Grootbos Private Nature Reserve - South Africa
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve offers a daily rate which includes dinner, bed and breakfast and full programme of activities. Less than 2 hours' drive from Cape Town Lodge with luxury accommodation in a private nature reserve of 1,050 hectares (2,500 acres) Access to Grootbos is by tar road. All transfers on request, including by helicopter Free welcome drink upon arrival Run by owners (Lutzeyer family) Maximum 30 guests Staff complement of 44 English and German spoken Moderate climate in a malaria-free area.
ACCOMMODATION
Fifteen spacious luxury suites. All with separate lounge, bedroom(s) and en suite bathroom and large wooden decks All cottages have stunning panoramic sea and mountain views. Extra-length beds with heated blankets, 100% down duvets and cotton bedding Large, bright, sunny bathrooms Double washbasins, spacious double showers and/or baths, heated towel rails, hair dryer.All rooms are equipped with a safe for valuables. Filter coffee machine and selection of quality teas. Well-stocked mini-bar Fresh fruit basket daily; indigenous fynbos flower arrangements Fireplace and wall heaters
RESTAURANT
Resident master chefs, Grootbos prides itself in its excellent cuisine Four-course dinners specializing in seafood are served in our circular restaurant with views of the bay. All dietary requirements catered for. Spoil yourself at our breakfast buffet in the main lodge; breakfast includes fresh fruit salad and juices, assorted cereals, yoghurt, homemade bread, fynbos honey, cold meats and cheese, farm eggs. Or enjoy breakfast at your own leisure in your cottage. Light lunches available at the restaurant Fresh herbs from our herb garden. Own borehole with potable tap water.
FACILITIES
Large swimming pool set within natural rock features and indigenous plants, superb views
Centralized telephone, fax, e-mail and postal service.
Restaurant with central fireplace
Full bar with a very good selection of South African wines
Ecological interpretation and research centre with displays, plant and animal species lists and full herbarium
Lounge area with a spacious wooden deck over-looking Walker Bay, and a vista to Cape Point
Extensive library
Binoculars available to guests at reception
Gift shop stocked with local art and crafts
Leica spotting scopes for watching whales and birds from the Lodge
Laundry service - Full private hospital at Hermanus, 35 km away
Doctors, dentist and chemist at Gansbaai 9 km away, 24 hours/day
Guided Activities included in the Accommodation Rate
Our expert guiding team includes botanists and nature conservationists with all round knowledge of the flora and marine and bird life of the region.
FYNBOS ECOSYSTEMS
Grootbos has an amazing diversity of fynbos vegetation with over 550 plant species, flowering throughout the year (peak season August to October). You are also likely to see many of the 100 bird species recorded on the reserve, as well as many other animals:
Guided nature experiences with a combination of 4x4 drives and hikes
1-2 hour walks through our extensive milkwood forest.
1-2 hour horse rides: 15 horses and two qualified instructors; horse trails in the fynbos for beginners and advanced riders;
Large paddock for riding instruction
COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS
The unspoilt coastline of Walker Bay has secluded beaches and rugged sandstone and limestone cliffs, offering incredible land-based viewing of the Southern Right whales which mate and calve in the area:
Two-hour excursions to the Klipgat Cave, one of the most important archaeological sites in SA (ten minutes from Grootbos)
Two-hour trip along the nearby coast, to view the whales (July to December)
Two-hour walks along the rocky coast, exploring the marine life in the pools
Opportunities to explore sandy beaches, swim in sheltered bays and picnic on the beach
Two-hour excursion to nearby Danger Point Lighthouse to explore the history of the area
CONFERENCING
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve offers the perfect venue for conferencing. We specialize in small conference groups (maximum 30 delegates) and are not open to non-resident guests. The tranquil environment away from the hectic city lends itself to a creative and productive getaway. The 1100-hectare reserve is situated on the hills overlooking Walker Bay with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the distant Cape of Good Hope.Grootbos has a large oval conference room, with a thatched roof and doors opening onto a private courtyard and terrace. Wooden floors, natural colors and comfortable furnishings create a warm, friendly working atmosphere.
