This past weekend I was lucky enough to visit the incredible Grootbos Private Nature Reserve with my daughter and husband. Grootbos is a 5 star, super luxurious eco paradise situated in the Walker Bay region between Stanford and Gansbaai, just a 2 hour drive from Cape Town. This award winning destination recently made it onto National Geographic’s ‘Unique Lodges Of The World’ list!
The reserve offers two lodges: The Garden Lodge (where we stayed) welcome children of all ages. The Garden lodge is situated in an indigenous garden and has a sophisticated African feel. There’s a restaurant, games room for the kids, a large sparkling pool and decks where you can enjoy a meal whilst looking out at the most magnificent view. You can view pic’s here
Then there’s the Forest Lodge – an awe inspiring architectural masterpiece with strong lines and a very modern feel. View pic’s here
- The Garden Lodge
- Views for days
- Our private deck
- You wouldn’t believe how deep this pool is!
THE FYNBOS DRIVE
On Saturday morning, we took a 1.5 hour long fynbos drive through the reserve! Anecke, our guide, was so knowledgeable and passionate about the surroundings. We stopped a few times to marvel at, touch, smell and chat about a range of fynbos species. Beekeeping is one of Grootbos’ sustainable initiatives and we saw a few beehives (in wooden boxes) dotted around the property. Their fynbos honey is quite possible the best I’ve ever tasted. They also make a fynbos honey ice cream that’s DIVINE – but more about the food later…
A GUIDED WALK THROUGH THE ANCIENT MILKWOOD FOREST
Grootbos is home to a majestic ancient Milkwood forest. The name Grootbos means ‘Big Forest’ in Afrikaans and is derived from this magical forest. Our first excursion was a 45 minute guided walk through this forest. Anecke explained how some of the trees are believed to be over 800 years old. I was so touched by her respect and love for nature that was demonstrated when she carefully removed spider webs hanging in our path and wrapped them around branches, making sure not to harm the spiders. Miyo, my daughter took the picture above. Can you spot the spiderweb?
TREKKING TO A WATERFALL
If you do visit Grootbos, make sure you request to see the waterfall nestled in the lush green sub-tropical forest. This is not an activity that’s advertised, but the wonderfully attentive staff will arrange it for you on request. I must just point out that this activity is best suited to those that are quite fit, and kids undertaking the hike need to be at least 10 years or older. The walk down to the waterfall is very steep and slippery, but breathtakingly beautiful. Be aware that there’s a good likelihood that you’ll encounter baboons and snakes, but worry not as the guides know how to deal with wild animals & reptiles. I would also think this walk is best done in the summer months when there’s no or little rain.
- Nashlin, our intrepid guide
- Trecking down a rather steep ravine
- The majestic waterfall – Miyo & I couldn’t resist taking a shower
- This tropical forest is magical
FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD
Food can make or break a holiday, and the scrumptious selection on offer at Grootbos did not disappoint. Because Grootbos grow their own organic vegetables and herbs, you’re guaranteed the freshest, tastiest dishes inspired by what’s been harvested that particular day. The fresh garden salad (pic 1) was just about the most delicious I’ve ever tasted. Also worth a mention were the superb Cape Malay seafood curry (pic 3) and the pickled snoek salad (pic 2). My hubby was raving about his beef schnitzel (pic 4) that was served with pickled cabbage and micro greens. Even the kid’s menu was fantastic – the crumbed chicken was a big hit with Miyo.
ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
Too often (in my experience), luxury 5 star hotels just don’t try hard enough when it comes to accommodating kids under twelve years of age. Not so with Grootbos. From the moment we arrived, Miyo was made to feel special – first with a big welcome birthday hug from Bongani (it was her birthday last Friday), then from the guides who answered her endless questions about the Fynbos, trees and reptiles.
- Playing in the waterfall
- Horse riding (her first time)
- Exploring the Klipgat Cave
- Miyo loved reading on this swing chair on our private deck
THE KLIPGAT CAVE
The Friday we arrived, we were taken on a guided tour to the Klipgat Cave at De Kelders (a suburb of Gaansbaai) – just a short 10-minute drive from the reserve. The caves are millions of years old and are surrounded by the most beautiful coastal scenery. Our guide explained how the Klipgat Cave is one of the most important historical sites in the Western Cape, and how it’s of world heritage significance. Bones, ancient tools and eating utensils found here, are among the oldest remains of modern-looking Homo Sapiens in the world!
BEAUTY ESSENTIALS
Of course I took along some beauty essentials! Because we spent a lot of our time outdoors, good sun protection was necessary. The Cetaphil Daylong SPF 30 Lipisomal Spray (R155 from Dis-Chem) has been a huge hit with the whole family this summer. It can be used on both face and body, is non sticky, contains no colourants and fragrance (making it excellent for sensitive skin types) and comes in a handy spray bottle.
I knew we’d be spending a lot of time in the sun, so thought it a good idea to bring along a good after sun. I count the Clarins After Sun Moisturizer (R290) among my favourites. It can be used on face and body and intensively nourishes sun-parched skin whilst prolonging a tan.
For my face I used the Sisley Sunleÿa Age Minimizing Global Sun Care SPF 30 (R2450) protects skin from sun damage while preventing wrinkles, brown spots, dehydration and loss of firmness. It has a wonderful silky texture, is quickly absorbed and doesn’t leave a white film on the skin. Expensive, but well worth it as you only need a small amount.
As I adore all the products in the CaribbeanTan range, I thought I’d try the newish Sun Protection Spray SPF 30 (R89.95). Aside from the fact that this product smells just like ‘Licorice All Sorts’, I like that it has a handy aerosol spray – perfect for protecting those hard to reach areas like the back. Not only does this product protect the skin from the suns rays, it also has special ingredients that ensure you tan quicker – and you really do. Another winner from a brilliant, proudly South Africa brand.
All in all, we had a wonderfully relaxing weekend stay at Grootbos. Even though our days were filled with activities, we returned home feeling energised and rejuvenated. Given that it’s so close to Cape Town, we’re planning a visit again sooner rather than later.
Here’s a short video of Grootbos – Enjoy
You can find out more about Grootbos Nature Reserve by following them on Facebook here. You can also check out their website here.
