Activities in & around Grootbos Nature Reserve

Grootbos offers a wide variety of activities for guests to enjoy during their stay. Our specialist guides lead 4 x 4 drives and walks through the fynbos and forests of the reserve. Trips to the nearby coast to view the Southern Right whales from land, walks along deserted beaches, visits to archeological and cultural sites, boat based whale watching trips, boat tours to a nearby seal island to view coastal birds, penguins, seals and great white sharks.

Guided activities with specialist guides

Fynbos Nature Tours
Grootbos is situated in the heart of the Cape’s Unique Floral Kingdom-botanically one of the worlds richest regions of plant life. More than 650 species of plants, 100 birds, 20 mammals and 18 reptiles have been recorded on the reserve. This fauna and flora is intricately interwoven into a fascinating web of life in which each creature has its special place.

Our fynbos nature tours provide you with a unique opportunity to experience the wonders of the fynbos first hand with one of our knowledgeable guides. They will explain to you how the fynbos miraculously depends on fire in order to survive, why the region supports so much life and interpret some of the many fascinating stories that make the fynbos such a unique natural laboratory.

Milkwood Walks
Grootbos is Afrikaans for Big Forest. The first farm purchased by the Lutzeyer family in 1989 had originally been named Grootbos in the early 1800’s after the large Milkwood forest that grew within its boundaries. When the farm was converted to a private nature reserve in 1995 it was decided to retain the original name, as the Grootbos Forest is the heart of the natural landscape. The Grootbos forest measures 23 hectares in total making it one of the largest forests of its type in the world. These unique milkwood forests are restricted to the area between Stanford and Danger Point and the Grootbos Milkwood forest is the only one falling within a protected area. It is dominated by the white milkwood (Sideroxylon inerme), some of which are many hundreds of years old. For more information on the forest have a look at our posters on the milkwood restoration project.

Join one of our guides on an hours walk in this ancient forest. You will learn about the amazing web of life linking the milkwood trees to so many other organisms within the forest. The dense canopy is home to many bird species, including the Barthroated Apalis, the Cape Batis and Rameron Pigeon, whilst the forest floor is crossed by trails of the bushbuck, porcupine, golden mole and others forest creatures.

Good walking shoes are recommended. The trail covers easy terrain and takes approximately one hour to complete. The trail is clearly marked, so you may wish to take the self-guided option. Brochures with a map and other information are available from the info desk.

The Pincushion Trail
Grootbos is situated in the heart of the Cape’s Unique Floral Kingdom-botanically one of the worlds richest regions of plant life. More than 570 species of plants, 100 birds, 20 mammals and 18 reptiles have been recorded on the reserve. This fauna and flora is intricately interwoven into a fascinating web of life in which each creature has its special place. Our Grootbos Nature Experience will provide you with a unique opportunity to experience the wonders of the Cape’s flora and fauna first hand with one of our knowledgeable guides.

The Pincushion Trail takes you on a leisurely, circular walk over the foothills above the Grootbos lodge and back through the ancient Grootbos Milkwood forest. You will walk through hillsides covered in magnificent orange pincushion proteas, view the rare Grootbos Erica in its natural habitat and see trees older than 800 years of age in the milkwood forest. While walking the Pincushion Trail you can admire views of the milkwood forest and Walker Bay, perhaps catch a glimpse of a shy bushbuck or baboon and enjoy a kaleidoscope of color and form. Some of the amazing interactions between the plants and animals will be explained as you travel through the mosaic of habitats, contemplating the interesting combination of factors responsible for its fragile existence.

The Pincushion Trail is a circular route that takes approximately two hours to complete. It covers easy terrain with no steep gradients. Proper walking shoes are recommended and your guide will carry water. A self-guided option is also available. Ask at the information desk for a map and directions to the start of the trail.

The Protea Trail
Grootbos is situated in the heart of the Cape’s Unique Floral Kingdom-botanically one of the worlds richest regions of plant life. More than 570 species of plants, 100 birds, 20 mammals and 18 reptiles have been recorded on the reserve. This fauna and flora is intricately interwoven into a fascinating web of life in which each creature has its special place. Our Grootbos Nature Experience will provide you with a unique opportunity to experience the wonders of the fynbos (fine bush) first hand with one of our knowledgeable guides.

The Protea Trail takes you on a hike to the summit of the highest mountain in the reserve (Protea Peak –504m) with spectacular views over Grootbos Nature Reserve, surrounding farms and Walker Bay. Protea peak is home to an amazing diversity of fynbos plants including 12 of the 17 protea species found on Grootbos. Walking the Protea Trail you can admire views of the entire nature reserve, perhaps catch a glimpse of a shy antelope and enjoy a kaleidoscope of color and form. Some of the amazing interactions between the plants and animals will be explained as you travel through the mosaic of habitats, contemplating the interesting combination of factors responsible for its fragile existence.

You will be driven to the start of the trail (approximately 15 minute drive). It is a circular route that takes approximately two hours to complete. It is fairly strenuous and includes a steep uphill gradient. Proper walking shoes are recommended and your guide will carry water. A self-guided option is also available. Ask at the information desk for a map and directions to the start of the trail.

Horse riding
The 1700 hectare Grootbos Nature Reserve provides excellent opportunities for Horse riding. Grootbos has its own stables with thirteen well-trained horses. Our horse tours are led by experienced horse riding instructors and we cater for all levels of riding experience and ability, including complete novices. Experience the beauty of the fynbos from horseback, surrounded by the flowers and sunbirds unique to the mountains of the Cape coast. All around stretch the panoramic views of mountain and sea. Rides usually take one and a half hours. Horse riding lessons as well as pony rides for children can be arranged.

Please wear long pants and sturdy, close-fitting shoes when horse riding. Don't forget to put on plenty of sun block. Hard hats are available at the stables. Please note that the maximum riding weight is 90 kg. You will need to sign an indemnity form before riding. For children under the age of 18, parents must sign the indemnity forms.

Guided Coastal Marine Excursions

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