The Secret Season

Experience The Secret Season (1 May - 31 August 2022)

The Secret Season at Grootbos is a special time of year when the unique fynbos fields give way to the most spectacular showcasing of its rich diversity of flora and fauna. Awakened by the glow of the stunning Winter sunsets, the fields come alive with vibrant colour to welcome the Southern Right Whales after their long journey to our warmer shores. 

Tucked away in the middle of this beautifully orchestrated symphony of nature lies Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, your gateway to experiencing all this natural wonder. Join us this Secret Season as we explore the ancient Milkwood forests, set out on an exciting flower safari and take to the waters for a magical whale watching experience. For those wanting to take things slow, indulge in our relaxing wellness treatments or wind down in front of the cosy fireplace with a glass of award-winning South African wine. Experience all that the Secret Season has to offer at Grootbos from May to August with our incredible “Secret Season”.

Book our Secret Season and experience the uniqueness of Grootbos at this time

Sneak Preview

Overview

A scenic two-hour drive from Cape Town brings you to Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. A magical place where nature parades in all its glory during the Secret Season.

Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink while you soak up the glorious vistas. Your luggage will be delivered to your private suites for you to settle in later. First, enjoy a delicious a la carte seasonal lunch, made from the bountiful harvest the season brings. Take a stroll to your private suite where you can get cosy with a hot chocolate in front of the fireplace. After some relaxation time, get ready to saddle up for a horse ride through the Reserve or take things slow with a rejuvenating wellness treatment at our Bloom spa.

Back at the Lodge, refreshed and relaxed, it’s time to sip on sundowners as the sky explodes into a kaleidoscope of colour. Complete the evening with a culinary feast with the best local flavours.

The Experience

Overview

Rise early and greet the day as you enjoy a hot beverage and snack before we head off to Kleinbaai Harbour. Here you’ll board a luxury boat and get to experience the Marine Big 5 first-hand including whales, sharks, penguins, dolphins and seals. After this exhilarating experience, arrive back at the lodge for a delicious brunch followed by some relaxation time.

In the afternoon, you can join your guide on an exciting 4x4 flower safari where you will learn all about the magical Cape Floral Kingdom, the smallest yet most diverse floral kingdom in the world.

End another exciting day at Grootbos with an unforgettable 5-course, food and wine pairing experience with our Sommelier. Savour some of the most celebrated wines in the Overberg region and indulge in delectable cuisine prepared by our professional chefs.

The Experience

Overview

Awake to a chorus of birdsong from the comfort of your luxurious canopy bed, followed by a delicious breakfast at the lodge. Join your guide for the Lady Stanford River Boat. This sublime vessel cruises gently down the Klein River. Enjoy light snacks while your guide points out the birdlife along the river.

After exploring the secrets of the river it’s time to discover the magic of the ancient Milkwood forests. Amble through the lush forests, and listen to the birdsong. End your stroll with a fresh and inviting lunch where you can reflect on a morning well spent before heading off on the next adventure.

A short drive to the ocean finds you at the ancient Klipgat Cave, carved out by millennia of wave action and wind. Before returning to the lodge enjoy a glass of bubbly while watching the breathtaking sunsets over Walker Bay.

The Experience

Overview

Let your last day linger a little longer. Soak up the serene beauty of this magical season and curl up in your bed with a view of the sun creeping over the hills to warm up the day.

Join us for a tasty breakfast at the lodge as you continue to relax and unwind. Wanting to leave your mark before saying goodbye to Grootbos? Talk to your guide about planting an indigenous tree and help us to reforest a protected forest species and leave a legacy of your visit behind. 

The Experience

Secret Season Accommodation

Garden Lodge
SERENE AND SOPHISTICATED

Garden Lodge

The spacious and elegant Garden Lodge with its floor-to-ceiling windows create a feeling of being connected with the pristine nature outside. Enjoy one of the best views in Africa from the luxurious lounge area and dine amongst some of South Africa’s finest wines in our brand-new wine cellar.

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Forest Lodge
A SLICE OF HEAVEN

Forest Lodge

Surrounded by an ancient milkwood forest on one side and fragrant fynbos on the other, Forest Lodge offers a relaxing and tranquil experience. The 16 spacious and exquisitely decorated suites provide the perfect retreat to connect with nature and loved ones while soaking up the stunning panoramic views.

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Private Villas
EXCLUSIVE AND UNSURPASSED

Private Villas

Our two secluded villas offer unparalleled luxury and privacy with expansive views over Walker Bay and the pristine fynbos of Grootbos. The Sunbird Villa (4-bedroom) and Fynbos Villa (6-bedroom) both boast state-of-the-art amenities and world-class personalised service. Be treated to superb culinary delights by your private chef and butler, while your private guide creates once-in-a-lifetime experiences tailor-made to your desires.

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Your stay includes

5 STAR PREMIUM ACCOMMODATION IN FREESTANDING SUITES

Feel connected to the vivid landscapes and pristine natural surroundings when staying in our luxurious freestanding suites. Sink into the splendour of the endless views from your elegant suite, each with its own private deck, fireplace and outdoor shower.

WHOLESOME AND NUTRITIOUS BREAKFAST

Start each day with a hearty and delicious breakfast made from locally sourced ingredients. Freshly baked bread, freshly squeezed juices and a variety of fresh fruit. Our executive chef, Benjamin Conradie is ready to cater to any specific tastes and requirements.

3-COURSE LUNCH

Refuel and recharge with a delicious seasonal menu, and you will be ready to explore for the rest of the day. All of our dishes are made from the freshest ingredients sourced straight from our organic farm and from the local harbours

5-COURSE DINNER

A bountiful local produce from Growing the Future farm provides Head Chef Ben Conradie and his team with only the best ingredients. They have mastered the culinary art of enhancing natural flavours to create mouth-watering selections for an exquisite journey in taste sensations.

TRANSFERS TO/FROM ALL ACTIVITIES

Transfers to/from both included and additional activities are included in your rate. Airport transfers can be arranged with reservations prior to arrival at an additional cost.

GUIDED NATURE WALKS AND HIKES

Head out into the fynbos on foot with your expert nature guide. Discover the deep ancient Afro-Montane or nearby ancient Milkwood forests and marvel at this natural wonderland and all it has to offer.

4x4 FLOWER SAFARI

Head out in an open safari vehicle with your own nature guide to explain the fascinating facts and stories of this floral paradise. This breathtaking landscape is home to the fynbos and is the smallest yet most biodiverse plant kingdom on earth.

FYNBOS HORSEBACK EXPERIENCE

Mount up and explore the 3500 hectare reserve on horseback with our experienced equestrian guides on hand. Every competency level can be catered for and pony rides for the kids are always a hit.

KIDS STAY FOR FREE

Children under the age of ten stay free of charge.

ANCIENT CAVE EXPERIENCE

Explore the nearby coastal limestone caves with your guide on hand to explain the remarkable stories behind the early dwellers of these caves. The Klipgat cave is an example of early human dwellings dating back to the Middle and late Stone Age.

Experience Grootbos This Secret Season

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

The southernmost tip of Africa is a melting pot of diversity. It is known for being both, the ‘Serengeti of the Sea’, home to the Marine Big 5 and the Cape Floral Kingdom. Grootbos, a 5-star Premium luxury eco-reserve is expertly tucked into the gentle slopes above this abundant coastline and offers the perfect location to explore and discover all there is on offer with a dedicated guide at hand.

Luxury Accommodation

Set on gentle sloping fynbos hills, nestled between ancient forests, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve offers a secluded, luxury escape. Experience the intimate atmosphere of Forest lodge, the warmth of African hospitality at Garden Lodge or the epitome of luxury at the Grootbos Villas. All of our accommodation at Grootbos has been designed to complement our pristine natural setting, while never compromising on style or luxury.

The Grootbos Experience

At Grootbos we have curated a collection of life-changing experiences inspired by our pristine surroundings that will leave your mind, body and soul invigorated and refreshed. This natural eco-paradise is filled with remarkable treasures to explore. Whether it’s a fynbos flower safari, a private picnic feast on the reserve or exploring the bounty of the marine world in the bay below, this unique piece of nature holds innumerable secrets to discover. 

The Marine Big 5

Grootbos is perfectly positioned to overlook the incredible Walker Bay. Often referred to as the ‘Serengeti of the Sea’ these waters are brimming with an abundance of marine life.  Whales, sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins feed, frolic and play in this marine wonderland. Join us this Secret Season for a guided marine safari, boat-based whale watching, unforgettable shark experiences or a scenic flight and be inspired by the prolific bounty this marine sanctuary holds.

The Cape Floral Kingdom

In the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom lies Grootbos Private Nature Reserve surrounded by unique floral landscapes, where endemic botanical species, birds, insects, and animals abound. With over 907 recorded plant species in our 3500 hectares of pristine wilderness, the fascinating story of fynbos and forest will be brought to life as you touch, smell and see the natural miracles that surround you.

Conserving our Future

Protecting the pristine fynbos landscapes and uplifting the surrounding communities is at the very core of the Grootbos DNA. Become part of a journey and discover the innovative ways Grootbos conserves the critically endangered fynbos of the region and creates shared value with surrounding communities. The Grootbos experience will leave you inspired to make a difference and give you a deeper understanding of nature.

A Magical Dining Experience

Food is life and the food philosophy at Grootbos embraces intimacy, sustainability, creativity and is destination dining at its very best. With an experienced chef team on hand, Grootbos menus draw inspiration from the rich biodiversity of the surrounding fynbos and the fresh local seasonal produce the region has to offer. Enjoy these sumptuous creations in the privacy of our wine cellar, from the hillside hideaway setting of our restaurant with endless views into the horizon or in one of the best venues nature has to offer under a star-studded evening sky, in an ancient Milkwood forest.   

Where Wine Meets Wilderness

The southernmost region of Africa is renowned for producing some of the world’s most prestigious boutique wines. Known for their complex and refined flavours, these unique wines are influenced by the elemental characteristics of the local terroir. Inspired by the creativity of the wines of the Overberg region, Grootbos has carefully curated a premium collection of local wines.
At Grootbos we delight in sharing our passion for wine with our guests. Join our expert sommelier guides as they take you through the range of exciting tastes and flavours showcasing the regions interpretations of the quintessential varieties. 

An Ancient Milkwood Forest

The presence of ancient and indigenous Milkwood forests shapes Grootbos into a magical destination straight out of a fairytale. The reserve provides a protected sanctuary to three of only ten milkwood forests in the Western Cape. It is amongst these 800-year-old forests that Grootbos has carefully laid out their exquisite 5-star eco-luxury lodges. As an oasis of birdlife, insects and small mammals, these special forests showcase the intricacies of nature. Explore the mysteries of these ancient forests with a dedicated guide and enjoy the peace and tranquillity these forests bring.

The Beauty Of Walker Bay

As the sun glistens over the ocean, it beckons us to explore the wonders of Walker Bay.  This rich coastline is home to ancient caves, picture-perfect beaches and a marine paradise brimming with life.  Join our exceptional guides as they explore this unique coastline through an array of adventurous, relaxing and fun experiences. Discover the ancient caves rich with the history of our ancestors, take a stroll along the endless white sandy beaches and sip champagne as you watch the spectacular sunset from the limestone cliffs. 

Wellness & Wellbeing

At Grootbos, nature becomes a sanctuary for self-discovery and inner harmony.  By being surrounded by the beauty of our natural environment, we are more mindful of the moment, and this allows us to gain a greater understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. Be captivated by the power of nature on a fynbos flower safari, as you witness the beauty and harmony of all living things. 

Erica and the Bee

Every year one particular fynbos species transforms the surrounding Grootbos landscape into a canvas of unbelievable pink. Found nowhere else in the world, this rare Erica irregularis is a wonder to witness. Immerse yourself in the soft hues of the fields with a 4x4 Flower Safari, Horse Riding Experience or a ‘Hive to Home’ honey experience and learn more about this distinctive flower.

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En-route to Grootbos

We may be an unforgettable destination but the journey here is an experience in its own right.  Marvel at dramatic unspoilt views, stop in at some unique attractions and absorb all the exquisite natural beauty that surrounds you.

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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