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Grootbos Forest Lodge
Grootbos Forest Lodge
Grootbos Forest Lodge
Grootbos Forest Lodge
Grootbos Forest Lodge
Grootbos Forest Lodge
Grootbos Forest Lodge

Grootbos Forest Lodge


34°32’58.8"S 19°24’48.8"E

About Grootbos Forest Lodge

Grootbos Forest Lodge is set within an impressive old milkwood forest within the small, but pristine Grootbos ...

... Nature Reserve. It bills itself as a ‘a masterpiece of sophisticated contemporary design – within a five-star eco-paradise‘, whilst attracting visitors for the nature on its reserve and in the ocean at the bottom of the hill.

Forest Lodge is a very adult, smart lodge in a magical settling. It’s a well-run place where you can just stay to enjoy the lodge, but you can also dip into some excellent guided activities. Relative to most places in the area it’s costly – but meals and most activities are included, and we think it’s worth it if you’re looking for an interesting and high-quality place to stay.

Our view

Forest Lodge is a very adult, smart lodge in a magical settling. It’s a well-run place where you can just stay to enjoy the lodge, but you can also dip into some excellent guided activities. Relative to most places in the area it’s costly – but meals and most activities are included, and we think it’s worth it if you’re looking for an interesting and high-quality place to stay.

Chris McIntyre

Chris McIntyre

South Africa expert

Accommodation

16 suites

Children

Best for aged 12+

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Boat trip

Guided walking safari

Guided walking safari

Horse-riding

Horse-riding

Private activities

Private activities

Self-guided walking

Self-guided walking

Traveller reviews of Grootbos Forest Lodge

9 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


98%
9 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
8
Good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr & Mrs PfromW Midlands

Arrived 13 Jan 2025, 2 nights

"Luxury in a beautiful location"

"smart and modern lodge with great staff and views to die for …" Read Mr & Mrs P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

cykfromLondon

Arrived 28 May 2024, 5 nights

"Grootbos Forest Lodge review"

"The perfect end to a fabulous trip. …" Read cyk’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr&Mrs LSfromOxfordshire

Arrived 9 Jan 2020, 2 nights

"Incredible stay at Grootbos Forest Lodge"

"an amazing experience and wish we had stayed longer. …" Read Mr&Mrs LS’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs LfromFrodsham

Arrived 5 Feb 2019, 3 nights

"Location, location, location!"

"..nothing was too much trouble..a really wonderful five star experience! …" Read Mr & Mrs L’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs MfromFrance

Arrived 8 Feb 2019, 3 nights

"Grootbos Forest Lodge review"

"Wonderful place. Great position...wonderful caring staff. Could not be better. …" Read Mr & Mrs M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs BfromWinchester

Arrived 16 Feb 2018, 2 nights

"Grootbos Forest Lodge review"

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs SfromBristol

Arrived 13 Mar 2016, 2 nights

"Grootbos"

"Another wonderful lodge with fantastic views, dining, activities and rooms …" Read Mr & Mrs S’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Miss T & Mr HfromUK

Arrived 14 Dec 2015, 3 nights

"A biosphere of perfection"

"Just perfect. Beautiful location, wonderful knowledgable and friendly …" Read Miss T & Mr H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr N & Ms SfromZambia

Arrived 28 Oct 2015, 3 nights

"Top notch lodge"

"Grootbos Forest Lodge is one of the best run and most comfortable lodges we …" Read Mr N & Ms S’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr SfromKilworth

Arrived 9 Jan 2015, 5 nights

"Grootbos Forest Lodge"

"We can't speak highly enough of Grootbos - very much in line with our previous …" Read Mr S’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Grootbos Forest Lodge reviews

Grootbos Forest Lodge: Our full report

Grootbos Forest Lodge is set within an impressive old milkwood forest within the small, but pristine Grootbos ...

... Nature Reserve. It bills itself as a ‘a masterpiece of sophisticated contemporary design – within a five-star eco-paradise‘, whilst attracting visitors for the nature on its reserve and in the ocean at the bottom of the hill.

Tucked away amongst the knarled and twisted boughs of the milkwood forest, the Forest Lodge does have quite a magical situation. It has been constructed with some elegance and style using plenty of local sandstone and sustainably harvested timber – on a hillside which is close to its old sister lodge, Grootbos Garden Lodge.

The spacious and very contemporary main area has a bright and airy interior, with floor-to-ceiling windows along one side, giving magnificent views over the fynbos-covered hillside, down to the dunes, across Walker Bay and, on a clear day, to Cape Point.

At one end of this is the activity centre and curio shop. Centrally located is the welcoming reception and then heading off to the other end is a cosy sunken lounge and bar with a fireplace and books. This is a great spot for pre- or après dinner drinks. At the far end, the dining room offers a culinary feast at each meal time. During our most recent stay, in May 2014. we found the food at Grootbos to be excellent.

Outside are two verandas: one overlooking the substantial pool with comfy loungers, and accompanying panoramic views; the other leading out from the dining area where you can eat al fresco.

Forest Lodge has a subterranean wine cellar near the dining area with a very fine selection of climate-controlled wines – mostly South African – and no main lights, just halogen shining on the wine bottles. In the centre of the room is a large dining table, which would look spectacular when lit up with candles for a special function or dinner.

Beyond the main lodge, winding brick pathways lead through the dense, tangled ancient milkwood forest – which must surely have been the inspiration for some sylvan fairytales. Carefully built amongst the trees are 16 luxurious suites. These are spacious, with a bedroom, a separate lounge, a bathroom and an outside veranda.

All suites are equally equipped and furnished, with just one exception, the honeymoon suite, which provides your own private pool. Natural textures and colours characterise the suites, as well as pictures of fynbos flowers, giving them a natural chic, modern feel.

In each suite, a large bed dominates the bedroom with ornamental mosquito nets draped from a wooden frame suspended from the ceiling. From here you can lie back and take in the super views through floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open onto the private veranda with outside shower.

The light, open-plan bathroom has a sandstone-tiled floor with underfloor heating. It has a double shower, bath with a view and twin basins, all white with modern chrome fittings.

The lounge has comfy sofas and chairs, a large wooden table and a TV and DVD player, and a warming log-burning stove. Large sliding glass doors open onto the side section of the veranda. Off the lounge there is also a second smaller bathroom with a toilet and a shower.

In the entrance lobby, beside the front door, is a shelf with a kettle, tea and coffee (including a cafetière), some cutlery and glassware, a jar of freshly made biscuits and a bowl of fresh fruit (replenished daily!). Below this shelf is a stocked minibar.

All suites have AC/ heater systems, underfloor heating, electronic safes, bathrobes, slippers and a wide selection of toiletries.

Just like its sister lodge, the Garden Lodge, many activities are included when you stay at Forest Lodge, including horse-riding, walking and 4WD tours around the reserve, land-based whale-watching, beach picnics, guided cave tours and a trips to see some of the lodge’s social responsibility projects. For more details of these, and some other activities which are possible but cost extra, see the activities at Grootbos Garden Lodge; they’re the same at both lodges.

Geographics

Location
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, South Africa
Ideal length of stay
3–4 days is ideal for a relaxing stay with time to sample most of the activities on offer here.
Directions
From Cape Town, take the N2 past the airport to Somerset West. Either follow the N2 over Sir Lowry's Pass turning on to the R43 after the Houhoek Pass, or take the R44 along the coast and turn onto the R43 to Hermanus. Drive through Hermanus and continue on the R43. The turn off for Grootbos is 13km past Stanford on the left-hand side.

From the Garden Route: The N2 brings you west past Swellendam and Riviersonderend. Some 10km past Riviersonderend turn on to the R326 to Stanford. At Stanford turn left on to the R43. Grootbos is 13km from Stanford on the left-hand side.
Accessible by
Self-drive

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
The dining experience at Forest Lodge was outstanding. Some of the ingredients used to prepare the delicious menus are even homegrown organic products.

On our last visit, in May 2014, breakfast consisted of a full buffet of cereals, muffins, fruits, yoghurts, cold meats, cheese and smoked salmon, as well as a choice from a wide selection of hot breakfasts, including eggs Benedict, omelettes and pancakes.

For lunch there is a salad bar as well as a choice of four hot dishes and a pudding. We enjoyed a tasty chicken Caesar salad followed by a fruit platter..

Dinner is an activity in its own right – a four-course extravaganza! There are two or three choices for each course but as an example of the top cuisine here, one evening meal that we thoroughly enjoyed consisted of a snoek paté starter (a local South African fish), followed by butternut and cinnamon soup. We then had a delicious seafood tagliatelle with prawns, fish, mussels and calamari in a creamy tarragon sauce. This was rounded off with an indulgent chocolate fondant served with vanilla ice cream.

Forest Lodge also has a decent wine list to accompany the food.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
No
Drinks included
Not included

Special interests

Honeymoons
Grootbos Reserve’s Forest Lodge is set in a very special forest. Bringing you close to nature, it’s an excellent inclusion for a honeymoon to South Africa – with plenty of space for romantic strolls on an empty beach, as well as horse-riding and even whale-watching.
See ideas for Honeymoons in South Africa
Beach holidays
Sandy beaches and clear water make Grootbos an ideal location for unforgettable beach holidays in South Africa. Not only for relaxing, but also for more or less highly adventurous activities as horse riding, whale watching or the thrilling shark cage diving.
See ideas for Beach holidays in South Africa
Birdwatching
Grootbos is a great place for birdwatching in South Africa. The variety of flora lends itself to plenty of bird species including a real range of sunbirds, Cape sugarbirds, black harriers, Cape bulbuls, kites and kestrels as well as many others.
See ideas for Birdwatching in South Africa
Riding holidays
Whether you would prefer a leisurely ride through the Grootbos Reserve with stunning views on the Southern Cape mountains or a rapid gallop for more experienced riders on the sandy beach, Grootbos offers you 20 well-trained horses from their own stable.
See ideas for Riding holidays in South Africa
Wildlife safaris
Grootbos has its own water-based ‘Big 5’ which can be observed either by boat or from the shore. You may see African penguins, dolphins, Cape fur seals, right southern whales and even great white sharks.
See ideas for Wildlife safaris in South Africa
Walking
Grootbos is set in the smallest of the world’s six floral kingdoms, the Cape Floral Kingdom, numbering approximately 9,000 species. Explore this unique flora on walks through the reserve or the coastal area, and don’t miss the fynbos ecosystem and ancient milkwood forests.
See ideas for Walking in South Africa
Luxury
For opulence and exclusivity amidst natural surroundings, spend a few days at Grootbos Forest Lodge. The deliciously meals here use often organic, locally-sourced produce. Meanwhile activities are run by experienced guides who can help you to understand the local environment and ecosystems.
See ideas for Luxury in South Africa

Children

Attitude towards children
Grootbos Forest Lodge does not accept children under 12 years. Children of all ages are accepted at Grootbos Garden Lodge.
Property’s age restrictions
No children under 12
Special activities & services
There are no facilities for children at Grootbos Forest Lodge, but the swimming pool is an attraction for older children. There is a wide range of children’s activities and services at Grootbos Garden Lodge.
Equipment
None
Generally recommended for children
Grootbos Forest Lodge is an adult property and not suitable for children

Communications

Power supply notes
The socets here are made for South African plugs with three round pins; adaptors are available at reception.
Communications
There is a direct-dial telephone in each suite as well as a computer jack.
The whole lodge has complimentary WiFi and there is good cellphone reception in the area.

TV & radio
There are TVs with DVD players in each suite as well as in the main lodge area.
Water supply
Mains

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
No
Medical care
There are doctors in Gansbaai (5km away) and a hospital in Hermanus (20km away).
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Security measures
There is 24-hour security on the entrance gates and various guards on night patrol around the lodges.
Fire safety
Each suite has a fire extinguisher and others are located in the main building.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

    Boat trip

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Horse-riding

    Horse-riding

  • Private activities

    Private activities

  • Self-guided walking

    Self-guided walking

Extras

Disabled access
In Place
Laundry facilities
There is an extra charge for laundry. Approximate cost is R20 (just over £1) for a pair of trousers or a shirt and R5 (about 30 pence) for underwear and socks per item.
Money
Forest Lodge can change money on week days only.
Accepted payment on location
Grootbos accepts Visa, MasterCard and Amex cards as well as cash in South African rand.

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Grootbos Forest Lodge's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Forest Lodge .


Other lodges in Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


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)

When to go to Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Forest Lodge in Grootbos Private Nature Reserve


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

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