onto a private deck with outside showers overlooking Walker Bay. Two of the 16 Suites do have a private plunge pool on the deck (no additional costs).

Activities at Grootbos

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.

Beach Horse Riding

We also offer a 3-hour beach horse ride along the Walker Bay coastline. The gentle ride starts in the fynbos through the dunes and then onto the beach. The beach is ideal for a gallop or a gentle canter. The Beach outride is not part of the standard Grootbos activities included in the rates and this activity is advised for experienced riders only.

Beach Horse Riding is not part of the standard Grootbos activities included in your rate.

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.

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!

Shark Cage Diving is not part of the standard Grootbos activities included in your rate.

4×4 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.

Beach Excursion

As a guest at Grootbos, there are so many different ways to enjoy the beach. You can take a long, relaxing walk on a solitary shore; laze in the sun on the luxurious white sand; or explore the unique coastal ecosystem while looking out for frolicking whales.

Grootbos also offers guided beach tours where you can learn about the unique intertidal ecosystem; the abundant marine life; the coastal vegetation; and the geological forces that gave this coast its dramatic form.

Bird Watching

A Bird’s eyeview of Birding at Grootbos

Birding is akin to stargazing. On cloudless days, you see a myriad of these jewels flickering and floating in the sky, and once you know where and what to look for, you are transfixed by the ethereal pattern and order in their endless motion.

Klipgat Cave – an echo of early man

The Klipgat Cave outside De Kelders evokes vivid images of pre-historic times when modern man lived haply in symbiotic harmony with nature off the bounty of land and sea when the coastline was still kilometres away. This historical site in the Walker Bay was home to Middle Stone Age peoples some 70 000 to 80 000 years ago when large antelope such as black wildebeest and the extinct “blaauwbok” still abounded in the bay where dolphins, seals and whales now flourish.

Walks and Hikes

Enjoy an entrancing stroll through our Milkwood forest or a more revitalising hike up our fynbos-clad mountains, as you begin to understand what makes Grootbos quite so special. From a sunbird sipping from a flower to an ocean vista that leaves you breathless, surprises await you around every corner.

Trails are all well marked and you can choose between self-guided walks or guided walks, to learn more about these fascinating and secretive eco-systems. Gaze into the petals of a King Protea, breathe in the blackcurrant scent of buchu or simply listen to the exquisite silence that surrounds you