• Grootbos Garden Lodge offers spectacular views of the Indian Ocean
• Range of nature activities on offer
• Luxurious accommodation with choice of suites
• Grootbos is very child-friendly
• Eco-friendly lodge

Grootbos Private Reserve, located amidst the spectacular fynbos and ancient dunes of the Whale Coast, is a multi-award winning gem. Overlooking Walker Bay, between Hermanus and Gansbaai, 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 picnics 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.

Other excursions (at extra cost) include guided wine tours around the excellent Hermanus wine estates, aerial flights over the Ocean and visits to their community garden project to see sustainable tourism in action.

Grootbos Private Reserve consists of two lodges, the more family-orientated Grootbos Garden Lodge with one and two bedroom suites and the slightly more contemporary Forest Lodge. However both lodges are identical in standard and you may be moved from one lodge to the other.

Accommodation

Grootbos Garden Lodge is a thatched stone homestead perched on the hillside surrounded by a lush indigenous fynbos garden. Fashioned from stone and thatch, Garden Lodge reflects African warmth and hospitality. Outside is a terrace with an expansive swimming pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

The 11 free-standing suites enjoy sweeping views over the fynbos-clad mountains. There's a choice of two bedroom and one bedroom luxury suites. The stylish restaurant has a central fireplace and bar. High beamed ceilings and endless windows enhance the incredible sensation of light and freedom. Additional facilities at Garden Lodge include a spacious lounge, small spa, Internet access and an entertainment room for kids. There's also a telescope for in-house whale-watching.

Each of the luxury suites features romantic canopy beds, separate lounge with cosy fireplace, full bathroom, private wooden decks with panoramic sea or mountain views, filter coffee machines, minibar and underfloor heating. The Classic suites are slightly smaller with a sitting area rather than a separate lounge and a shower room.

Families at Grootbos

Grootbos is very family-friendly. Families can either take a one bedroom suite with a sleeper couch in the sitting room which converts into two separate camp beds. These are ideal for younger children of under 10 years. Or they can take one of the two bedroom suites which can accommodate up to 3 children. This option is better for families with older children. Stables and horse-riding opportunities, a play area where rabbits, ducks and birds breed, as well as an ecological interpretation and research centre, provide children with an unforgettable educational experience.