Grootbos
Hermanus

Authentic African warmth is found at this collection of luxury lodges nestled in the heart of a 2,500-hectare private nature reserve. Artfully designed within ancient Milkwood forests and overlooking the whale-watching havens of Walker Bay and Hermanus, Grootbos is an idyllic choice and an eco-paradise. It also has the accolade of being one of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World.

The property has two sets of suites, Garden Lodge and Forest Lodge. Garden Lodge caters for guests with children under 12 and Forest for +12 years. This means that the staff and activities on offer can be appropriately tailored to their audience. Both Lodges have their own restaurants, swimming pools and communal areas. Grootbos is a fantastic option for a post-big game safari chill out, or a more active element to a holiday in the Cape. The botanical safaris are what make Grootbos so special. Situated in the fynbos, the Cape’s Floral Kingdom which is so bio-diverse with over 9,000 recorded species, the majority of them endemic, it houses more diversity than the Amazon Rainforest. The highly experienced guides will talk you through the landscape and make sure to look out for the Erica Irregularus flowers. In season, they wash the entire reserve with a pink hue. Morning horse-back riding is highly recommended (children will love the stables) and the nature walks are filled with magical tales woven by the guides. Due to its location inland from Walker Bay, Grootbos also offers whale watching activities from June – November and can arrange scenic boating trips to get up close to the Marine ‘Big’ 5: penguins, whales, great white sharks, seals and dolphins.

Grootbos is more than a luxury eco-lodge, it is a centre for botanists and is heavily involved in protecting the local environment. The staff there are well informed about the wonders of the fynbos and are on hand to educate, inform and energise guests about the floral kingdom. The views from the lodges over the forests down to sand dunes and on to Walker Bay are astounding – maximised by the floor to ceiling glass doors in the lounge and restaurant. You will want to don your walking boots and head out into the wild (without the fear of a lioness or bull elephant straying into your path) and revel in the fresh air.

The lodges, 27 suites and exclusive villa combine contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship. From the more homely atmosphere and traditional decorate of Garden Lodge to the contemporary and sophisticated décor of Forest Lodge, Grootbos ticks all boxes. Villa Two houses 12 adults and comes complete with a private pool and wine cellar – perfect for a memorable house party.

Grootbos is not just accommodation, it’s a luxurious wilderness experience which will leave you feeling revitalised, relaxed and totally in awe of the natural world.

For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move.
Robert Louis Stevenson