Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is an award-winning pioneer in progressive tourism that was established by Michael Lutzeyer in 1994.
The reserve is set on 3,500 hectares in the smallest of the six recognised floral kingdoms of the world, the Cape Floral Kingdom. This wondrous destination provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the fynbos, and milkwood forests that feature over 900 plant species while observing the birds and animals that live in them.
All accommodation at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve has been designed to complement the pristine natural setting, while never compromising on style or luxury.
Garden Lodge, at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, exudes a welcoming atmosphere that invites you to feel at home from the moment you first arrive.
Garden Lodge Luxury Suites
(sleeps two to four)
Garden Lodge Luxury Suites offer a peaceful vantage point to enjoy the endless views from your private deck.
Forest Lodge is a masterpiece of sophisticated and contemporary design reflecting the breathtaking natural beauty of the surrounding landscape at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve.
Forest Lodge Luxury Suites
(sleeps two)
The 16, one-bedroom, free-standing suites provide luxurious amenities and essentials that include:
Included in Your Stay at Forest and Garden Lodge:
Additional Tours and Services (guest's account):
The two private villas at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve each represent the ultimate in luxury and exclusivity.
With a private guide, chef and butler at your beck and call, not to mention complete privacy to enjoy all that Grootbos has to offer, it doesn't get much better than this.
(sleeps up to 12 guests)
Villa 1 is an exclusive-use six-bedroom villa with breathtaking views of the Walker Bay basin that can be seen from all angles. Modern furnishings and an authentic local art collection enhance the villa and create a luxurious feel that will make you feel at home.
The comfortable living areas include a cinema and media room, two lounges and three braai areas as well as a fully equipped gym.
Your fully fitted kitchen is an entertainer’s dream come true and is available with or without the services of a personal chef to cater for your every need. A personal wine cellar is stocked with award-winning wines from some of South Africa’s most celebrated wine farms.
Villa 1 - Amenities:
(sleeps up to eight guests)
Villa 2 is an exclusive-use four-bedroom villa with breathtaking views of the Walker Bay basin. Modern furnishings and added luxury amenities and indulgences, enhance the villa creating a feel that will make you feel pampered and at home.
The comfortable living areas include an entertainment room, lounge, fully equipped gym, sauna and relaxation room and a braai area.
Your fully fitted kitchen is available with or without the services of a personal chef to cater for your every need. A personal wine cellar is stocked with award-winning wines from some of South Africa’s most celebrated wine farms.
Villa 2 - Amenities:
Included in Your Stay at Villa 1 and 2:
Rates at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve include almost every aspect of your trip, from meals on a full-board basis, to beach picnics and braais under the stars.
Seasonal Special Offers for South African Residents
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve’s seasonal special offers for South African Residents, ensure your date with nature, is an experience just waiting to happen. Discover Grootbos with the:
Contact Grootbos Private Nature Reserve for more information about rates, seasonal special offers, availability and cancellation policy.
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve allows you to experience the finest cuisine in a world-class setting. Take in the magnificent panoramic views of Walker Bay, while the friendly staff at two lodge restaurants and a forest boma, tend to your culinary desires.
Discover flavourful dishes and creative amuse-bouche appetizers prepared with home-grown organic ingredients, delight in the bay’s fresh seafood bounty, enjoy extra-matured beef fillet grilled to perfection and savour sweet treats and cheeses that will complement your meal. Whether you choose to dine in a formal or informal setting or decide to experience a South African braai in the magical forest boma, your Grootbos meals are all included in your stay.
The Grootbos cellar prides itself on its collection of local award-winning wines that showcase estates in the areas from Elgin Valley, Bot River, Hermanus, Stanford and Elim, and Malgas near Swellendam.
Whether you have a passion for land, sea or air, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve has a collection of guided experiences and activities to keep you fully immersed in nature, throughout your stay.
Have your stresses and strains dissolved by healing hands and natural, locally sourced spa products.
Set your own pace on fynbos, forest and mountain walks and hikes to suit every level of fitness, on safe and perfectly marked trails.
Witness a true African sunset over Walker Bay while enjoying a picnic either on the reserve or down at a pristine beach.
Discover first-hand why Overberg has so many award-winning wines with a guided tour through the area's Winelands.
Suit up and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Visit active beehives under the guidance of our experienced beekeeper and learn the important role bees play in our environment and how delicate their ecosystem is.
Check more than a few rare sightings of your birding list. Of the 118 different bird species on the reserve, 26 are endemic to the region.
Learn about the flower kingdom’s incredible plants, birds and animals while on a unique safari on an open-top Land Rover.
Drive through shaded forests, up craggy mountains and down into scenic valleys, as you explore the landscape in a fun-filled and safe way.
Explore the reserve’s landscape on a mount handpicked to suit your riding level.
Explore the Overberg landscapes along trails through the Cape fynbos and into dune moonscapes through to the pristine Walker Bay coastline.
Cruise along the double-track routes or explore the single-track routes for a more adventurous trip. For the novice rider, bikes are available at the lodge to use. Experienced riders are welcome to bring along their mountain biking gear.
Soak up the peaceful, countryside days, while quietly cruising down the Klein River from Stanford to the Hermanus Estuary. Check feathered beauties, which include flamingos and African fish eagles, off your birding list.
Sink your feet into untouched white beach sand on a solitary walk or discover the origins of early man on a cave tour. This is the closest you’ll feel to earth as you get to know Walker Bay’s exquisite coastline.
Spot southern right whales from June to December as well as Bryde’s and humpback whales that also visit Walker Bay during the year.
Venture into our underwater world with a tour company that prides itself on conducting responsible experiences – protecting both these creatures and the environment
Discover a new way of living that is at the heart of the entire Grootbos experience. It’s about every action we take, benefitting someone else or having a positive impact on the environment.
Visit the southernmost tip of the African continent for a day filled with vivid storytelling, extensive natural beauty and a host of unusual experiences.
See glorious vineyards from up high, glimpse shipwrecks on rugged shorelines and mountain peaks amongst the clouds. Spot up to 60 whales and other sea creatures frolicking in the waves beneath you during whale season.
Contact Grootbos to find out more about guided experiences and activities, as well as curating your unique holiday itinerary to maximise your time and enjoyment.
The Grootbos Foundation was set up by Grootbos Private Nature Reserve in 2003, to conserve critically endangered fynbos and empower local communities by focusing on training and skills development.
Siyakhula (Growing the Future)
Employment and enterprise development programmes, including organic farming, artisanal skills and ecotourism initiatives.
Green Futures
Nationally accredited training courses, Green Futures indigenous nursery and alien clearing and indigenous tree planting projects.
Football Foundation
Educating and empowering youth, using sports as a vehicle for change.
Read more about Siyakhula (Growing the Future), Green Futures and the Football Foundation here: Grootbos Foundation
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve proudly carries the following accolades:
“I don't know what superlatives I could use that would do this place justice. Every single detail is spectacular. The staff, the setting, the food, the experiences, the views, the residences... I am very thankful our booking agent recommended Grootbos. It is the type of experience you don't forget, and you find yourself longing to go back. Completely impeccable.” Kashif Sheikh
“What a privilege to have such a wonderful place on our Cape Town doorstep. The early morning walks through the milkwood Forest overlooking Walker Bay are my favourite! And my heart skips a beat whenever entering the boma for dinner all lit up by fairy lights. It is magical!” Katharina Thieme
“One of the most magnificent experiences to be had in South Africa - a quiet luxury with the best trained and most attentive staff at any hotel in South Africa.” Kevin Collins
“We enjoyed our two nights stay and were especially touched by the effort the team took to research Chinese New Year (complete with lucky greetings on the door to our suite, red packets and Chinese cuisine for dinner). What impressed me was how the staff (from the reservations to the stable and everything in-between) enjoyed and took pride in their work. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly, taking time to interact with our children. The room was comfortable and filled with nice touches for adults and children alike. We stayed in the Forest Lodge and the view was gorgeous!” Woon Peng Ziady
“Early morning walks through the fynbos, boma dinners in the milkwood forest, beautiful horse rides over the mountains and of course super special local wines to accompany delicious food and stylish and comfortable lodge and cottages. This is the best weekend getaway from Cape Town you can imagine.” Mimi Thieme
Garden Lodge has been honoured as the "Nature Reserve Hotel of the Year" at the 2024 Luxe Travel Awa...
Celebrate summer at Grootbos from 11 January - 30 April 2024 (excluding Easter holidays).
Nestled in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve has been captivating traveler...
As the chill of winter dissipates, making way for the warm embrace of spring sunshine, there's a magical t...
A Junior Office Administrator position is now available at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve.
Each year, during the Secret Season, the pristine fynbos of Grootbos explodes into a spectacular showcase of d...
Celebrate summer at Grootbos from 11 January - 30 April 2024 (excluding Easter holidays).
