The Summer Sun

CELEBRATE SUMMER

Summer at Grootbos resonates with bursting life and abundance. The surrounding fynbos hills are covered with colourful pockets of green, red and orange, the sound of cheerful birdsong can be heard all around and the glistening waters of Walker Bay are brimming with incredible marine life. This symphony of nature inspires our ethos at Grootbos and creates the perfect setting where everyone can reconnect and rejuvenate in nature.

Grootbos has experiences for all tastes, from blissful beach days on the untouched shores of Walker Bay, to an adventurous fat bike tour along the dunes. Indulge in relaxing wellness treatment under the ancient milkwood forest or wind down in our luxurious suites with a bottle of wine from our curated collection of rare and award-winning wines. Summer is truly unforgettable at Grootbos.

Book our Summer Sun and experience the uniqueness of Grootbos at this time

Example itinerary of your Summer Sun Experience

Day 1 - Overview

Set between mountain, forest and sea, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve offers the ultimate summer escape. Our sample Summer Sun itinerary showcases your Grootbos experience during this beautiful time of year. Personalised itineraries are available to suit any requirements.

On arrival, be greeted with a refreshing welcome drink and meet your dedicated nature guide who will help you customize your ‘Summer Sun’ itinerary. Start your summer escape with a delicious lunch in our restaurant or on the deck outside with magnificent views of the fynbos landscapes and ocean.

Afterwards, check into your suite and settle in before heading off with one of our guides to explore the pristine beach of Walker Bay with its ancient caves, deep blue ocean and dramatic limestone rocks. Round off your day with the most decadent 5-course dinner paired with award-winning local wines.

The Experience

Day 2 - Overview

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast, before gearing yourself up for a morning of adventure. Start your day’s activities with an exciting guided horse ride through our beautiful nature reserve and take in the views along the stunning Walker Bay coastline.

In the afternoon, head out on a 4x4 Flower Safari where our professional guides will show you the majesty of the prolific Cape Floral Kingdom. Learn about the delicate flora on Grootbos and the species that only occur in this area. 

Celebrate the day with a sundowner at the beach or on the reserve and then indulge in a sumptuous 5-course dinner while you ease into a magical Grootbos evening.

The Experience

Day 3 - Overview

After breakfast, head off with your guide for a blissful beach day. They know all the best spots and will arrange umbrellas, beach towels and even a delicious picnic.

After a busy morning, relax with a full body massage in our Forest Spa, surrounded by ancient Milkwood trees.

In the evening, watch the breathtaking African sunset from our cocktail deck overlooking some of the best views over fields of fynbos,  sand dunes and the expansive Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the sounds of nature and the tranquil atmosphere as you revel in our uniquely delicious cuisine. 

The Experience

Day 4 - Overview

On your last morning at Grootbos, join one of our guides on an early morning walk through the magical Milkwood forest as the dappled light and gnarled ancient branches create a mysterious setting.

After a final breakfast in our restaurant, depart Grootbos with a host of memories you won’t soon forget.

The Experience

Summer Sun Accommodation

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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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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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.

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 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 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

Experience 5-star luxury accommodation at Grootbos this summer. Our free standing suites are uniquely positioned to offer endless views and are the perfect place to witness this magical fynbos landscape 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 Summer.

The Grootbos Experience

Grootbos has experiences for all tastes. This natural paradise is filled with remarkable treasures to explore. Whether it’s a fynbos flower safari, a private picnic feast on the reserve or blissful beach day on the untouched coastline of Walker Bay, this unique piece of nature holds innumerable secrets to discover.

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. Explore the unparalleled diversity of these remarkable waters this Summer. 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 is bursting with an abundance of life during Summer. Invigorate the senses with a Grootbos fynbos flower safari and explore the secret paradise of this magical landscape.

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 and the fresh local seasonal produce the region has to offer. Enjoy these sumptuous creations in the privacy of our wine cellar, from 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. 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.

An Ancient Milkwood Forest

Grootbos is a protected sanctuary for three, ancient White Milkwood forests that are over 800 years old. With the warmer days of Summer, 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.

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.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. Discover and explore the remarkable Walker Bay with us this Summer with immersive nature-based experiences.

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 summer.

 

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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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