{{futureEnquiries.length}}
Claire and her family recently went to Grootbos Private Nature Reserve where they had a fantastic and invigorating holiday. Make sure to book holiday at Grootbos.
We arrived at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve just as the sun was breaking through the rainclouds; highlighting the masses of pink and purple ericas which cover the countryside in this particular coastal area near Gansbaai.
The warmth of the late afternoon sun was matched by the incredible warmth of all of the staff who greeted us on our arrival. At the entrance to the reserve Fortunate welcomed us like long lost friends - our girls giggled from the backseat as she asked them their names and enthusiastically wished us a happy stay. The weekend was off to a very good start.
It is an easy drive to Grootbos from Cape Town, just 30 minutes past Hermanus as you follow the coastline towards Gansbaai. After Sir Lowry's Pass it's through the orchards of Elgin and then, after Hermanus, onwards through Stanford before you arrive at Grootbos, just before Gansbaai. The fynbos in this particular part of the Overberg is spectacular and this is very much evident in the 2500 hectare Grootbos Reserve which is home to over 765 flower species, 6 of which were remarkably discovered right in the reserve.
After being offered a wonderfully refreshing drink we were given a run down of all the activities we'd be able to enjoy over the weekend - most of which are included in your stay - resulting in two very excited children who couldn't wait to meet the bunnies and go for a pony ride. At our cottage our luggage was already waiting for us and, seeing as it was beginning to cloud over again, a crackling fire was underway in our lounge. The accommodation at Grootbos is fantastic with the individual lodges being nestled amongst the ancient Milkwood trees - each positioned for privacy and with wonderful sweeping views over the fynbos towards the ocean.
The views are a highlight and are on show from every room - from the bedroom with its floor to ceiling windows to the beautiful bathroom where the large bathtub surrounded by windows looks straight onto the canopy of trees. The comfy lounge (with flat screen TV and DVD player) opened out onto a private deck - once again overlooking the colourful landscape of fynbos and the sea beyond. We stayed at Garden Lodge which welcomes children of all ages - and they truly go out of their way to make the little ones feel welcome. The more chic and modern Forest Lodge on the opposite hillside only allows children over the age of 12 which would suit those preferring a more adult getaway
Our girls were thrilled with everything, especially the magical pathways which link the cottages and the main lodge. Filled with indigenous plants, ponds and colourful birdlife and overhung by the gnarled and enchanting Milkwood trees which, according to the General Manager, were home to fairies only to be seen by children. Two little sets of eyes sparkled as they were told to keep a careful look out for fairies riding on porcupine back.
Besides the spectacular surroundings and views; and the many exciting outdoor experiences - the dining at Grootbos is not to be outdone! Not only is the food excellent, but because our girls were so wonderfully looked after we were able to really relax and enjoy the superb 5-course menu on offer. At dinner time our girls were immediately welcomed into the kids room where a movie was playing on the big screen projector. A choice of kid's meals, games, some new friends and the really great Grootbos staff - and they were in their element. In the cosy dining room overlooking the twinkling lights of Gansbaai we too were in our element, enjoying a glass of wine and an outstanding meal which included (amongst other choices) a sublime starter of beetroot and goats cheese, a braised lamb risotto and a heavenly chocolate tart (for me) and crème brulée (for hubby). Our second night, with an entirely new menu selection was just as good, if not better than the previous night and our girls once again spent a happy evening making new friends, drawing and playing games.
A leisurely breakfast the following morning included a buffet table laden with continental options as well as a cooked breakfast of your choice. Everything was fresh, beautifully prepared and delicious and the flapjacks with bacon and honey went down a treat with the kids.
After breakfast we were met by Anneke, one of the Grootbos trained guides, who was to take us on the 4x4 Flower Safari. We bundled up against the chilly morning breeze and set off in the open vehicle for a fascinating drive around the reserve. I needn't have been worried about the attention span of our girls - Anneke was full of interesting facts and stories about the fynbos, birds and insects and made frequent stops to pick examples for the girls to smell and touch and taste. We did our best to outrun the rain, but were finally caught in a downpour - which really only added to the adventure.
Once we were covered up in the giant ponchos provided by Anneke, we made a mad dash back to the lodge and spent some time warming up in front of the fire before lunch (yet again, fresh and delicious) and the next activity of the day - the much awaited pony riding! Once again, this turned out to be a real highlight - it was a first for our younger daughter - and the staff were so enthusiastic and friendly despite being significantly 'bossed about' by a five year old! Our older daughter was over the moon spending an hour or so helping in the stables - grooming the ponies, feeding the pigs and playing mother hen to the fluffy chicks. It was thanks to all of the wonderfully patient and welcoming Grootbos staff that we were able to enjoy such a relaxing weekend. (Something that I'm sure all parents of young children can truly appreciate).
On Sunday we choose to go on a guided beach walk, and once again Anneke was our guide. The long stretch of soft sandy beach was beautiful and except for a few fishermen on the rocks we were the only people around. On a walk along the cliffs the previous evening we had seen two whales lolling in the shallows just off the rocks - by far the closest we had ever seen them. To top it off they were 'talking' to each other in deep and eerie calls. Yet another highlight of the weekend.
Grootbos is not just about relaxing, although it is certainly the perfect spot for that, but there are also loads of outdoor and eco-adventure activities to enjoy - horse riding, hiking, guided 4x4 flower safaris, bird watching, beach walks, whale watching and shark cage diving to mention a few.
Also an integral part of Grootbos is their social involvement. The non-profit Grootbos Foundation makes a real difference in the local community through their Green Futures training programme and Growing the Future organic food and life skills programme - which produces many of the fresh ingredients used in the Grootbos kitchens. Guests can also choose to get their hands dirty by planting a tree as part of the Future Trees programme. A massive fire in 2006 destroyed large parts of the Milkwood forest - some trees were over 800 years old - and one of the many conservation projects underway is to rehabilitate the forest for future generations. If you choose to plant a tree, you'll receive a tree planter's certificate, a listing on the Tree Planters Page, and the location of your tree is recorded and mapped using a GPS so that you can find your tree the next time you visit Grootbos.
Sadly our weekend had to come to an end, but not before our 5-year old had tried to convince us that she really didn't need to go back to school (she had apparently learned enough!) and that we should just stay at Grootbos forever. I had to agree that another week ... or two ... would certainly have been fabulous. But, we said goodbye to the ponies and bunnies and all of the wonderful staff who had made the weekend such a memorable one - until next time.
To find out more about Grootbos and to book a weekend away, go to Grootbos Private Nature Reserve.
