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Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- pristine wilderness lodge
- beautiful views
- superb service & guides
- family friendly

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Overview

Grootbos is a superb wilderness eco-lodge set in pristine fynbos overlooking the Western Cape’s majestic Whale Coast.

Nestled within a 2500 hectare private reserve, Grootbos consists of two lodges containing 27 suites in total; The Forest Lodge boasts sleek modern minimalist design and is adults only (12+), families usually stay in the Garden Lodge, with its sensitively designed modern eco-lodge feel. All rooms boast large glass walls & terraces wrapped around superb views of the reserve.

Whilst comfort and service is second to none, the big draw at Grootbos is the small things. The plants and flowers of the fynbos, the wild coastal and mountain scenery and, of course, the passionate wildlife guides who more than anything, make this place special. From June to November, this is a prime southern right whale watching location, but it is well worth a visit any time of the year.

The drawback of course, is that it is an expensive option. However, do bear in mind that all meals and most activities are included in that rate. And given the quality of service and guiding (which puts many far more expensive safari lodges to shame), we think this is one of those occasions where you won’t regret paying for quality.

Meals are included and are inventive and generous, served from an a la carte / set menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You’ll want to stay at least three nights to be able to cover all the bases at breakfast, whilst the five course evening meal is always something to look forward to.

Horse riding, guided walks, 4WD tours on the reserve and visits to the Coast are all included in the standard rates. Horse riding is suitable for beginners and riders of all abilities.

For Families: Grootbos proudly bears the title of ‘best family hotel in the world’ from Tatler Travel Guide and it is easy to see why. Children and adults will love the wild sandy beaches, horse rides and infectiously enthusiastic guides. From the moment we arrived, the 6 year old received a level of service that I rarely receive as an adult. Yes there is an inviting children’s games room, lots of hot chocolates, fruit cocktails and guided activities specifically for the children, but it is the small touches that make it all work. From the junior sized shower to the incredibly well groomed ponies and the fact that the moment your children’s thumbs even begin to twiddle a member of staff is on hand to entertain them. Importantly, all this is in addition to the many opportunities to stick together as a family and enjoy a guided beach walk or fynbos tour.

Families are usually accommodated in the Garden Lodge (the more minimalist Forest Lodge is 12+ only). Families of four with two younger children will fit into the one bedroom suites in the Garden Lodge. Larger families can sleep in the two bedroom luxury suites in the Garden Lodge

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What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • It was certainly a holiday of a lifetime for us and we loved every minute!! The standard and location of each accommodation was excellent, as was the variety of each different accommodation type. Our schedule was perfect and we managed to achieve everything on our to-do task list. Your documents were also really helpful, as were the driving directions. We all thank you for making this such a wonderful holiday. Happy to leave a review publicly if you point me the right way. Best Steve

    MissingStephen H reviewing Classic Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari on 01 September 2023

  • Hi Lisa, We had a fabulous time thank you. The accommodation and other ideation were all terrific - that’s so much for your help. The apartment in Cape Town was particularly good - we would never have found that: Boschendal was great as well and game lodge was superb. Thanks again, Alistair

    MissingAlistair A reviewing Cape Town, Garden Route and Kruger on 28 April 2023

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