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Cruise along the picturesque Klein River, from Stanford to the Hermanus Estuary. Spot a flamboyant flock of Flamingos or Swallows riding the airwaves next to the boat.
Set out on a gentle cruise aboard the Lady Stanford, an exclusive luxury river boart down the Klein River in Stanford.
Surrounded by autumn-tinted trees and panoramic mountain ranges, the Klein River is home to a myriad of birdlife. Soak up the tranquility as our experienced guides point out the birdlife. You might even spot a local canoeist from our Grootbos Foundation's development project!
Roll along the river and immerse yourself in a pristine environment. The Lady Stanford can comfortably accommodate up to 26 passengers and is fully equipped with birding books and checklists, binoculars, blankets to keep warm during the cooler months and even an eco-friendly toilet.
Birding enthusiasts will relish in the chance to view endemic bird species. The Klein River Lagoon is home to an array of birds, including the Blue Crane (National Bird), Flamingo, African Fish Eagle, Red Knobbed Coot, Purple Heron and a variety of Cormorants and Geese.
During Secret Season, pink and amber autumn days are captured in sunrises and sunsets. Treat your senses to a magical experience on the Klein River with a glass of bubbly or hot chocolate. An expert guide will share the secrets of these golden hours and the flourishing birdlife.
Create everlasting memories on a sublime cruise fit for the whole crew. Lady Stanford comfortably seats 26 guests which makes it perfect for special occasions, social events and family gatherings.
The Secret Season Special includes a 3 night stay in a private free standing luxury suite, full board and an array of activities and adventures to choose from. This exclusive package is valid from May through to July from R 4 450 per person, per night sharing. Offer subject to availability.
View our Secret Season SpecialGrootbos combines ingredients and flavours of indigenous fynbos and nearby marine shores, with spectacular dining settings. We pair these with our carefully curated wine collection sourced from the very best of the region.
As part of the Secret Season at Grootbos, our skilled team of chefs are on hand to forage in this unique natural pantry with you and take you on a journey of transforming these tastes into a unique dining experience. Grootbos is a destination dining experience with our food philosophy central philosophy to the experience.
The marine world on the shores below Grootbos is home to unparalleled marine life ranging from the small and endangered African Penguin to the largest predatory fish of the oceans, the Great White Shark.
The cooler winter months and our Secret Season marks the annual migration of the Southern Right Whales and together with the Penguins, Sharks, Dolphins and Cape Fur Seals making up the Marine Big 5. Discover and explore this remarkable marine wonderland, heralded as the ‘Serengeti of the Seas’.
Grootbos is home to 3 of the last remaining indigenous Milkwood forests of the Western Cape. These 1000 year old labyrinths of gnarled trunks and lichen covered branches are in fact a complex system of trees all working in unison. The atmosphere in these forests is enchanting, a space of tranquility and sanctuary.
The Secret Season offers the opportunity to spend time, exploring these ancient wooded spaces with a dedicated guide and re-connecting with yourself amidst this beautiful piece of nature.
Grootbos is passionate and committed to the conservation of the Cape Floral Kingdom and the upliftment of the communities therein. Together with the Grootbos Foundation, Grootbos has integrated conservation and community into it’s very DNA and is an inspirational model for progressive and sustainable tourism in practice.
Come and be inspired during The Secret Season and discover the innovative ways Grootbos and the Grootbos Foundation work together to conserve the critically endangered fynbos of the region and create shared value with the surrounding local communities.
Grootbos lies in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, the smallest yet most biodiverse of the worlds plant kingdoms and home to a biodiversity more abundant than that of the Amazon.
Experience the majesty and wonder of this distinctive landscape and World Heritage site in our Secret Season. Head out on our flower safari and understand the fascinating story of fynbos and this unique piece of nature.
Grootbos is situated in the southern most wine region of Africa, renown for Pinot Noir, Chenin and Sauvignon Blanc. Grootbos’s passion for wines of this region has translated into a careful assemblage of the very best of these wines, over the past decade.
As part of the Secret Season, Grootbos sommeliers introduce these hallmark wines, varieties and wine stories of this exciting wine region and offer expert pairing guidance to complete the taste journey.
Take a closer look at the world of bees and honey and be amazed at the intelligence of nature and the intricate role bees play in every aspect of our ecosystems.
The Secret Season, in our cooler months, is the ideal opportunity to suit up and head out with our apiarian. Encounter the buzz of a beehive, the delicate structures and matrix that come together in the fascinating world of bees. On your return, experience the extraction process top this off with some of our delicious honey muffins and a sip of honey iced tea!
Pick up a handful of shells when strolling along the endless white sandy beaches, listen to the waves crashing and marvel at the glorious views.
A visit to our beaches offers relaxation, inspiration or solitude, depending on how you choose to spend your time. At the foot of our reserve lies the cradle of human culture; caves that were home of our ancestors from the Middle Stone Age through the Later Stone Ages. Discover the ancient secrets the coastal caves hold. Soak up panoramic views, through the naturally casted window which after the rock shelter was named.
The Lady Stanford offers a gentle cruise immersing you in the natural world of the Klein River. There is exceptional birdlife to enjoy and the scenic river landscape is flanked by spectacular mountain range vistas, offering an ideal venue for a sundowner.
This tranquil cruise is an idyllic Secret Season activity as you relax and enjoy this serene meander down this beautiful river system.
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.
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
