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Where people and the environment are woven together
An eco-luxury escape for the whole family
As a global leader in sustainable eco-tourism, the relationship between humans and nature lies at the heart of everything we do. Visit Grootbos and explore this interwoven web through a wide array of immersive adventure-based experiences and activities. Every member, no matter how old or young, can connect to nature, each other, and something far greater than themselves.
The Luxury of Family
Grootbos is a seamless blend of luxury, comfort and adventure where families can enjoy activities together or separately. Little ones will love the nature activities and child-friendly menus, while adults will appreciate some alone time, knowing their treasures are being entertained, having fun, and learning in a safe environment supervised by our experienced team.
Deepening Connnection
Shared experiences are a wonderful way to connect with nature and one another. Deepen your bonds and form lasting memories through immersive nature-based experiences, like exploring the reserve on horseback, hiking through the fynbos fields or exploring the rock pools along the nearby coastline.
Holiday with a Purpose
Luxury and comfort provide the backdrop for nature-driven experiences. At Grootbos, we have mastered the art of combining adventure with learning. It’s our way of continuing our legacy by inspiring an appreciation for the environment and conservation to ensure a next generation of nature lovers and protectors.
Feel Right at Home
Grootbos is a family-friendly destination. From the accommodation layout and menu options to our experienced childminders and age-appropriate nature adventures, everything is purposefully designed to create memories that last a lifetime.
Something for everyone
Young or old, there are activities, adventures and outings that every member of the family will thoroughly enjoy.
Family-friendly accommodation
Cocoon in a contemporary suite nestled into nature. A separate spacious lounge and deck area make it easy to relax together.
Flexible dining options
Families can enjoy a picnic outdoors, dine in our restaurant, or the kids can fill up in a space of their own. Kid-friendly menus are a given.
Enjoy family or personal time
Splashing in the pool and exploring forests and beaches together, or having a little quiet parent-time alone, Grootbos families enjoy their stay at their own pace – in their own way.
Dedicated childminder
Experienced childminders are on hand to keep the little ones busy while you catch a nap, unwind in the spa or have some well-deserved alone time.
Curated kids programme
Grootbos has created a fun and flexible activities programme that grows curious minds and a love of nature. Geared to adapt to ages and interests.
Something for everyone
Family-friendly accommodation
Flexible dining options
Enjoy family or personal time
Dedicated childminder
Curated kids programme
Adventure into Nature as a Family
Explore
Rejuvenate
Indulge
Unwind
Walk along the coastline with your guide, or meander through the reserve’s fynbos and uncover the friendships between flowers, birds, bees and animals.
Explore the beauty and wonder of the reserve.
Discover tiny kingdoms on an entomology tour.
Embrace your adventurous side with a coastal cave excursion.
Soak up the sun on an idyllic beach picnic.
Recharge your batteries with a restorative forest walk, horse-ride or a serene spa treatment. Nature’s ability to refresh souls, old and young, is endless.
Become immersed in the fynbos, exploring on foot.
Root your legacy and plant an endemic tree in the forest.
Take a moment to get pampered.
Trot to nature's rhythm on a horseback ride.
Treat your senses to freshly made, seasonal meals, do some light shopping at the curio shop, or get in stuck into some cookie-baking fun.
Sit in the luxury of the slow moments.
Delight in decadent meals with the family.
A kids paradise to play & explore.
Find something special to commemorate your stay.
Spend quality time together in your suite, on a picnic or splashing in the pool before catching laugh-out-loud family entertainment in the kids’ movie zone.
Slow down and savour the small moments.
Feel the wind through your hair as you soak up the views.
Connect over a picnic in the lush fynbos.
Make a splash by the pool.
Testimonials
Our villa was really great, a sea view straight out from the bed, a beautiful fireplace and one of the best bathrooms I've ever seen!
Chad S - United Kingdom
We had a suite in the Forest Lodge with a private pool. It was absolutely incredible.
John Cooper - United States
Grootbos Young Explorers Programme
Ignite a Love of Learning
Age-appropriate activities
A safe and caring environment
Adventure together as a family or leave the younger ones in safe hands.
The Explorer Programme encourages learning and discovery through interactive activities and is carefully designed so that every family member from age 4 upwards, has a nature-inspiring experience to remember.
A variety of activities are located throughout the reserve, introducing young minds to different aspects of nature and tailored to appeal to different ages and interests. Parents have the option to leave little explorers under the care of an expertly trained team in a safe environment, or can join in on the fun, or take on a self-guided family adventure using self-guided pamphlets.
Matching Age & Interest
A 4-year-old is very different from an 11-year-old, which is why we tailor our experiences to suit different age groups. We also match interests to activities, making sure our young explorers have their very own version of a Grootbos experience.
Nature's Tales
Carefully designed with children in mind, our activities encourage exploration, discovery and lessons from nature. From horseback riding to investigating rock pools, the more we discover about nature, the more we understand our world.
In Safe Hands
Let young explorers embark on adventures under the care of expertly trained guides in a safe and controlled environment. Moms and dads can relax, knowing their little ones will be kept happy and busy discovering many awe-inspiring things about nature.
Family Time
The opportunities to spend quality time as a family at Grootbos are endless. Like taking a self-guided nature walk together or joining in on the Explorer Programme action, where parents and grandparents are welcome.
New Connections
Not only will curious minds spark a connection with nature, they will also have the wonderful opportunity to connect with other children, forge new friendships and have the best holiday adventures together.
Nature, people and purpose are interwoven. This is why, for over two decades, Grootbos has been working to conserve the environment and uplift the communities within. Let your family experience this interconnectedness and appreciate how vital it is for humankind to live in harmony with nature.
Energetic yet peaceful, Garden Lodge is nestled in a lush indigenous garden. Its child-friendly menus, activities, Family-friendly suites and dedicated kids’ entertainment zone, make it an excellent choice for a luxury family stay.
Dancing lightly on the fringes of an ancient Milkwood Forest with sweeping views of Walker Bay, Forrest Lodge is the perfect choice for families with children 16 years and older, who appreciate the comfort of luxury and pristine nature.
Designed with exclusivity in mind, the freestanding villas are completely private, where little ones can happily squeal, nap and play out loud at any time of day. Their generous layouts make them a natural choice for the ultimate family getaway.
Reconnect with family-bonding activities in a living wonderland
Roam the Reserve
Wind your way through 3 500 hectares of protected land and soak up the sweeping views of the Walker Bay coastline below. The Grootbos reserve is all yours to safely explore and enjoy.
Explore the Beaches
Feel the sand between your toes and let giggles fill the air as you explore the glittering beaches that lie below Grootbos. Explore rock pools, build sandcastles and soak up the sun.
Dip into Marine Life
Walker Bay is rich with marine life, attracting a diverse array of aquatic species. Spotting dolphins, seals and whales (in season) at play in the glittering waves is all part of a Grootbos stay.
Discover the Floral Kingdom
Over 100 endangered plant species can be found in the Grootbos reserve. It’s a living landscape just waiting to fill your head and heart with wonder, inspiration and appreciation of the natural world.
See the Art of Conservation
Lean in and examine the meticulously detailed works in the Grootbos Florilegium, where artists have captured the delicate relationship between the flowers of the reserve and the creatures they support.
Walk in Ancient Forests
Take a tranquil stroll under the canopy of centuries-old Milkwood trees. Tune in to the colours, scents and sounds of the forest. Or sit still and reconnect with yourself, your family and nature.
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.
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.
