A kingdom in your hand

Botanical 4x4 Tour

Take a 4x4 botanical safari on an open-top Land Rover and soak up the serenity in shaded glades, feel the wind in your hair as you drive past fields of flowers and get perspective looking down from mountain peaks.

Tiny, exquisite worlds

Keep still, listen intently and you’ll be amazed at the things you learn on a botanical safari. Explore the richest temperate flora in the world on the Grootbos reserve and discover its unique flora and fauna. Then visit our botanical art gallery where the intricate narratives of the fynbos environment are depicted in the detailed botanical artworks of the Grootbos Florilegium.

Touch, smell, and see the enchanting narrative of fynbos and forest come to life while discovering over 900 plant species recorded on our pristine 3500 hectares of wilderness. Learn how a sunbird’s beak fits perfectly into a flower, why the honey our bees produce is completely unique, and how important fires in the fynbos are for bringing forth new life.

  • Learn how native inhabitants have used fynbos for centuries.
  • Understand the significance of your surroundings, and see beauty that will stay with you for a lifetime.
  • See the fascinating intricacies of the flora and fauna depicted in breathtaking artworks of the Grootbos Florilegium.

From Our Expert Guides

Jo de Villiers
"Walking through the Fynbos is one of the most magical experiences you will ever have in your life"

The Grootbos Florilegium

FLORILEGIUM (flôrəˈlējēəm).
A collection of illustrations featuring plants from a specific garden or region.

Where Nature Meets Art

Discover the Grootbos Florilegium, a unique collection of botanical illustrations by a collaboration of local and international artists. The collection depicts the rare, endangered and charismatic plants found on the Grootbos reserve and surrounding regions. What makes these artworks even more distinctive is the inclusion of insects, pollinators and other creatures associated with the flora.

Testimonials

Amazing few days in glamorous wilderness resort.

Niamh G - United Kingdom

South Africa's best by the Sea. Loads of amazing plants and birds to learn about

Amanda Branson - Australia

Luxury with nature to enjoy - Home of the "Marine Big 5" and with unparalleled floral diversity.

Chris Devas - Canada

Lovely ride along the property learning about the plants and the birds.

Juliane McClure - United States

Secluded without being isolated, many amazing activities are included such as horse riding, 4x4 safari and nature walks.

Amanda M - Australia
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.

See New Garden Lodge See Florilegium