Grootbos
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is a 1’100ha hillside sanctuary overlooking the spectacular Walker Bay. Here, nature-lovers enjoy a unique experience of the Cape's beautiful fynbos and fascinating mammal, marine and bird life. The classic Garden Lodge is set in a lush indigenous surrounding and the new Forest Lodge has a contemporary and modern style. Soak up exquisite ocean and mountain views from your private deck. Enjoy gourmet dinners, fine wines and abundant hospitality in the welcoming stone-and-thatch lodge with sweeping views across the bay to the distant Cape of Good Hope. Facilities include a library, curio shop, information centre, swimming pool and botanical garden
Wildlife
Penguins, southern right whales, Cape fur seals.
Activities
Dedicated environmentalists lead 4x4 drives and trails through forests and fynbos, breathtaking coastal walks and boat tours to view the Cape fur seal and African Penguin, land-based southern right whale watching from the nearby cliffs of De Kelders
Eco-credentials
Grootbos was the vision of the Lutzeyer family, especially brothers Michael and Tertius, who bought this over-grazed farmland in 1991 and set about removing alien plant species and restoring the biodiversity of the land. The Grootbos Foundation was set up in 2004 to manage the conservation and social development work. The most important project is the Green Futures Horticultural and Life Skills College, which seeks to create sustainable, nature-based livelihoods for people in the local communities. Grootbos is certified by Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (www.fairtourismsa.org.za)