Fynbos gardens fringe stylish Garden Lodge, whose stone, timber and thatch buildings blend beautifully with their surroundings. Once inside, you're struck by the warmth of the staff and drawn to the views across the fynbos to the whale-watching haven of Walker Bay. Grootbos has carved a niche in the upmarket eco-lodge sector by specialising in the Cape's fynbos and faunal biodiversity. There are 760-plus species of plants here, along with a large variety of birds, and the nearby marine life includes dolphins, whales and sharks. Take peaceful strolls, visit pretty villages and taste local wines and farm produce. Pure pleasure!
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Each of the 11 freestanding suites tucked into natural gaps within the gnarled branches of the milkwood forest (reputed to be the largest of its kind in the the world) is stylishly furnished with luxurious canopy beds, a spacious en-suite bathroom, a separate lounge with a fireplace and a private wooden deck overlooking the view. There's satellite TV and DVD player, a tea- and coffee-making station, aircon and a safe. The rooms are chic, with all the comforts of home.
Walking through the 2500-hectare reserve, with its 760-plus plant species, 100 of which are endangered and six completely new to science, and investigating the pockets of afromontane and ancient milkwood forests.
Visit the friendly local wineries and markets to scope out the produce on sale: baked delights, jams, cheeses and jars of delicious goodies to take home.
While this is a nature reserve, you'll need to head offshore to see any big wildlife. Who knows, you might even run into a dolphin 'superpod'!
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Grootbos Garden Lodge can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made South Africa trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended South Africa trips featuring Grootbos Garden Lodge or get advice and suggestions from one of our South Africa specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Grootbos Garden Lodge start from around $1.2K, or US$1.2K, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
It’s famous for whale-watching, but the wine is also worth a taste in this laidback coastal town.
