Spring Splendour

Celebrate the splendour of spring at Grootbos

1 September - 15 December 2023

Tucked between mountain, forest and sea, Grootbos is your gateway to experiencing the wonders of spring. Step into this natural haven and discover the beauty of the Cape Floral Kingdom and the pristine coastline of Walker Bay through our immersive guided experiences, luxurious accommodation and heart-warming hospitality.

There is truly no better time to reconnect with yourself, friends and family. Embrace the Spring Splendour at Grootbos.

Join us for Spring Splendour and experience the majesty of the season

Example itinerary of your Spring Splendour Experience

Day 1 - Overview

Set on gentle sloping fynbos hills, nestled between ancient forests, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve offers a secluded, luxury escape into peace and tranquillity. Our sample Spring Splendour itinerary is a showcase of this special time at Grootbos, at its best. Personalised itineraries are available to suit any requirements.

On arrival, meet your dedicated nature guide and together customize your ‘Spring Splendour’ itinerary.  Our guides are passionate nature enthusiasts that can share all the wonders of this beautiful space with you, at your pace.

Head out onto the Grootbos reserve with your nature guide, for a sensory ‘fynbos flower safari’ and marvel at the wonders of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Fresh air, endless vistas and a greater understanding of the fynbos are an invigorating and inspiring experience that converts us all into fynbos enthusiasts.

Relax into the evening with a sumptuous five course gourmet meal, accompanied by a complimentary bottle of Creation Merlot.

The Experience

Day 2 - Overview

Break the fast, with morning breakfast options sourced from only the freshest organic produce. Our eggs benedict is a must!

Grootbos inspires a spirit of adventure and discovery. During spring the deep blue water of the Atlantic Ocean comes alive with abundant marine life. Explore the pristine coastline with your nature guide at hand and marvel at the endless stretches of white beach as far as the eye can see. Discover the historic limestone caves and imagine early life in this untouched setting.

Relax and unwind with a soul soothing couple massage in our Grootbos Forest Spa set deep within the Milkwood forest.

Enjoy a private dinner in our wine cellar, with our sommelier. The Grootbos wine collection is a carefully curated selection purchased over years, showing off the very best our local winemakers and region have to offer.

The Experience

Day 3 - Overview

Start the morning on horseback. Mount up with our Grootbos equestrian guides and discover the landscape from a completely different perspective. Every riding competency can be accommodated.

Enjoy a private opulent picnic feast in one of the best venues nature has to offer. Head out and explore the ancient forests deep in the reserve with your dedicated guide. These atmospheric forests are home to a whole world of life of their own and are over 800 hundred years old.

Celebrate the day with a sundowner at one of our viewpoints gazing over this spectacular landscape, amidst the fynbos in bloom. Taking the time to watch this everyday occurrence is a luxury we don’t often allow ourselves.

Make your way back to Grootbos for a dining experience under the stars. Our Boma is surrounded by an ancient milkwood forest and provides the perfect backdrop for an authentic South African “braai”. Retaining the fine dining experience but utilising the unique flavours of open-fire cooking, the Boma dining experience is spectacular.

The Experience

Day 4 - Overview

Curl up in your bed with a view as the sun crawls over the hills to warm up the day for your last adventures. Slowly make your way to the lodge for a delectable breakfast at the lodge. Remember to try Grootbos’ very own range of organic herbal teas.

Perfect for the birding enthusiasts! Head down the Stanford River on our customized ‘Lady Stanford’ with your guide on hand to point out all the finds of the feathered kind.

Enjoy an a la carte lunch, gazing over the lush fynbos. Our chefs combine the very best of the sumptuous local flavours on offer. With our own indigenous heather in bloom and sunlight on the sea, this is just the setting to enjoy a meal. Once packed, it’s time to say goodbye with a heart filled with unforgettable memories of Grootbos.

The Experience

Spring Splendour Accommodation

Garden Lodge
Vibrant

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
Serene

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

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.

FYNBOS HORSEBACK EXPERIENCE

Mount up and explore the 2 500 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.

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.

Grootbos Experiences

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 Region.With the dawn of Spring, this magical landscape transforms, putting it’s full splendour on display.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

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve comes to life with the onset of Spring. Free standing suites uniquely positioned in the landscape, offer endless views and are the perfect place to witness this magical landscape in bloom from your private deck. The nearby exclusive Grootbos Villas are set apart and are ideal for multi-generational or group breakaways.Take the time to reconnect and enjoy quality time in complete privacy and tranquility this Spring.

The Grootbos Experience

Take the time to invigorate mind, body and soul with immersive nature experiences on Grootbos. Rediscover a zest for life, adventure and create those special memories. Southern Right Whales hug the coastline, hundreds of birds species flit amidst the fynbos and Cape Fur Seals rest on the rocky outcrop of Dyer Island. 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 below, this unique piece of nature holds innumerable secrets to discover. Don’t just visit, live it!

The Marine Big 5

At the southern tip of Africa, where the cold Atlantic and warmer Indian oceans converge, the waters teem with abundance. Southern Right Whales, Great White Sharks, Dolphins, Cape Fur Seals and Penguins all thrive in these waters, a ‘Serengeti of the Sea’. Grootbos overlooks this marine wonderland and is witness to the feeding and frolicking of this oceanic natural paradise, rarely encountered anywhere else in the world. Explore the unparalleled diversity of these remarkable waters this Spring and wonder at the miracle of this natural haven. All activities are accompanied by a Marine biologist on hand to share the fascinating science behind these remarkable ocean species.

The Cape Floral Kingdom

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve lies in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom. It is a World Heritage Site and acknowledged as the smallest yet most diverse of the world’s plant kingdoms. This extraordinary landscape comes to life with the onset of the splendour of Spring. Invigorate the senses with a Grootbos fynbos flower safari and explore the secret paradise of this magical landscape.Grootbos is committed to conserving this unique environment and hopes to share it’s passion for conserving this treasure with our surrounding communities and guests.

Conserving Our Future

Sustainability is at the very core of the Grootbos DNA. We conserve over 20 000 hectares of vulnerable landscape, home to countless rare and endangered plant, animal and bird species. Our work in our surrounding communities reaches over 10 000 lives each year through our various vocational training, youth sports for development, employability and entrepreneurship training programmes and initiatives. Share our passion for our sustainable journey with us and discover the innovative ways Grootbos conserves the critically endangered fynbos of the region and creates shared value with surrounding communities.

A MAGICAL DINING EXPERIENCE

Food is life and the food philosophy at Grootbos embraces intimacy, sustainability, creativity and is destination dining at it’s very best. With an experienced chef team on hand, Grootbos menus draw inspiration from the rich biodiversity of the fynbos in full spring bloom 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 distinguished wines of the Overberg region are influenced by the elemental characteristics of the local terroir. Our local wine makers carefully craft award winning wines, celebrated and coveted by all. Inspired by this creative craft, Grootbos has curated a premium selection of local wines from the most exclusive wine auctions over the last decade.We delight in sharing our passion for wine with our guests with a guided wine tasting experience with our expert sommelier. We tailor tastings to our guests interests and palates and love to showcase the region’s unique interpretations of South African varietals.

The Gentle Giants of the Sea

Half of the world’s population of Southern Right Whales converge in the sanctuary of Walker Bay with the onset of Spring. They come to mate, calve and raise their young. These colossal, gentle giants of the sea have been hunted to the verge of extinction and it is a privilege to be in their presence. Whether from the coastal cliffs or with an aerial view by air, this encounter is not to be missed. Explore this awe-inspiring experience with us at Grootbos this ‘Spring Splendour’, as we celebrate all the natural wonders this phenomenal region offers.

An Ancient Milkwood Forest

Grootbos is a protected sanctuary for three, ancient White Milkwood forests over 800 years old. With the warmer days of Spring, the forests transform into an oasis for birdlife, insects and small mammals foraging amongst the foliage. Explore the mysteries of these ancient forests with a dedicated guide and enjoy the peace and tranquility these forests bring.The sun dappled Milkwood forest is also home to our Forest spa, a perfect setting to melt the stress away.

Erica and the Bee

The Erica irregularis is a keystone fynbos species and is so exceptionally rare, that it is largely concentrated on the Grootbos Reserve.It flowers once a year and transforms the Spring hillsides into a vibrant glow of pink splendour. The blooming Erica creates a hive of activity for the Cape honey bee and this synergy produces a distinctive honey.This dark, golden liquid is used in our signature honey ice-cream and can be enjoyed in our fynbos honey treatment in our forest spa.

The Grootbos Landscapes

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, a rich botanical landscape of diverse ecosystems, a thriving diversity of life and home to the Marine big five.With the glow of warmth of Spring, the season of ‘new life’ has arrived on Grootbos. The hills erupt in a blanket of pink blossoms, the dormant, delicate fynbos emerges in bright and bold colour and the Southern Right Whales frolic and breach in the bay below.This exclusive luxury location offers nature immersed activities ranging from our Grootbos fynbos flower safari, to bird watching with expert guides, to horse riding through the reserve.

The Beauty of Walkerbay

The secluded Walker Bay is framed by white washed dunes and the start of gentle fynbos hills below Grootbos.This rich coastline is home to ancient caves, picture perfect beaches and tidal rockpools pulsating with a myriad of scuttling creatures. Spring heralds a time of warmer weather and waters and marks the arrival of the Southern Right Whales and a host of Pelagic birds. They all arrive to feast and calve in the sanctuary of Walker Bay. Discover and explore this remarkable marine wonderland of Walker Bay with us this Spring with immersive experiences in this natural wonderland. Guided activities in the fynbos, coastline or on the ocean are an invigorating experience reaffirming the splendour of nature this Spring.

The Great White Shark

The Walker Bay region is home to the most accessible of the Great White Shark colonies in the world. This fascinating apex marine predator can grow to over 6 meters in length and live to over 70 years. Our partner Marine Dynamics will ensure a fascinating shark experience. Take the time to learn more about these fascinating and misunderstood creatures with a life-changing marine adventure this ‘Spring Splendour’.

 

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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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