Grootbos Nature Reserve | South Africa

[South Africa Hotels and Accommodation]

Grootbos Nature Reserve, located amidst the spectacular fynbos and ancient dunes of the Southern Coast, is a multi-award winning gem. Overlooking Walker Bay, it's a nature-lovers paradise - all but the most committed urbanite will enjoy the inclusive activities: guided fynbos 4x4 drives, milkwood forest walks, horse riding, beach visits and guided land-based whale-watching as well as the optional activities of boat-based whale watching and shark cage diving. A dedicated team including marine biologists and conservationists help you to appreciate what makes this area so special. Grootbos consists of two lodges, the family-friendly Garden Lodge with one and two bedroom suites and the new contemporary Forest Lodge. All of the suites, nestled in the milkwood forest, have a separate lounge, full bathroom, private wooden decks with panoramic sea or mountain views, filter coffee machines, minibar, fruit basket, fireplace and underfloor heating. Each lodge has its own swimming pool, telescope for whale-watching, library, restaurant and environmental centre. Grootbos combines excellent service, with supremely comfortable accommodation and delicious food. TGCSA 5 star lodge.

Family

Romantic

Spa

Walking

Country: South Africa

Region: Hermanus and the Overberg

Area: Gansbaai

Accommodation Rating: Premier

Rooms: 11 in each lodge

Meals: FB plus activities

Location: Wilderness

	1 May 2008 to 30 Jun 2008	1 Jul 2008 to 31 Aug 2008	1 Sep 2008 to 30 Apr 2009
Per person sharing	ZAR R 1,840	ZAR R 2,300	ZAR R 3,100

Prices may be based on current exchange rates and are subject to change prior to booking.

Grootbos Nature Reserve located amidst the spectacular fynbos and ancient dunes of the Southern coast, is a real gem. A nature-lovers paradise - all but the most committed urbanite will enjoy the 4x4 game

We recommend Grootbos for its child friendly approach at Garden Lodge and the sheer range of activities in a pristine eco-friendly environment. One of our consultants will gladly help you with any further questions you may have.

Kate stayed here with her children in July 2005:
"Grootbos is now looking better than ever. Grootbos is one of a handful of places in the Western Cape which offers a fully inclusive experience. On arrival, you are met with a drink and after you’ve checked in, you are gently led to their activities room where they discuss the various excursions on offer. These include a nature drive on the reserve, a whale-watching and beach trip down to the caves at Die Kelders, horse-riding on the estate, visit to Green Futures (their gardening training college), guided milkwood forest walk, and a whale-watching boat trip out to Dyer island. (This last activity is not run by Grootbos and therefore is an extra cost). You sign up for whatever takes your fancy and you often have a choice of times. This informal yet efficient approach sums up the style of Grootbos.

We partook in most of the activities and had superb sightings of whales, both close-up and also breaching and spouting. The nature drive was beautiful and I particularly enjoyed the horse-riding on the reserve. (Children under 7 years take pony rides in the paddock, and children up to 12 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). The children had a wonderful time as they went off to feed the horses every morning and there was also a giant sand pit/play area next to the stables.

Of particular note was the excellent food. Every meal was delicious. There’s also a children’s menu on offer.

The original lodge, now Garden Lodge, was looking lovely and the garden was amazing – lush and full of colour. The cottages are light and airy and decorated in a soft modern style. The sofa converts into two separate single beds so that older children could be comfortably accommodated.

I also visited the new Forest Lodge which was spectacular. It is more open in feel, extremely spacious with huge floor to ceiling glass walls looking out onto the veld. Much more contemporary in feel."