A pioneering eco-reserve outside of Hermanus made for a multigenerational family experience.
At the Southern tip of Africa, a two-hour drive from Cape Town and just east of Hermanus, you’ll find one of the most biologically diverse marine eco systems on the planet, framed by the Cape Floral Kingdom – one of only six floral kingdoms around the world.
Positioned deep within this biodiverse area, surrounded by a pristine nature reserve and overlooking Walker Bay, sits the five-star Grootbos Private Nature Reserve™. Comprising the family-friendly Garden Lodge and romantic Forest Lodge, Grootbos is dedicated to sustaining the natural heritage of the area, while cultivating social transformation in the surrounding communities.
Recently rebuilt with multi-generational travellers in mind – while also warmly welcoming couples – Garden Lodge enjoys a breathtaking elevated vantage point overlooking the Atlantic. Set within lush indigenous gardens, the 11 free-standing suites boast floor-to-ceiling windows, lounges leading onto expansive private decks, and spacious ensuite bathrooms with deep soaking tubs.
The light-flooded public areas and restaurant offer a seamless indoor-outdoor flow – come evening, start with scenic sundowners on the terrace before enjoying refined cuisine, made with organic ingredients from the onsite farm. You can also book a special dinner in the Boma, set in an ancient milkwood forest, or in the wine cellar – Grootbos has collected more than 30,000 bottles of wines not available on the open market, making it special destination for oenophiles.
The lodge is also an extraordinary playground for children, who can be left in the care of a dedicated childminder. An action-packed nature-based programme will see them explore the stables and farm to feed the horses and farm animals, go horseback-riding and scavenger hunting, and be introduced to entomology. Come evening, they can have their own private dinner and watch a film in the forest-themed playroom, before a nocturnal ‘frogging’ expedition.
Guests can fully immerse themselves in Grootbos’ floral kingdom. Rates include breakfast, three-course lunches and six-course dinners, a 4x4 flower safari, guided forest walks and botanical hikes, a fynbos horseback experience, an ancient cave experience and beach picnic, seasonal coastal drives and land-based whale watching, progressive tourism tours, visits to the onsite Florilegium, and transfers to/from activities. In-between activities, cool off in the pool and retreat to the spa and sauna for botanical body treatments.ku
"A dream come true"
We had the most amazing family holiday, everything worked so perfectly, the arrangements and accommodation was spectacular!
"Unforgettable trip to Namibia – Thank you Namibia Tours & Safaris!"
We are a group of four from Romania and spent 3 unforgettable weeks in Namibia. We can't recommend them enough, and for any future travels in Namibia or other parts of Africa, we will definitely use their services again.
"We had a great experience"
From the time we put the key in the ignition till we boarded the plane in Windhoek nothing went wrong.
"Unforgettable bird photography trip in Namibia"
It was a fantastic experience, everything was very well organised, went smooth and according to expectations. It was our first self drive in Africa and it was a great, unforgettable time.
