Grootbos Forest Lodge – Southern Cape – South Africa

Grootbos Forest Lodge is one of the finest eco-lodges in the world. It combines contemporary, modern luxury with outstanding sustainability credentials.

Located on the Cape South Coast just a 2 hour drive from Cape Town, nestled in mature Milkwood forests with commanding views out to the southern Atlantic. The focus at the lodge is very much about sustaining the rich biodiversity of the surrounding land and at the same time uplifting the local communities, a policy that Grootbos describes as “Progressive Tourism”

This is the perfect property for those looking for a place to explore the bounty of the Cape floral kingdom, pristine coastlines and some of the world’s finest whale watching. The lodge is easily combined with a self-drive route between Cape Town and the Garden Route.

If you are travelling as a family with young ones, ask us about Grootbos Garden Lodge, the perfect option for the whole family.

Luxury forest nest

Each of the 16 standalone suites is cocooned in ancient Milkwood forests with views out to Walker Bay. All beautifully appointed with separate lounge areas, luxury bathrooms with both indoor and outdoor showers. Air-conditioning keeps things cool in summer and cosy fireplaces ensure warmth in a Cape winter. A fully stocked in room minibar is included and replenished daily.

Delicious breakfasts and light lunches are complimented for sumptuous 5 course dinners, all enjoyed with breath-taking views out to sea.

Two of the suites come with their own private plunge pools – there is no supplement for these suites but they are allocated on a first come basis.

Grootbos Forest Lodge Suite

Exploring

There is no shortage of activities included at Grootbos, all focusing around the lodge’s policy of Progressive Tourism. 4×4 flower safaris offer the chance to explore this corner of the Cape floral kingdom, with some 800 species of plants present on the reserve. For those who prefer something a little more active there are guided Milkwood forest and reserve walks, or perhaps explore in the saddle on horseback.

For beach lovers there is the option of heading off to the beach with a picnic basket and enjoying the solitude of this unspoilt coastline, or heading out with a guide for a day exploring. From July – November you can also head out for land-based whale watching, considered some of the finest in the world.

Definitely don’t miss the “Living the Future” tour which allows you to delve into what really drives the team at Grootbos – see first-hand how your stay at the lodge contributes directly to improving the lives of the local community and helps ensure the long-term survival of the surrounding landscape.

Grootbos Nature Drive

A little extra…

For close encounters with the marine kind, guests can take an optional (supplementary costs applicable) tours in Walker Bay. For the thrill seekers maybe try shark cage diving for the possibility of getting up close to Great White Sharks (for the less adventurous, viewing from the boat is every bit as special!). From July to November guests also have the chance to head out on boat-based whale watching excursions, for a chance to view Southern Right Whales as they head to the bay to calve.

Grootbos great white shark

Prices:

Contact us for the best rates for Grootbos Forest Lodge

What’s included:

  • Accommodation in luxury one-bedroom suite

  • All meals

  • Selection of soft drinks in the main lodge and fully stocked in-suite minibar

  • Choice of daily activities on the reserve and coast.

What’s Excluded:

  • Travel to and from Grootbos

  • Alcoholic drinks (except as in minbar) and select non-alcoholic drinks

  • Items of personal expense – i.e. spa treatments, laundry, telephone calls etc

  • Gratuities for lodge staff and guides

  • Certain non-inclusive activities – including shark cage diving and boat based whale watching

  • Conservation Levy

Top attractions:

  • Nature drives and walks

  • Horse riding on the estate and beach rides (supplement)

  • Community  and conservations visits

  • Whale watching in many coastal areas June to November

  • Excellent birding

When to visit:

  • January – April: Summer months, generally characterised by long sunny and warm days. Great time for exploring beaches and bird watching.

  • May – July: Winter, days can be cold and wet but never for too long. Sunny winter days are beautiful. July marks the real start of whale season and visibility is at its best for shark cage diving.

  • August – October: Temperatures starting to warm up, full whale season and great for shark cage diving. This is also some of the best time for viewing the Cape floral kingdom in bloom.

  • November – December: Temperatures continue to rise. November marks the end of the whale season, but also sees many of the migratory birds starting to return.

  • Grootbos and the whole of the Western Cape is a malaria free area.

Weather:

  • January – Average High 25ºC (77ºF) / Average Low 17ºC (63ºF) / Average days with rain 1

  • April – Average High 23ºC (73ºF) / Average Low 14ºC (58ºF) / Average days with rain 4

  • July – Average High 19ºC (66ºF) / Average Low 10ºC (51ºF) / Average days with rain 6

  • October – Average High 22ºC (71ºF) / Average Low 14ºC (57ºF) / Average days with rain 4