For travelers seeking a unique, off-the-beaten-track experience while touring South Africa, we highly recommend a stay at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. Set within thousands of acres of native fynbos shrubland overlooking beautiful Walker Bay, it’s a great base for exploring the natural beauty and rich biodiversity of the area, which is part of the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We can arrange for our travelers to enjoy activities such as touring coastal caves inhabited during the Stone Age, a four-wheel drive (4×4) botanical safari around the reserve with an expert guide…

…whale watching or a marine biologist-led safari to spot the “Marine Big Five” (whales, sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins), horseback riding through the fynbos or on the beach, hiking, birding and mountain biking.

Grootbos serves superb food and wine. While staying there, we also recommend having us arrange culinary experiences such as a picnic on the beach, a braai (a traditional South African barbecue), private wine tastings at local vineyards, a visit to the reserve’s beehives with a beekeeper or a foraging expedition with a chef.

Philanthropy and sustainability are important to the Grootbos mission, and many of our travelers enjoy learning about the projects sponsored by the non-profit Grootbos Foundation, which helps conserve the fynbos and train members of the local communities.

Tucked away in an ancient milkwood forest, the two luxury lodges and private villas at Grootbos offer travelers stand-alone suites with private sun decks and panoramic views of the ocean and the fragrant fynbos vegetation indigenous to the Cape. There are also an infinity pool, a spa and two restaurants that serve food grown on the estate or farmed nearby.

Grootbos is perfect for several days of relaxing before or after city touring in Cape Town, or before safari at one of our favorite lodges, such as Singita, Royal Malewane or Tswalu

We love combining time at Grootbos with Cape Town and the Cape Winelands. Contact Artisans of Leisure to begin planning a luxury South Africa tour.