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Explore Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

If you are interested in sustainable Eco tourism and you are planning to have your next vacation in Africa, then consider visiting Grootbos Nature Reserve in South Africa a must for you. Grootbos Foundation was founded in 2004 mainly to manage and implement environmental and social developmental projects for Grootbos in South Africa. The funds this eco-tourism business generates are invested via the Foundation into various projects and visitors also support directly the conservation of its biodiversity and social upliftment along the Agulhas Plain. More income is also obtained through the sale of indigenous plants and landscaping services offered by Green Futures Horticultural and Life Skills College which belongs to the Foundation. This project is a rare initiative that offers annual, practical-based training on the Grootbos Reserve for unemployed people in areas of Fynbos landscaping, ecotourism, and horticulture. It is set to boost nature-based sustainable livelihoods for residents from in and around the reserve.

The 1750-hectare protected area offers refuge to over 750 varied species of plants and provides warm hospitality, the best cuisine, and amazing South African wines. Protection of endangered/endemic floral and faunal species and social responsibility practices are all conducted within the nature reserve. Visitors directly impact these programs and the upliftment of the local communities. A visit to this remarkable nature reserve is ideally the most memorable experience that you shouldn’t miss out on while on vacation in South Africa. It allows visitors to explore unique Fynbos species and the world’s vast Milkwood Forests. Its beaches are lapped by crystal clear waters frequented by Southern right whales, great white sharks, and African penguins. The Walker Bay coastline lies within a few minutes away from the Grootbos Lodge and the beaches are beautiful, deserted, and ideally incredible for one to explore more about the Stone Age klipgat cave, magical tidal rock pools, and watching the southern right whale frolicking closely to the shore. Around June-December, visitors can easily spot out variety of whales within Walker Bay from the De Kelders cliff paths. The floral species means you will explore its Milkwood forests and Fynbos while on a flower tour combined with walks and hikes. You will explore more on the Milkwood trees that date 1000 years and afro montane forests that are set along the 4 by 4 trail or horse tour via the protected area. The reserve is famous for activities like cave exploration, shark cage diving, botanical tours, boat safaris, horseback rides, hiking, and bird watching (to sight out over 107 different bird species, especially the unique African black oystercatcher, cape cormorant, cape sugarbird, Knysna woodpecker) and others.

Getting to Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
You will spend at least two hours from Cape Town to Hermanus and the Garden Route N2 which takes you westward past Swellendam and Riviersonderend about 10 kilometers past Riviersonderend, turn to the R326 to Stanford, and from here, take a left to R43 and Grootbos lies 13 kilometers away from Stanford along the R43. From Cape Town, you take the N2 past the airport to Somerset West. Cape Town International is the closest airport. There are also private airstrips and airplanes for visitor transfer.

Best time to visit Grootbos Nature Reserve
The high season at this reserve starts from December to February and temperatures stand at 34 degrees Celsius though winter temperatures tend to reduce to 4 degrees Celsius. The winter months usually start around June, July, and August and you have to expect it to rain at any time, and from June-December, you will find several whales.

Where to stay in Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
The key areas for visitor stay at this nature reserve include the Garden Lodge which is perfect for a family getaway as it straddles the spectacular indigenous surrounding areas; the other is the Forest Lodge which comes in a modern style. The Villa consists of six elegant suites, 3 luxury bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, 2 lounges with satellite TV, a dining room, 2 master suites with en suite bathrooms, a gym, and others.

In conclusion, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is an exceptionally natural paradise that you should count as a must to visit while on safari in South Africa and you will be amazed by the most thrilling experiences of a lifetime.

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