From Cape Town: Take the N2 from Cape Town, past the Airport to Somerset West. Either follow the N2 over Sir Lowryís Pass turning on to the R43 after the Houhoek Pass, or take the R44 along the coast and turn onto the R43 to Hermanus. Drive through Hermanus, Grootbos is situated 13km past Stanford on the R43.
From the Garden Route: The N2 brings you west past Swellendam and Riviersonderend. 10km past Riviersonderend turn on to the R326 to Stanford. At Stanford turn left on to the R43. Grootbos is situated 13 km from Stanford on the R43.
The drive from Cape Town will take you along the R44 from Gordon’s Bay to Hermanus. This is regarded as one of the top scenic routes in Southern Africa, hugging the coastline with amazing views of False Bay. Between June and November, whales are often sighted on this drive. The route winds through the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, which is known for its beautiful fynbos. The reserve lies within the southern stretch of the rugged Hottentots Holland mountain range, and has remained isolated and remarkably unspoilt. Its high mountain peaks, steep kloofs, valleys and several tributaries of the pristine Palmiet River create a sense of remote wilderness. En route to Grootbos you can visit Stony Point in Betty’s Bay, which is home to one of only three breeding colonies of the African Penguins on the mainland in South Africa. The penguin colony can be viewed from a viewing platform and the penguins are best seen when they return from their day’s fishing. An interesting fact is that the Speniscus demersus (African Penguin) is one of 18 species worldwide and the only penguin species that breed around African coasts. There are incredible pathways leading past the penguin nests and your guests will have many photographic opportunities of these amazing creatures.
After leaving Stony Point the route takes you past the Harold Porter Botanical Garden towards Kleinmond. Once you have reached Kleinmond the R43 leads you towards Hermanus, which is wedged between mountain and sea offering spectacular views over Walker Bay. Drive through Hermanus, pass Stanford and you will arrive at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, where a chilled welcome drink will be waiting for you!
