A serene coastal landscape at sunset, featuring rolling hills, a sandy beach, and gently lapping waves. The sky is painted with soft pastel colors, transitioning from blue to orange as the sun sets behind distant mountains. Rich greenery lines the foreground, adding depth to the scene.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Walker Bay, South Africa

Overview

Offering the best of both worlds – beautiful beaches and verdant forest – Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is an idyllic haven in an unbeatable location with an impressive conservation ethos at its very core.

Set in over 3,500 hectares of pristine wilderness, with boundless views overlooking Walker Bay, Grootbos is a nature lover’s dream. Boasting over 900 varying plant species, many of which count as endangered, as well as centuries old milkwood trees that are home to birds, bees and countless woodland creatures, this eco-reserve is perfectly positioned between mountains, forests and sea. Overlooking a number of spectacular beaches that stretch out to the warmer currents of the Indian Ocean, home to the ‘Marine Big Five’: whales, sharks, dolphins, seals, and penguins, you’ll have the chance to experience it all, thanks to the incredible activities on offer.

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Key Features

  • Accommodation includes 27 suites across two lodges (Garden and Forest) as well as two exclusive-use, luxury villas (4 and 6 bedroom)
  • No two days are the same, with unique botanical safaris, guided walks and hikes through the reserve, horse riding, shark cage diving, beehive visits and whale-watching marine safaris and excursions to ancient archaeological caves all on offer
  • The property is set in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom – the smallest, yet richest of the world’s six floral kingdoms, and is situated on an award-winning nature reserve renowned for it’s outstanding biodiversity
  • Delicious meals crafted from locally sourced produce and an enviable wine cellar make for an exceptional culinary experience in a world-class natural setting

Design

There are 27 freestanding contemporary suites here divided between two eco lodges, each with private decks, outdoor showers, wood-burning fireplaces, and kitchenettes. To feel more immersed in nature, Forest Lodge offers 16 suites in brick and timber cottages set among the ancient milkwood trees.

Those travelling as larger groups, families, or just looking for some extra privacy, should opt for one of the two four- or six-bedroom exclusive-use villas. Both are fully equipped and staffed, with large windows filling the rooms with light and showcasing those incredible views.

Cuisine

Dining centres around the fresh, seasonal produce and the rich biodiversity of the region. The menus of the two restaurants exemplify Grootbos’ sustainability ethos, from the locally farmed meat to their “Growing the Future” organic farm (their social enterprise which produces their eggs, honey and most of their vegetables). The restaurants are a hillside hideaway offering endless views, and meals are an experience in themselves. Oenophiles will delight in the South African wine pairing, while couples can choose to dine under a star-studded evening sky in a number of the spectacular locations across the reserve.

Sustainability

Grootbos was officially certified as carbon negative in 2018, and continues to be at the forefront of ecologically responsible tourism. A number of activities are designed around the concept of “progressive tourism”, connecting guests with the range of projects that are at the heart of the Grootbos conservation model.

In addition, Grootbos is a long-standing member of The Long Run which supports, connects and inspires nature-based tourism businesses to achieve the highest standards of sustainability.

Their partner foundation - The Grootbos Foundation - is a non-profit organisation that works to conserve the critically endangered fynbos plant species, while also focusing on the training and skills development of the surrounding communities.

Why we love it

A stay at Grootbos is more than just a holiday, it’s an immersive experience in nature. There’s something for everyone, from horseback riding along the beach at sunset, exploring the vast tracts of exquisite fynbos, encountering marine wildlife in their natural habitat, flying a Cessna over the coast, whale watching, and enjoying the incredible wines that this region produces.

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