Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Grootbos Private Nature Reserve  

Horse Riding at fynbos. Photo by Obie Fernandez on Unsplash

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Grootbos Private Nature Reserve  

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is an approximately 2500 hectares conservation area that is one of the world’s most unique and beautiful ecosystems.  

Grootbos is an Afrikaans word that means big forest. The Nature Reserve sits on the vibrant, coastal, and mountainous Western Cape.

With rolling hills, towering mountains, lush valleys, and luxury getaway lodges, this reserve overlooks Walker Bay and has breathtaking views of the panoramic ocean and fynbos from every angle.   

Here are the top 10 fascinating facts about Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. 

1. Grootbos is Privately Owned by The Lutzeyer Family 

Michael Lutzeyer and his late father bought the first Grootbos farm in 1991. It was an abandoned, scrubby farm that they transformed into a getaway holiday home for their family.  

They used to spend weekends and holidays here to escape from their busy city lives. In 1995, the family decided to share this haven with the world and they opened their doors to their first guests with only eight employees helping the family members run the place.

Today, Grootbos is not what it was then. With two 5-star luxury lodges plus its conservation and community missions, despite the many challenges, the reserve has utilized the power of tourism and biodiversity.

2. Grootbos is Close to Walker Bay 

Southern Right Whales at Walker Bay. Photo By Olga Ernst – Wikimedia Commons

Walker bay is like the Serengeti of the ocean. The winter months of June, July, and August are quite special because the gentle giants of the ocean return to the waters of Walker Bay.

The graceful Southern Right Whales visit the bay each year to escape the icy Antarctic waters and bask in the warmer southern African coastal waters.

Another reason they return to the bay is to mate and calve. They do this migration every year just like the wildebeests of Serengeti. Walker bay is a haven for these beautiful creatures. 

Get close to the whales and observe as their curious nature brings them closer to the shore and boats to investigate and greet whoever is onboard. 

3. The Reserve Offers the Marine Big 5 Ocean Safari 

South Africa’s Cape coast attracts thousands of local and international tourists each year to witness the Indian and Atlantic oceans meeting at the southernmost tip of the continent.  

Grootbos has the Marine Big 5 ocean safari for their guests. The main attractions here are whales, sharks, penguins, dolphins, and seals   

Feel the sea spray touch your face and smell the salty air on the boat tour as you experience the Marine Big 5 first-hand.  

Grootbos guests enjoy a 30-minute scenic flight where you’ll spot awe-inspiring Southern Right Whales and the other big five and the two oceans from above. 

4. Grootbos Offers a Package for You to Swim With Sharks 

Shark cage diving in South Africa. Photo By Olga Ernst – Wikimedia Commons

With the guidance of an experienced marine biologist on board a luxury boat, head off to Kleinbaai Harbour where you will get up close and personal with Great White Sharks. 

Feel the blood pumping in your veins as you go shark cage diving and learn new facts about these often-misunderstood predators.  

Come face-to-face with these creatures of the deep and experience the oceans in myriad exhilarating ways.   

5. They Have a 4×4 Flower Safari For Nature Lovers 

Grootbos, spectacularly situated on the fynbos and forest-clad hills, is a nature lover’s paradise. The reserve is home to over 800 plant species, 6 of which were discovered here.  

Many of the plants found here are endangered species. About 70% of these plant species are not found anywhere else on Earth and that is why Grootbos Foundation is committed to the conservation of the Cape Floral Kingdom.     

A 4×4 Flower Safari with expert guides is the perfect way to discover the scale and splendor of the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, one of the few places with the richest concentrations of flora in the world. 

6. The Lodges are Beautiful 

Grootbos has the Garden and the Forest Lodge. The Garden lodge is surrounded by lush gardens and an ancient milkwood forest.

It welcomes you with unparalleled, panoramic views over the pristine fynbos and glimmering Walker Bay coastline. It is ideal for families and is also wheelchair friendly. 

The Forest Lodge on the other hand is ideal for couples as it is peaceful and private. The contemporary design and décor could place it in any of the top cities in the world.

Enjoy one of the world’s most biodiverse landscapes, the changing colors in the southern sky, and the occasional little buck that comes feeding nearby. 

7. Grootbos Guests Are Offered Mountain Biking, Horse Riding, and Fat Bike Riding 

Horse Riding. Photo by Obie Fernandez on Unsplash

Explore the landscape of Grootbos on horseback, with a mount handpicked to suit your level and temperament.  

Take part in enjoyable Fat bike tours across Walker Bay’s dunes and ride a mountain bike through the beautiful landscape. Trails are all well-maintained and marked. 

8. Grootbos is a Bird Watchers Haven  

Grootbos is blessed with 118 different bird species uniquely positioned to offer both avid birders and curious novices a rich and varied birding experience.  

Learn different facts from knowledgeable guides as they also help you spot the rare and endemic birds feeding and breeding in these different ecosystems. 

9. Coastal Safari Tours Are Very Informative 

Klipgat caves. Photo by Julia Fiander on Unsplash

Feel closer to the earth as you get to know the coastline. Grootbos offers guided cave tours along the limestone cliffs of De Kelders. Visit Klipgat Cave, a World Heritage Site, and see a Stone Age World where Khoi bushmen called home.  

This is one of only three places in South Africa where such ancient remains have been found. Learn more from the guides and discover the origins of early man in this forgotten world. 

Watch some of the best sunsets as the skies transform into bright pink and glowing orange flashes, and sink your feet into untouched white sand on the beautiful beaches. Pick up shells, swim, or simply lie back and soak up the sun.  

10. Grootbos Has a Foundation That Deals With Conservation 

This Resort has a fynbos kingdom and ancient forest featuring 907 plant species, 118 bird species, 29 mammals, and 21 amphibians with some under threat of extinction.  

The foundation is determined to conserve this pristine wilderness and so they are constantly researching and innovating new ways of doing this. The foundation has won many eco-tourism awards along the way.