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A luxury eco-reserve close to the Southern tip of Africa tucked between mountains, forest and sea.

It was in 1991 that the Lutzeyer family first set eyes on a small farm on the fynbos slopes overlooking Walker Bay – and they couldn’t believe the beauty they saw. In 1994 Michael sold his business interests in Cape Town and decided to develop a bed and breakfast on the site for local visitors, not knowing that soon he would be attracting visitors from across the globe.

Since then, through a combination of hard work, enthusiasm, vision and strong family cooperation, the Lutzeyers have turned the reserve into a world leader in progressive luxury tourism, transforming the lives of community members and preserving 2500 hectares of South African botanical and wildlife treasures.

A Melting Pot of Biodiversity, Culture and Natural Wonder

  • 3500 Hectares of pristine wilderness
  • 100 Endangered plant species
  • 907 Plant species: 7 newly discovered here
  • 3 Milkwood forests over 1000 years old
  • The wonder of the Marine Big Five
  • Over 23 mammal species on the reserve

Where is Grootbos Located?

Less than two hours’ drive from Cape Town and an hour’s drive from where the warm Indian Ocean and the cold Atlantic meet – close to the southernmost tip of a continent filled to the brim with natural beauty, the warmest people and the most exceptional experiences. 

Grootbos may be an unforgettable destination but the journey there is an experience in its own right.  Marvel at dramatic unspoilt views, stop in at some unique attractions and absorb all the exquisite natural beauty that surrounds you.

South Africa

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The Explorations Company, where no two journeys have ever been the same

What is the Grootbos Accommodation like?

Meander through an ancient Milkwood forest, soak up the beauty of the fynbos or admire dramatic mountain and sea views as you wind your way towards your private villa. All of the accommodation at Grootbos has been designed to complement the pristine natural setting, while never compromising on style or luxury. 

How many Private Villas are there at Grootbos?

Grootbos Private Reserve offers two exquisite private villas, one with four suites and the other with six. They are the last word in secluded luxury, offering unforgettable experiences to discerning guests. With intuitive service provided by your own private chef, butler and nature guides, your every need will be met in a home-away-from-home environment of unsurpassed quality.

Overview

  • Secluded and private, surrounded by pristine natural beauty
  • Your own swimming pool, office, cinema room, wine cellar and fully equipped gym
  • Exclusive service that will see to your every need
  • Panoramic views at every turn add to the feeling of tranquillity
  • A landing strip is available to all guests arriving in helicopters and small planes
  • Select from the six-suite or four-suite private villas.

What Activities are Available at Grootbos?

The collection of curated experiences at Grootbos is inspired by the pristine surroundings and has conservation and community at its core. These include:

  • Botanical 4x4 Tour
  • Shark Cage Diving
  • Horse Riding
  • Whale Watching
  • Lady Stanford River Cruise
  • Walks and Hikes
  • Marine Safari
  • Fatbike Tours
  • Hive to Home
  • Beauty Treatments
  • Bird Watching
  • Living the Future Tour
  • Scenic Flights
  • Southern Tip of Africa Tour
  • Coastal Safari
  • Quad Biking
  • Newly opened Grootbos Florilegium featuring  the largest collection of botanical artwork in Africa!

How important is Conservation at Grootbos?

The Grootbos Foundation

From its very inception, The Grootbos Private Nature Reserve based in the Overberg was always going to be more than a luxury travel destination.

The Grootbos Foundation was set up in 2003 as a non-profit organisation that would work to conserve the critically endangered fynbos, while also focusing on the training and skills development of the surrounding communities.  

Their Projects focus on Community. Culture. Commerce. Conservation.

They are an organisation dedicated to empowering others through ecotourism, enterprise development, sports development and education.

All of their projects are replicable and scalable, with many generating their own income or becoming partially self-sustaining. From beekeeping to animal husbandry, recycling candles to coaching soccer, computer training to clearing alien vegetation, each programme has been carefully considered to build a brighter future for the people who live there, as well as the environment.

Flying Safaris in Africa - By Private Fixed Wing Aircraft

A Fixed Wing Flying Safari is a unique concept of travel in Africa. It introduces another dimension to a typical African safari, that of the beauty of the continent from the air. Accompanied and guided by experienced pilots who are also experienced safari guides a Fixed Wing Flying Safari is a truly memorable and exclusive experience.

Flying Safaris in Africa - By Private Helicopter

Epic helicopter journeys exploring corners of Africa that few have been to or even ever heard of. We specialise in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, the Congo and Namibia. Our tailor-made safaris cover wild and spectacular mountains, valleys, forests and deserts, with a focus on ‘remote and unknown, unexplored and unforgettable’.

Client testimonials

Take the first step on your extraordinary journey into Africa

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The Explorations Company

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour and catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore – Dream – Discover - Mark Twain - You can view clips of some of our own favourite discoveries here.


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100% Tailor Made

- Utterly designed and tailored around you and your requirements

- Totally unique every time you travel with us

- The very best hand picked guides which can make the difference between a  good and an outstanding holiday

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Priceless Knowledge

- Established over 30 years ago we have been around longer than most

- Our specialists come from, have lived in or travelled extensively in the regions we cover

- Unparalleled knowledge provides you with the best possible experience

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Making a difference

- Philanthropy is our philosophy

- Our founding principle is to always ‘put something back’

- An amount from each holiday is donated to our selected conservation and humanitarian charities


Would you like to know more?

Our team can help prepare a unique itinerary that best suits your personal interests  – no pressure, just
support and advice. Please complete your information and we will be in touch in no time.

As a guide, the cost of our extraordinary and utterly bespoke journeys tends to start from $1200 per person per day excluding international flights.

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Explore with The Explorations Company

By Marcela Kunova - 20th April 2017

Nicola Shepherd, founder and CEO of The Exploration Company, organises unusual trips for HNW and UHNW clients ranging from birthday parties at an Indian Maharajah's palace to reliving Sir Vivian Fuchs's 1950s expedition to the South Pole. Citywealth caught ...

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Our Guarantees To You

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Your holiday is fully protected by the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018

Flight-Inclusive Bonding: We are licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority and hold ATOL Number 7159

Flight-Exclusive bonding: Your holiday is further protected by our membership of ABTOT Membership Number 5197

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