At Grootbos, your guide is as likely to stop for a flower as for a whale. This private reserve on the hills above Walker Bay protects more than 1,000 plant species, seven of which were discovered here and are new to science, along with milkwood forests over a thousand years old.
Two lodges share the reserve. Forest Lodge sits high among the milkwoods with sweeping views to the sea, a tranquil choice for couples. Garden Lodge, wrapped in indigenous gardens, is made for families, with a forest-themed playroom and a children’s explorer programme. For complete privacy, two villas come with their own chef, butler and guide.
Food here tells the story of the land. Herbs and vegetables come from the reserve’s organic farm, fish arrives from Gansbaai harbour, and bees make the honey from a pink heath found nowhere else in the world. The cellar leans proudly on Overberg vineyards.
Rates include all meals and many guided activities, from 4×4 flower safaris to horse riding through the fynbos. Grootbos is also certified carbon negative, and its foundation runs conservation and community projects across the Overberg, on the way to the Garden Route.
ACCOMMODATION
Freestanding suites are tucked into the fynbos and forest, each with a lounge and fireplace, underfloor heating and a private deck facing the sea. Bathrooms have a deep bath and a walk-in rain shower. At Forest Lodge, canopy beds, outdoor showers and a separate guest bathroom add a romantic edge, and children are welcome from 12. Garden Lodge suites sleep up to four, with family suites for bigger families. The two private villas have four and six bedrooms, their own pools and a dedicated team.
Grootbos lies on the R43 between Stanford and Gansbaai, on fynbos-covered hills overlooking Walker Bay in the Overberg. Hermanus is 50 km to the west and Cape Town about 160 km away, a drive of around two hours. A helipad and landing strip allow quicker transfers by helicopter or light aircraft. Below the reserve, pristine beaches and ancient sea caves line the shore, while the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian oceans at Cape Agulhas is roughly an hour’s drive away.
Speak to a specialist for availability and pricing.
