Grootbos Foundation

From its very inception, The Grootbos Private Nature Reserve based in the Overberg was always going to be more than a luxury travel destination.

The Grootbos Foundation was set up in 2003 as a non-profit organisation that would work to conserve the critically endangered fynbos, while also focusing on the training and skills development of the surrounding communities.

Our Projects

Grootbos owners the Lutzeyer family established The Grootbos Foundation in 2003.
Beyond our programmes, we conduct research into ecological, educational and social issues – and then craft impactful solutions.
Your stay at Grootbos leaves a positive impact behind you when you leave.

Community. Culture. Commerce. Conservation.

We’re an organisation dedicated to empowering others through ecotourism, enterprise development, sports development and education.

All of our projects are replicable and scalable, with many generating their own income or becoming partially self-sustaining. From coaching soccer, computer training to clearing alien vegetation, each programme has been carefully considered to build a brighter future for the people who live here, as well as the environment.

Siyakhula

Siyakhula means Growing the Future and this project combines a variety of initiatives to support local communities.

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Green Futures Education

The Green Futures Adult Education and Training College offers courses in indigenous horticulture, hospitality and guiding.

Green Futures Research

Conservation research programmes which include award-winning ecological research projects, biodiversity surveys and more

Football Foundation

The Football Foundation runs daily training sessions in soccer, netball, hockey and athletics for about 7000 youth each year.

Internship Programme

Our volunteer and intern programme provides much needed assistance, capacity and skills to the sport programmes.

See Foundation Website

907 Plant species found on Grootbos

21 800 Combined Hectares of land protected in Conservancy

39 Small Business Beneficiaries

30 000 Insect species found on Grootbos

2 283 Football Foundation youth beneficiaries

1 498 Daily Meal Unique Beneficiaries

10 Rapid survey BioBlitzes

129 Entrepreneurship Training Beneficiaries

Awards & Mentions

IMVELO

Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Green List

Best in Poverty Reduction

Best for Conservation of an Endangered Species

Finalist: Tourism for Tomorrow Awards

Get Involved

“Every action we take is designed to have a positive impact on the local community and environment”.

Be inspired. Make a difference. Change their story.

Keen to know more? We recommend going on our Living the Future tour, to see and experience our projects first hand. You’ll be inspired and develop a deeper understanding of what makes Grootbos so special.

The Grootbos Foundation is a registered NPO, is audited annually and all funds generated go towards programme delivery. Please email us at info@grootbosfoundation.org for more information if you wish to make a donation.

Contribute to this award winning organisation

Donate Now Volunteer

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.