Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

About Lodge

Two lodges, one great experience! The classic Garden Lodge, set in a lush indigenous surrounding, is the ideal family getaway. The new Forest Lodge with its contemporary and modern style appeals to the cosmopolitan traveler. Feel welcome at a truly unique place where conservation, relaxation and luxury have found the perfect home.

Set among the ancient Milkwood trees, the large, private suites give the guest a chance to unwind, surrounded by the splendour of nature and pampered by five star hospitality. From each luxury suite you can admire the sunsets over the ocean or start the day in tune with the forest birds. Natural textures and colours bring the harmony of nature into your suite. Spacious, finely decorated bathrooms complete the feeling of utter indulgence. Strolling between your suite and the main lodge, winding pathways will guide you past the largest Milkwood forests in the world.

Beaches

Accompany the 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.

Discover

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 Afro-montane forests on the reserve.

Young and old can explore this natural wonderland on foot, 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.

Activities

The coastline offers a marine experience like no other. Of the 350 Southern Right whales that visit the southern coast, up to 160 make Walker Bay their home from June to December. The cliffs of De Kelders, right at our doorstep, offer the best land-based whale viewing in the world. Breaching, tail-slapping and lob-tailing, the whales make the bay a constant hub of activity. Watch spellbound as mothers, calves and energetic bulls come to within 30 meters of the rocky shoreline.

The whale whisperer, a custom built whale-watching boat, will take you on a marine big five adventure. See 50-ton Southern Right Whales only meters from your boat (the size of up to 12 elephants!). Travel to the island refuge of huge sea bird colonies and nesting grounds of the rare African Penguin.  Admire the underwater antics of a 60,000 strong Cape Fur Seal colony.

Watch dolphins play in the wake of your boat and be amazed by the awesome spectacle of a great white shark breaking the surface and transfixing you with an unblinking stare. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience not to be missed.

Transfer Time

90 minutes from airport