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Take a meandering path through an ancient
Milkwood forest, where thousand-year-old trees send
exploratory branches in search of sunlight, or visit one of
the remnant Afro-montane forests on the reserve.
Young and old can walk, explore in a four-wheel drive or take
a horse ride and enjoy the views from the elevation of a
comfortable saddle on a well schooled horse or pony.
The coastline offers a marine experience like no other. See
40-ton southern right whales only metres from your boat.
Travel to the island refuge of huge sea bird colonies and
admire the underwater antics of a 60 000 strong Cape fur seal
colony. Be amazed by the awesome spectacle of a great white
shark breaking the surface and transfixing you with an
unblinking stare.
The cliffs of Walker Bay, right at our doorstep, offer the
best land based whale viewing in the world. Watch spellbound
as mothers, calves and energetic bulls come to within 30
metres of the rocky shoreline.
See your lone footprints fade into the distance behind you
while exploring deserted beaches or visit a stone-age coastal
cave and be reminded of the countless generations who have
walked these beaches before you.
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GROOTBOS NATURE RESERVE /
WALKER BAY PROTECTED AREA / WESTERN CAPE |
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Greeted with a smile and invited in with a glass of fine South
African sparkling wine, guests at Grootbos
are made to feel instantly special.
Allow your travel fatigue to dissolve before a spectacular view of
the “Bay of Whales”, while you breathe the invigorating scents of
the fynbos vegetation. Feel welcome at a truly unique place where
conservation and relaxation have found the perfect home.
Nowhere else is plant life more diverse than the Cape flora.
Grootbos Nature Reserve conserves
1061 ha of pristine fynbos, the Cape’s unique vegetation type.
Within the borders of Grootbos lies
a wealth of more than 600 species of flowering plants. Huge stands
of extravagant proteas paint the hillsides and bulbs burst into
flower after fire. Pollination, seed dispersal and germination -
there is always something happening and a story to be told.
The expert botanical guides will open your eyes to the intricacies
of the fynbos ecosystems and leave you with another lasting
impression of the wonders of nature.
Accommodation
Set among the ancient milkwood trees, the large, private cottages
give the weary traveller a chance to unwind, surrounded by the
splendours of nature and pampered by all the comforts of home.
Each cottage has its own secluded balcony from which guests can
admire the sunsets over the ocean or start the day in tune with
the forest birds. Original hand painted floral and bird themes
bring the harmony of nature into the cottage. Spacious, finely
appointed bathrooms complete the feeling of utter luxury.
Strolling between the cottage and the main lodge, winding pathways
will guide you past all the colours and scents of the largest
private fynbos garden in the world.
Dining
Drawing inspiration from the abundance of scents and colours in
nature around them, the chefs at Grootbos
conjure up magical combinations that replenish and inspire body
and soul.
Fish caught on the day, fresh vegetables and succulent meats are
enhanced with flavours from our flourishing herb garden. Prepared
with innovative flair, presented with a touch of brilliance and
colour, and served in a restaurant with unbeatable views. The
award winning wines of the Cape provide the ideal accompaniment to
the gourmet cuisine.
Activities / Facilities
Experience nature like never before. Let the expert guides
introduce you to the wonders of the fynbos. Discover the
fascinating relationships between the insects, birds, mammals and
flowering plants of this diverse ecosystem. Smell the aromatic
wild herbs, watch for exquisite birds and be awed by the scenery
that surrounds you. |
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