Grootbos
Grootbos offers a choice of two lodges, each nestled in the fynbos clad hills above Walker Bay with beautiful views of the dunes, sea and distant Cape of Good Hope. The reserve has more than 1,000 species of Cape flora, 118 bird species as well as a host of smaller animals such as bush buck, porcupine, grey duiker and lynx. A previous recipient of Tatler Travel Guide’s Best Family Hotel in the World award, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve offers parents all the comforts of a five-star holiday, while the children of all ages are kept busy with safe, engaging nature-based activities.
Accommodation & Facilities
The cottages are built from locally hewn stone and timber and each has an en-suite bathroom. The restaurant makes superb seafood, complemented by homegrown produce and there is also a beauty salon and library.
Garden Lodge offers a homely and traditional aesthetic as well as child-friendly facilities, including a heated swimming pool, football nets and space to play. There are 11 free standing, comfortable and luxurious garden lodge suites which are perfect for families visiting the reserve. The one bedroom suites have a king or twin bed in the main bedroom and can sleep up to two children on sleeper beds in the lounge area, so a maximum of four. The two bedroom suites can sleep one additional child on a sleeper bed so a maximum of five. Surrounded by fragrant fynbos gardens and with sweeping vistas over the bay, each suite comes complete with canopied beds, spacious en-suite bathrooms, separate lounge, wood-burning fireplace and wraparound timber deck and is situated reassuringly close to the activity areas, dining room and swimming pool.
The Forest lodge features contemporary design and décor with 180-degree views of the fynbos and ocean. From the Forest Lodge bar or beautiful infinity pool, guests can view picturesque sunsets across Walker Bay. The 16 suites are beautifully furnished in soft natural palettes. Canopy beds, large bathrooms, outdoor showers, cosy lounge areas with fireplaces and a panoramic deck with 180-degree views of the fynbos and ocean, all create a restful and romantic atmosphere. Six of the suites at Forest Lodge can accommodate two children (up to 16 years) on twin beds in the lounge.
Eating & Sleeping
Children can have separate meals and mealtimes and there is a children’s menu that changes on a daily basis according to what is fresh and seasonally available. There are designated staff members used as babysitters and the cost is R80.00 per hour.
Wildlife & Activities
Grootbos Reserve offers guided walks, nature drives, horse riding for all abilities, beach visits, community project visits, and land-based whale watching. Guests at the villas can enjoy the service of their own private guide and vehicle, allowing them complete freedom with activities on the reserve as well as further afield. Additional activities available in the locality include boat trips to Dyer Island, shark cage diving, whale watching by boat, scenic flights, golf, and quad biking. Your guide can arrange these for you, and you can pay locally. Grootbos also has a well-equipped spa.
Specifically for children …
• From scouting for bugs to picking vegetables, feeding piglets, collecting eggs and pressing flowers, the activities available to children provide an exhilarating interactive encounter with the natural world and its many creatures.
• There is a dedicated playground at the main lodge with paddocks, petting zoo and trampoline for children who are also free to enjoy guided daily horse rides through the reserve’s 2 500 hectares of indigenous fynbos
