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Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Grootbos is a small but very well-kept reserve.

There are opportunities to watch whales...

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Above sweeping ocean bays, Grootbos nestles discreetly between ancient forests of gnarled milkwood trees and flower-filled fynbos hillsides.

Powered by the pioneering vision and unstinting energy of the Lutzeyer family, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is dedicated to the preservation and understanding of the endemic fynbos ecosystem, which once covered much of Cape.

After decades of conservation work to restore the natural environment, the wilderness here is flourishing. The air is filled with the sweet, heady scent of seasonal flowers and the landscape sings with myriad insects and twittering birds. A hundred endangered plant species have new hope of survival, over 800 plant species clad the hillsides and three, indigenous Milkwood forests nurture trees over 1,000 years old.

Between Cape Town and the Garden Route, and just 20 minutes’ drive east of Hermanus, the reserve covers about 2.5km² and includes two first-class, contemporary lodges, each with a swimming pool, gourmet restaurant and panoramic terraces to soak up the sweeping coastal views.

Whilst Grootbos is far from a big-game experience, the reserve is home to some gentle wildlife treasures. Over 30 mammal species live on the reserve, from elusive small antelope to black-backed jackals, and birdwatching reveals resident nectar-sipping Cape sugarbirds, Knysna woodpeckers and rare Black Harriers.

From Walker’s Bay, the ‘Marine Big 5’ are visible too: take boat trips with marine biologists seeking colonies of basking Cape Fur Seals, African penguins and playful bottlenose dolphins; witness whale sightings close up; and for adrenalin junkies, there’s cage-dive with great white sharks.

All activities focus on the natural world, and guides here are generally excellent, having mostly been part of Grootbos’ impressive community development programme. 4WD botanical safaris explain the medicinal properties of plants and marvel at King Proteas – or you can embark on enchanting forest ambles, try horse-riding on hillside trails or head to sandy beaches and coastal caves to discover Stone Age treasures and Khoisan history.

Families will love the freedom, friendly staff and carefree adventures; hikers will explore the landscape on foot; wildlife enthusiasts will adore the oceanic escapes; and everyone will leave with a heartfelt appreciation of the joyful, progressive conservation that drives Grootbos.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Trips visiting Grootbos Reserve

Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Itinerary image

Cape Mountain Zebra Self-drive Safari

12 days • 4 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

Fine dining, luxurious accommodation and a wide of range of leisurely activities make this a superbly comfortable self-driven safari. Visit the cosmopolitan Cape Town, tranquil coastal retreats, stylish wine farms and spectacularly peaceful nature reserves.

US$3,850 - US$8,000 per person

View all trips

Most recent reviews of our trips to Grootbos Reserve

Click below to browse all 22 reviews from Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. All from our travellers; all are in full & unedited.


100%
22 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
23
Good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
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cyk from London

Arrived 11 May 2024, 23 nights

"May 2024 trip to Botswana and South Africa"

"the BEST trip of our lives …" Read cyk’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs D Newport P from UK

Arrived 31 Dec 2019, 10 nights

"Brilliant, would liked to have stayed longer!"

"...we enjoyed the Cape and had an excellent time. …" Read Mrs D Newport P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr&Mrs LS from Oxfordshire

Arrived 4 Jan 2020, 15 nights

"Our January 2020 trip to South Africa"

"We have had the most amazing trip of our lives. …" Read Mr&Mrs LS’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs M from France

Arrived 28 Jan 2019, 22 nights

"My Jan 2019 trip"

"A great trip, well organised by Expert Africa... We would use them again. …" Read Mr & Mrs M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs L from Frodsham

Arrived 28 Jan 2019, 12 nights

"My Jan 2019 trip"

"Megan was brilliant, very knowledgeable and helpful..tailor made for us.. …" Read Mr & Mrs L’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs B from Winchester

Arrived 9 Feb 2018, 17 nights

"My Feb 2018 trip"

"We had a great time …" Read Mr & Mrs B’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr T & Mrs M from Newmarke

Arrived 8 Feb 2017, 21 nights

"My Feb 2017 trip"

"...stunned by the quality of accommodation and service we encountered throughout …" Read Mr T & Mrs M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs V from Coulsdon

Arrived 19 Oct 2016, 24 nights

"Stunning scenery and welcoming hotels"

"There can't be a better country for a road trip. …" Read Mr & Mrs V’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs S from Bristol

Arrived 4 Mar 2016, 11 nights

"March 10 days in the Cape"

"Expert Africa triumph again! …" Read Mr & Mrs S’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Miss T & Mr H from UK

Arrived 13 Dec 2015, 8 nights

"Well planned by Expert Africa"

"Well planned by Expert Africa...I felt I got very good advice …" Read Miss T & Mr H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Grootbos Private Nature Reserve reviews

Where to stay in Grootbos Reserve

Our suggestions for places to stay in Grootbos Private Nature Reserve


Grootbos Garden Lodge

Garden Lodge

The Garden Lodge at Grootbos is a high-quality retreat in this fascinating, well-cared-for reserve which caters as well to families with young children as it does for couples and small groups.


97% (14 reviews)
Grootbos Forest Lodge

Forest Lodge

Set in a magical milkwood forest, Grootbos Forest Lodge is a well-run modern retreat offering a high-quality environment in which to relax, and to enjoy some of the guided activities on offer.


100% (8 reviews)

View all places

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings in Grootbos Reserve

This is their success for sightings in Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. Click on a species for more detail. How we work this out.


Leopard

0% success

Aardvark

0% success

When to go to Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Grootbos Reserve in South Africa


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

South Africa in January

January is considered one of the best months to travel. In Cape Town the weather is hot and generally dry. The Garden Route is also excellent at this time of the year but has a more temperate climate, with slightly lower temperatures and rain can fall at any time of the year. In the Kgalagadi temperatures often top 40°C and short, sharp thunderstorms are also fairly frequent. Wildlife tends to disperse, although birding is excellent.

As this is the high season in the Cape there are numerous events, festivals and outdoor activities to attract visitors. Accommodation books up quickly and it may be necessary to book at least a year in advance. Reservations will often be needed for restaurants and visitor attractions too.

  • Hot, largely dry days with clear skies – except on Garden Route
  • Wildlife disperses in the Kalahari but birding excellent
  • Events, festivals and outdoor activities staged for the high season
  • The high season in the Cape, accommodation can cost up to 50% more
  • Pre-booking of activities & attractions is essential

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in January

South Africa in February

In February conditions are largely the same as in January, although temperatures can be slightly higher, especially in the interior. The wind in Cape Town starts to ease off. Although the Garden Route can experience some rain, the days are pleasantly warm and largely dry.

The Kgalagadi remains very hot, but the birding is still excellent. Wildlife viewing can be tricky especially if there has been some rain, as the resulting long grass can obscure the animals.

For visitors it’s still the high season, but with the local school holidays over and residents back at work, it is less busy than December and January. Accommodation costs remain high and it’s still advisable to pre-book certain activities and restaurants.

  • Hot, largely dry days with little cloud
  • Wind starts easing in Cape Town
  • Slightly less busy than December & January
  • Accommodation costs remain high, activities still best pre-booked

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in February

South Africa in March

March is still a very good time to visit. Conditions remain dry and very warm in Cape Town, although temperatures start dropping off towards the end of the month. The wind has usually died right down.

The Kalahari remains very hot and in years of good rains vegetation is at its most lush – making wildlife viewing tricky.

Typically, the crowds dwindle, but it can get very busy if Easter falls in March. It is also worth bearing in mind that during major events in March, including the Cape Town Cycle Tour, Cape Epic Mountain Bike Tour, The Cape Town Carnival and the International Jazz Festival, accommodation can get very full.

Attractions remain busy but booking is less essential.

  • Temperatures start falling towards the end of the month
  • Cape Town hosts a number of world class sport and cultural events
  • Wildlife in the Kgalagadi disperses, game viewing more challenging
  • Crowds diminish as the high season comes to an end
  • Accommodation can get busy during major events

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in March

South Africa in April

April is South Africa’s “shoulder” season and is often the most pleasant. Not too hot, not too cold, some rain but not masses. In Cape Town and along the Garden Route days are usually sunny, warm, windless and largely dry, although in Cape Town the chance of rain increases from the end of the month.

In the Kgalagadi the rainy season is typically over and migratory birds are starting to make their journey back up North. Vegetation remains lush but wildlife viewing starts picking up towards the end of the month.

The region is still relatively busy (especially of its still Easter) but it gets quieter towards the end of the month thus availability improves. Accommodation rates start to decrease, and it becomes less important to book restaurants and attractions in advance.

  • Temperatures still warm and very pleasant, with little wind.
  • Rain starts easing in the Kalahari and migratory birds start to depart
  • Less busy, especially towards the end of the month - busy over Easter
  • Accommodation frees up and prices start to come down

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in April

South Africa in May

May marks the start of the dry season in the Kgalagadi. Days are warm and dry with almost zero rainfall. Night-time/early-morning temperatures can drop towards 0°C. Wildlife viewing is at its peak as animals concentrate around the few remaining water sources.

Days can still be warm and sunny in Cape Town and on the Garden Route, but the weather becomes a lot more variable. May heralds the start of the rainy season in Cape Town and the winelands. Night-time temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees in the coastal areas.

With far fewer tourists, accommodation prices are at their lowest. There is rarely any need to pre-book activities, but reservations are still advisable at some of the top restaurants.

  • Higher chance of rain in Cape Town & the Winelands
  • Day time temperatures drop significantly
  • Wildlife viewing peaks in the Kgalagadi
  • Low season so rarely busy & very few crowds
  • Low season rates at the hotels & lodges

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in May

South Africa in June

Winter is now in full swing. Maximum temperatures in Cape Town rarely reach 20°C and the rainy season is well under way. Outdoor activities therefore become limited, but a number of high-quality indoor events are organised.

The Garden Route has, in general milder weather and less rain than Cape Town.

June sees the arrival of the first whales which migrate to the South African coastline to give birth.

In the Kgalagadi, daytime temperatures are warm but nights and early mornings are bitterly cold. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals are drawn to the few remaining permanent water points.

Overall tourist numbers are at their lowest, as are the costs of flights and accommodation.

  • Cold & wet weather in Cape Town, Kgalagadi warm days but cold at night
  • One of the best months for wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
  • Whales start arriving to have their calves
  • Low visitor numbers & no crowds
  • Accommodation & flight prices remain low

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in June

South Africa in July

The winter weather continues with very cold nights and early mornings in the Kgalagadi and virtually no rainfall. Vegetation here is really thinning out now and water even more scarce – so wildlife is easy to spot.

Despite the winter and local school holidays, Cape Town remains a great place to visit. On a wet and cold day, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Zeitz Mocca (art museum) and the Cape Town Comedy Club all make for great days out, as does a trip to the wine country or the annual Oyster Festival at Knysna.

By mid-July most of the whales have arrived to give birth. Hermanus is the best place to see them.

At the height of the low season, so accommodation and flight prices remain low.

  • Generally cold & wet in the Cape, but good quality indoor events
  • Very good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
  • Oyster festival in Knysna
  • Local school holidays can make places a little busier than usual
  • Accommodation and flight prices remain low

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in July

South Africa in August

While August experiences mostly wintry weather it does mark the very beginning of spring with temperatures starting to rise. Visitors are drawn to the West Coast and Namaqualand to see the wildflowers, which start blooming in late August and can be seen until mid-September. Whales are still in abundance now too.

The Kgalagadi is now very dry and wildlife vieiwng is still good. Temperatures start climbing towards the end of the month.

Despite the weather , visitor numbers can be high as the northern hemisphere schools close for their summer holidays. It may be a good idea to book certain attractions and restaurants in advance.

Simlarly, although accommodation prices are still low, flight prices can be a little higher than in previous months.

  • Temperatures start rising – but still potential for cold & wet weather
  • Wildflowers on the West Coast & in Namaqualand
  • Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
  • Whales continue to attract visitors
  • Can get busy due to northern hemisphere school summer holidays

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in August

South Africa in September

Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi continues and daytime temperatures increase quite dramatically. Mornings and evenings are still on the chilly side, but not as cold as they are in June, July and August.

The 1st of September is officially the start of spring in Cape Town. Days become warmer but not quite warm enough to enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches. Venues all over Cape Town play host to various artists during the Cape Town Fringe Festival.
Rainy days are fewer, but night times can still get chilly. Many hotels are still charging low season rates making September great value for money.

Elsewhere, Hermanus hosts the popular annual Whale Festival, and in the West of the Cape, wildflowers continue to bloom until the middle of the month.

  • The start of spring; temperatures start rising
  • Whale festival in Hermanus
  • Cape Town Fringe Ferstival attracts a wide range of artists
  • Wildflowers blooming well until the middle of the month
  • Good wildlife viewing continues in the Kgalagadi

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in September

South Africa in October

The weather starts warming up nicely, Cape Town experiences pleasant days, with much less rain, nights can still be quite cool, but not cold. Some days are now warm enough to enjoy the beach. This is one of the best months to visit the Cape Region.

October is one of the hottest months in the Kalahari. Water remains very scarce, so the wildlife viewing is still very good. Towards the end of the month the odd spectacular thunderstorm is possible with much lightning and thunder. Migratory birds start to arrive, and resident species gear up for the breeding season.

The whales are still present with Hermanus and False Bay the best places to see them.

  • Days start warming up; fewer rainy days in Cape Town
  • Very hot in the Kalahari – thunderstorms season starts
  • Migratory birds start arriving & resident birds start breeding
  • Whale watching still excellent in Hermanus and False Bay areas
  • Start of the high season, getting busy and accommodation prices rise

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

South Africa in November

By November Cape Town is experiencing summer conditions with hot, clear days and warm, pleasant evenings. It’s a great month to enjoy the beaches before the peak holiday season in December. There are no real downsides to visiting in November and you may even get a few accommodation specials before prices go up for the festive season. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens begins their summer outdoor concerts with local and international artists performing.

The Kgalagadi remains hot but thunderstorms are a bit more regular. With the rains, water sources become more plentiful and wildlife disperses but this is when herbivores such as Springbok start lambing. Photography improves as conditions become less hazy.

This is the last month for regular whale sightings – they tend to migrate back down south by early December.

  • Summer now in full swing, with temperatures often reaching 30°C
  • Rainy days scarce; evenings warm & very pleasant
  • Antelope start lambing in the Kgalagadi; wildlife generally dispersed
  • Last month for regular whale sightings
  • Good time to visit Cape Town before the peak holiday season

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in November

South Africa in December

December is usually Cape Town’s hottest month when temperatures frequently breach 30°C. You can expect hot and cloudless days, and almost no rain but December does see the occasional very windy day.

The Kalahari is still hot, but temperatures are not quite as high as previous months. With the rainfall the bush transforms into various shades of green. Wildlife disperses as water become more widely available.

The Garden Route enjoys warm to hot days with rain at any time but usually not over an extended period.

Mid to late December becomes incredibly busy with concerts, festivals and various outdoor activities in Cape Town. Hotel prices rise, tourist attractions and beaches are crowded and most popular sites and restaurants need to be booked in advance.

  • Long, hot sunny days
  • Kgalagadi bursts into life as rainy season kicks in
  • Wildlife viewing a bit trickier as wildlife disperses
  • Cape Town buzzing with concerts, events, festivals etc
  • Peak season: attractions get very busy & accommodation costs rise

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in December

Map of Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Choices for where to stay in Grootbos Private Nature Reserve


Grootbos Private Nature Reserve: Holidays


Showing 1-1 of 1
Name
Duration
Cost
Most popular
Itinerary image

Cape Mountain Zebra Self-drive Safari

12 days • 4 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

Fine dining, luxurious accommodation and a wide of range of leisurely activities make this a superbly comfortable self-driven safari. Visit the cosmopolitan Cape Town, tranquil coastal retreats, stylish wine farms and spectacularly peaceful nature reserves.

US$3,850 - US$8,000 per person

Showing 1-1 of 1

Top 2 hotels and places to stay in Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Listed below are our recommendations for nice places to stay in this region. Ask us for more details of what's likely to suit you best!


Showing 1-2 of 2
Name
Traveller's rating
No. of reviews
Grootbos Garden Lodge

Garden Lodge

The Garden Lodge at Grootbos is a high-quality retreat in this fascinating, well-cared-for reserve which caters as well to families with young children as it does for couples and small groups.


97% (14 reviews)
Grootbos Forest Lodge

Forest Lodge

Set in a magical milkwood forest, Grootbos Forest Lodge is a well-run modern retreat offering a high-quality environment in which to relax, and to enjoy some of the guided activities on offer.


100% (8 reviews)
Showing 1-1 of 2
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Videos from Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

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