Setting Cape Town

16 November
Destination

What's Happening Under the Table?

Besides the fact that Cape Town is the birthplace of our nation, perhaps another reason why its often referred to as the Mother City is because of her warm, loving embrace, wrapping her mountains and coastline around you and hugging you tightly to her heart. Once in her grip, it’s hard to get away.

The ‘city bowl’ of Cape Town is certainly one of the most beautiful and dramatic metropolises in the world. The magnificent Table Mountain takes centre stage, orientating and nourishing the inhabitants of Cape Town with her natural and spiritual majesty. Sparkling beaches and rugged coastline flank the Table Mountain National Park closely, with the suburbs and streets sandwiched in-between.

Besides its radiant natural splendor, Cape Town is a thriving cultural and creative hub with amazing restaurants, museums, art galleries, shops and craft markets. This creativity stems from the city’s multiethnic and cosmopolitan population, fusing African and European sensibilities to create a unique flavour of its own.

Cape Town also has a flipside to the lavish splendor of its more affluent suburbs. The townships and less privileged neighbourhoods that host the majority of the city’s population paint a completely different picture, but although the inhabitants endure much hardship, it’s not all doom and gloom. There is a thriving sense of community and positivity attributed to the African principal of Ubuntu. Archbishop Desmond Tutu offered the following definition: “A person with Ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, based from a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole.” Guided tours to the townships offer an opportunity to get a first-hand impression of the realities of township life and the irrepressible spirit of its residents.

Table Mountain from the Waterfront

Table Mountain from the Waterfront

Things to do in Cape Town

  • Catch a ride up Table Mountain in a cable car or better yet, walk up and catch a cable car down.
  • Visit the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront for a smorgasbord of shops, restaurants and entertainment.
  • Take a scenic drive along the coast to the dramatically beautiful Cape Point Nature Reserve.
  • Take a stroll down Long Street for a sharp dose of Cape Town’s creativity and street couture.
  • Watch a sunset from any one of the exquisite beaches in Camps Bay or Clifton.
  • Visit the Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill in Salt River on a Saturday morning for the best in fine foods and designer goods.
The iconic Cape Point

The iconic Cape Point

16 November
Destination
Enjoy the warmth of our hospitality

Grootbos Foundation and global recognition

Grootbos is a world leader in sustainable tourism and has been awarded some of the highest international accolades possible, making us one of only a handful of lodges to achieve this.

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A UNIQUE SOUTH AFRICAN EXPERIENCE

Grootbos invites you to experience our country's most precious floral biome and marine wilderness like never before. Enjoy unique guided experiences while being treated to five-star luxury at our lodges and villas. We offer South African residents an exclusive discounted rate and additional benefits. 

What's new at Grootbos - New Garden Lodge and Florilegium

The last year has been a busy one at Grootbos. We rebuilt our beloved Garden Lodge entirely and re-opened it in April 2022. We also officially launched the Grootbos Florilegium - Africa's first contemporary florilegium - which is a collection of botanical illustrations created by local and international artists, depicting the charismatic plants found on our reserve and the surrounding regions.

Click below to learn more about these exciting developments.

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