Club Cult of Africa
The concept of the holiday is immersion in nature, an alternative to a beach holiday.
Grootboss -
Whale and Botanical Safari, South Africas Natural Treasure
Grootbos is a nature reserve on the oceanfront near Hermanus, just a 2.5-3 hour drive from Cape Town. Harmony between earth and sky reigns here, with majestic hills carpeted with flowers, creating a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and scents. The property boasts two lodges—Grootbos Garden Lodge and Forest Lodge—offering five-star accommodations. There are two-bedroom family suites, as well as private villas for larger families or groups. Whale watching is available here from June to October.
10 reasons
Why you should visit the Grootbos Nature Reserve
Visit Grootbos and discover the harmony of nature and comfort that will make your trip truly magical!
1. Unique ecosystem
Explore fynbos, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, with thousands of endemic plants and animals.
2. Luxury eco-lodges
Stay in lodges with stunning natural views that will give you privacy and comfort
3. Whale Watching and Marine Big 5
During migration season, enjoy the magnificent spectacle of whale watching right from the shore, or go on a meeting with the Marine Five.
4. Botanical Safari
Take a safari by car with a local guide, and youll learn about hundreds of plant and flower species and enjoy birdwatching. Your eyes will be soothed by the endless flower fields.
5. Active excursions
Take part in horseback riding, go on guided hikes through the ancient Milkwood Forest and sea caves, have picnics on the beach, or try kite surfing. For the brave, try cage diving with great white sharks.
6. Educational programs
Participate in workshops and excursions to learn about the importance of nature conservation and biodiversity.
7. Entertainment for children
The reserve offers a variety of activities for children, including mini safaris and farm activities.
8. Spa and wellness
Relax at the spa with outdoor treatments, immersing yourself in an atmosphere of privacy and tranquility.
9. Supporting ecology
Your trip will help preserve rare plant and animal species and support local communities.
10.Romantic atmosphere
Enjoy candlelit dinners and sunsets over the ocean – perfect moments for couples.
Accommodation
Freestanding rooms with panoramic windows, terraces, and cozy sitting areas with fireplaces allow you to enjoy the views of the reserve in a luxurious atmosphere.
Garden Lodge
Garden Lodge welcomes you with unparalleled, panoramic views over the pristine fynbos and glimmering Walker Bay coastline. Soak up the silence and simply connect with nature in one of our 11 opulent suites.
Forest Lodge
Nowhere else would you be able to enjoy one of the world’s most biodiverse landscapes, the changing colours in the southern sky and the occasional little buck that comes feeding nearby.
Private Villas
With intuitive service provided by your own private chef, butler and nature guides, your every need will be met in a home-away-from-home environment of unsurpassed quality.
Hiking
Guided walking tours through the reserve offer an opportunity to experience the Grootbos nature up close, smell the plants, hear the birds, and discover details of the landscape that remain invisible from a car.
Coastal Drive with Seasonal Land-Based Whale Watching
A trip along the G Rootbos coastline with stops at observation platforms overlooking the ocean. From July to December, this is a particularly good spot to observe southern right whales, which come close to shore during migration and calving season. (An ocean boat cruise is available as an option.)
Beach Picnics
This is a relaxing getaway on a secluded beach amidst dunes and ocean vistas, with a beautifully served picnic on the shore. Time passes at a leisurely pace—to the sound of the waves, with sweeping views of the coastline and a feeling of complete seclusion.
Ancient Cave Experience
A guided walk along the coast to ancient sea caves hidden in the cliffs by the ocean. The route passes through the natural landscapes of the reserve and offers access to sites associated with early human history and the life of the first people on this coast.
Botanical Safari
The Grootbos Flower Safari 4x4 is a drive in an open Land Rover through the flower-filled slopes of the reserve, through fynbos fields, ancient forests and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the ocean.
Fynbos Horseback Safari – horseback rides among flowering fynbos slopes, sandy trails, and open panoramas with ocean views. The route is laid back, allowing you to experience the landscape in a new way and see the reserve from the saddle. Available for children and adults.
Family vacation with children
Grootbos Nature Reserve offers many activities for children.
Childrens safaris and walks in the reserve
excursions and mini-safaris with fascinating stories about plants and animals.
Ecological workshops and creativity
Children can take part in creative workshops where they learn how to create crafts from natural materials, collect herbariums, and draw plants.
Educational programs
in which children are shown how the fynbos ecosystem functions and are helped to learn to respect and understand nature
Playrooms and playgrounds with curators
Where children can have fun playing and interacting with other children. Your child wont want to spend time on gadgets when theres so much fun and exciting around.
TOURS WITH GRUTBOSS
Full board meals
Healthy and nutritious farm-to-table breakfasts, three-course lunches, and a 6-course dinner menu.
Some interesting facts about Grootbos
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Milkwood Forest
This ancient, fairytale corner of nature transports you to another dimension. Some trees are hundreds of years old. Guides lead guests along winding paths, sharing the history of the forest and its inhabitants. The Milkwood trees are so large that natural arches and tunnels form beneath them. Evening walks with torches and lanterns create a magical atmosphere.
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Flower of life
Floreligium in Grootbos is a unique art project dedicated to the rare plants growing in the nature reserve. This botanical archive was created by talented botanical artists.
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Grootboss Mission
Grootboss mission is environmental education and awareness. The reserve has created educational programs, including guided tours for local residents, international conservation projects, and environmental camps for children. The reserve attracts scientists and volunteers from around the world.
In 2003 , the Grootbos Foundation, a charitable foundation , was established to develop and protect the regions natural and social resources.