Hermanus

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve Hotel

‘Award-Winning, Family Friendly Pristine Wilderness’

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve Hotel is in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, in a great location for guests to enjoy both the pristine coastline that offers glimpses of the Marine Big 5 and fantastic explorations of the surrounded forests and hiking trails. Residences at Grootbos are located in one of three areas. There are two 5-star lodges, the Garden Lodge and the Forest Lodge, as well as two private villas, one with four bedrooms and one with six.

The Garden Lodge is surrounded by verdant garden and the ancient Milkwood Forest. Guests can enjoy panoramic reserve and coastal views from the 11 One and Two Bedroom Luxury Suites. There is an elegant wine cellar for intimate dinners here, as well as a cosy restaurant and wellness are complete with a sauna. A heated pool overlooks the Grootbos gardens, and families with children of all ages are welcome in this area of the resort.

The Forest Lodge offers a secluded and romantic getaway atop a hill, with 180-degree views of the surrounding landscape. Here, 16 One Bedroom Luxury Suites can be found, and guests can enjoy the use of one restaurant, two lounges and one barista, as well as the outdoor ‘Boma’ dining area, an infinity pool with ocean views, and an intimate wine cellar perfect for cosy dinners. This area of Grootbos is reserved for families with children 12 years and above only.

In Our Opinion

‘This is the sort of place that is difficult to describe in words, mainly because the highlights of your holiday will be the amazing hospitality, extensive activities, delicious food and mesmerising views. For those who really want an African experience that will remain with them forever, trust Grootbos to exceed your wildest expectations.’

Red Indigo

Dining at Grootbos Nature Reserve has become a venue for culinary excellence not to mention innovation. You will find the freshest ingredients used to produce African flavours with all the excitement of European cuisine

Facilities

  • Two pools – 1 heated and 1 infinity

Land Sports

  • Botanical fynbos hike
  • Horse riding through the reserve
  • Milkwood Forest walks
  • Cave and beach excursions
  • Mountain biking on the reserve
  • Beach horse riding*
  • Fat biking through nearby dunes*

Water Sports

  • Marine Big 5 boat trip*
  • Shark cage diving*
  • Lady Stanford river cruise*

Excursions

  • 4x4 Flower Safari
  • Coastal drive with seasonal land-based whale watching
  • Beach picnics
  • Ancient Klipgat Cave and Walker Bay Nature Reserve beach excursion
  • Progressive tourism tour
  • Bird watching
  • Visit to the African Seabird and African Penguin Sanctuary*
  • Scenic flights
  • Wine Tours to nearby estates*
  • Day trip to Cape Agulhas*
  • Hermanus shopping trips
  • Golfing excursions*
  • Helicopter transfers to/from Cape Town*

*extra charges apply

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve Hotel welcomes families with children of all ages, and offers the following to ensure they have an enjoyable stay.

Accommodation

  • The Garden Lodge residences are suitable for children of all ages
  • The Forest Lodge residences are suitable only for children 12 years and above

Children’s Activities Include:

  • Children’s playroom
  • Treasure hunts through the forest
  • Pony rides
  • Arts and crafts
  • Horse riding over 12 years old
  • Cave explorations and swimming
  • Entomology experience
  • DVDs on bad weather days
  • 4x4 flower safari
  • Picnic lunch in the cave or forest
  • Horse and farm animal feeding

Babysitting

  • Available on request

Location

Situated in the Hermanus area just 100 miles from Cape Town, on forest clad hills overlooking the pristine Walker Bay.

Nearby Attractions Include:

  • Klipgat Caves – 4.3 miles 
  • The Fynbos Trail – 5.7 miles
  • African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary – 6.9 miles