The Grootbos AllureAn African EdenBy Marilyn Miller Africa is charmed with many varied environments, found in her unique cities as well as out in the bush. If your desire is for privacy, solitude, beauty and adventure, along with five star accommodations and cuisine, then you must put Grootbos Private Nature Reserve at the top of your list!
Grootbos (meaning “great bush” in Dutch) is in South Africa, about a 2 hour drive from Cape Town, near the towns of Hermanus and Gansbaai. The Indian Ocean seems all around as the road follows the coastline to Grootbos.  The magic of this world has the power to transform your soul through the beauty of its nature. Arriving at Grootbos, nestled in the midst of an ancient Milkwood forest, the same beauty and serenity is evident. This nature reserve is very large, and conserves over 2500 acres of beautiful countryside, which is home to over 650 species of indigenous plants. There are two beautifully positioned lodges. The Garden Lodge suites are very large, luxuriously comfortable and private. All of the individual cottages have spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. Privacy is important. To reach your room, the walk leads you along a paved and lighted pathway, winding by serene pools, lush greenery and brightly colored flowers. You can smell the fragrance of the forest and hear the call of exotic birds. From your suite, no other rooms or cottages are visible, only the lush green, the beautiful flowers, the forest sounds and the huge Indian Ocean are there to enhance the senses.  
Suites have a spacious living room area with a fireplace and full wet bar along with fresh fruit snacks and bottled water. The bedroom is separate from the living room area and has an adjoining full bath. The bed is luxurious with full mosquito netting. Quite exotic, but we did not need the netting, or the insect repellent, during our visit. The bathroom amenities were plentiful with aromatic soaps, lotions, bath candles and soft comfy robes. 
 The Forest Lodge is located further up the hill with sweeping views of the entire area of the mountains, beaches and the sea. This lodge is furnished with a contemporary flavor, very massive, stylish and sophisticated. In addition to being a private getaway, it is also an excellent location for family reunions or conventions. The dining area is strategically placed, providing an awe inspiring panoramic view of the Indian Ocean, wooded hills and changing sky.
 Cuisine at both lodges is equally unsurpassed. Culinary preparation is done with creative precision, and oh, so appealing to the senses. Each entree presents with its own personality of colors, presentation and divine flavor and aroma. Dessert? Indulge, for these are some of the finest!
And the staff is incredibly friendly, helpful and knowledgeable of everything from the fine cuisine, fantastic South African wines, names of plant species and best yet, they can guide you on journeys leading to hidden vast sea caves with archeological digs, or across miles of forest via their safari Range Rovers.  They make frequent stops to provide narrative about the ecosystem and history of the area. Plenty of time for photo opportunity as well! If you inquire about the stars of the night sky, they even know about the night sky with stars that are different in the Southern Hemisphere. And most impressive, The Southern Cross!! I gazed at it every single night as it was bright and easy to find. You may be in the “middle of nowhere” in this wonderfully peaceful place but you’ll still find plenty of adventure to fill your time. Whether you want to just sit back and read a book with a glass of fine wine, get Internet access in the main hall, picnic at private ocean beaches, hike or horseback ride, these are but of few of the adventures to be had. Photo 16 boat In the nearby town of Gansbaai, we went on a fantastic boating tour aboard the Whale Whisperer. We were privileged to see schools of dolphin playing in the wake of our boat, various sea birds, colonies of Cape Fur Seals with their pups, and the nesting grounds of the rare African Penguin.  We even chanced upon a quite unusual sight of a seal making a meal of a large octopus. We visited the world famous “shark alley” home to the largest concentration of Great White Sharks in the world. They can be seen up close and personal, in the safety of a shark cage and most of the shark footage seen on nature films is shot here. If you visit between June and December, you can see about 160 of the Southern Right Whales who make this bay their home during those months. These whales can be viewed either by land or aboard the Whale Whisperer.  But Grootbos is not just another resort, for they have chosen to “give back” to the community and the fragile environment. In 2004, the Grootbos Foundation was established with the intent of managing and implementing environmental and social developmental projects, through research, management and education. They are home to the Green Futures Horticultural & Life Skills College, an organization housed on the Grootbos Reserve that provides annual practical-based training programs for unemployed people in the fields of fynbos (“fine bush”) landscaping, horticulture and ecotourism. See what they are about at www.greenfutures.co.za
 
 And there are greater plans in the future as Grootbos reaches further to improve the quality and direction of life for children in the poverty-ridden townships scattered across South Africa. Soccer is a favorite pastime among the youth of this great country and it is through this interest that individual lives are challenged to be changed. Sponsored through Grootbos, youth can find hope, direction and opportunity to improve their state of life.
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is an awe-inspiring place.  Picture yourself sitting at an umbrella table on their great front deck, sipping wine and soaking in the gorgeous beauty of the hills and the vast Indian Ocean. Feel those cool breezes, forest sounds, fragrant aromas, warm sun and the absolute peace, quiet and serenity. Whether you are a tourist seeking to “de-stress”, or a volunteer willing to teach in one of their youth programs, it would be one of the most satisfying experiences of your life. Grootbos is one of those places that create memories lasting for a lifetime. Contact information: Website: www.grootbos.com
Reservations: reservations@grootbos.co.za
Telephone: +27 28 384 8000 | 