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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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