Grootbos Private Nature Reserve Review: A Luxury Stay in South Africa

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is an all-inclusive contemporary resort located in Gansbaai, South Africa, offering luxury full-board accommodations and a range of activities.

I had booked to stay at Grootbos at the end of my 2-week road trip along the Garden Route. I wanted to spend my last few days in South Africa somewhere unique, and believe me, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve far exceeded my expectations!

Grootbos was also a great choice because of its proximity to the coastal town of Gansbaai, the capital of marine adventures in South Africa. Shark cage diving was a must-do activity on my South African travel itinerary, so Grootbos was the perfect place for us to stay.

For travellers visiting between June and December, the waters in this area are one of the best places in the world for whale watching. I travelled in April, so I missed this incredible event; maybe a good reason to return in the future!

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Grootbos is a world leader in sustainable tourism and has been awarded some of the highest international accolades possible, making it one of only a handful of lodges to achieve this.

First Impressions

Grootbos is located in one of the world's most biodiverse landscapes, nestled between the mountains, forest, and ocean. It has the 'WOW' factor, with guest accommodation gently blending into the surrounding landscape with uninterrupted views across the fynbos to the sea.

Grootbos is undoubtedly a little piece of paradise in South Africa, and I felt privileged to stay on this beautiful nature reserve during my holiday.

Step Inside

Inside Grootbos' main building, the Forest Lodge restaurant serves culinary delights using the freshest local ingredients. The restaurant caters to all ages, so families can be assured that little ones won't be overlooked at mealtimes. We had one fussy eater with us, and the staff ensured he was well looked after.

In the restaurant, dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the infinity pool and lead to the outdoor deck. Here, guests can relax by the fire pit and enjoy a glass of South African wine as the sun sets over the ocean.

Room with a View

At Grootbos, the secluded Forest Lodge suites offer a luxurious escape from the norm for couples and families.

In-suite lounges are tastefully designed and spacious, with a TV and fireplace for chilly evenings.

With a romantic canopied bed facing out to the distant sea, breakfast in bed is a must!

Enjoy a cup of tea, gaze out at the spectacular natural setting in front of you, and listen to the birdsong creeping into your suite from every direction - pure bliss.

Freshen Up

Forest Suite bathrooms are designed to give guests the feeling of being cocooned in the forest.

The sunken bath, surrounded by picture windows, lets you soak while taking in the fabulous views.

After bathing, snuggle up in the quality towels and bathrobes and relax on your private decking.

All-Inclusive Full Board at Grootbos

Grootbos offers all-inclusive guest dining featuring fresh, local ingredients.

Five-course mouth-watering dining experiences are the star of the show, with a team of chefs delivering fine dining with a contemporary twist.

Grootbos has a saying, 'It's not food - It's an occasion', and I have to say, from what we experienced, that is very true.

The great thing about dining at Grootbos is that they source organic products, such as honey, vegetables, and pork, from local farmers. In this way, the reserve is giving back to the community.

Grootbos Adventure Activities

As part of the all-inclusive package at Grootbos, guests can choose from a selection of activities. Other adventures, such as shark cage diving, are an additional charge.

Day One Morning - Horse Riding - included in the package

Horse-riding at Grootbos is a fabulous experience for all abilities, and with 18 horses to choose from, you can be assured that the guides will tailor to the needs of both novice riders and experts.

My family are all beginners at horse riding; however, this was not a problem, as the guides individually selected our horses to suit our needs.

For our horse-riding experience, the guides led us on a gentle ride through the fynbos; however, expert riders can choose from several horses trained explicitly for beach riding.

Day One Afternoon - Ancient Cave Trip - included in the package

After our morning of horse-riding, we joined a coastal safari to the ancient Klipgat caves to follow in the steps of the Stone Age bushmen who once lived in them.

Our guide led us into the caves and told us stories of this World Heritage Site before taking the obligatory cave entrance photo!

During our trip, we also had free time to wander along the pristine Gaansbai shoreline.

Day Two - Shark Cage Diving - additional charge

Want to find out more about this adventure? Please read How to Cage Dive with Great White Sharks in Gansbaai.

Day Three - Botanical Drive - included in the package

We learnt about the spectacular natural vegetation on the reserve, known as fynbos, on a guided drive with one of Grootbos' botanical specialists.

Home to the world's richest temperate flora, the reserve is an excellent place to explore. I learnt about the rich diversity in this wilderness and how it is helping the planet; I never thought plants could be so interesting!

Would I recommend Grootbos Private Nature Reserve to a friend?

Without hesitation, I would recommend Grootbos Private Nature Reserve to a friend.

It is one of the most incredible places I have stayed, which is a glowing accolade from me.

It is expensive but worth every penny for the complete experience it gives to its guests.

From couples seeking a romantic getaway to families (like ours) looking for a holiday experience to remember, Grootbos ticks all the boxes for an outstanding stay in South Africa.

Find availability and pricing here for Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

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