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Grootbos Nature Reserve and guest lodge lies nestled within the Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy overlooking the spectacular Walker Bay and distant Cape of Good Hope. This 2500 hectare reserve of coastal and mountain vegetation was purchased by Michael and Tertius Lutzeyer from local farmers between 1990 and 2009. They set about establishing a world class guest lodge and a nature reserve managed according to the purest environmental principals. The condition of the farms at the time of purchase was deteriorating rapidly as a result of invasion by alien trees, overgrazing by cattle and frequent fires. In 1995/1996 the property was proclaimed a private nature reserve, a 5-hectare disturbed area developed into an upmarket lodge and a variety of conservation projects initiated. A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment was carried out and used as the basis for the development which was carefully managed for minimum visual and physical impact on the environment.

Subsequently a second lodge was built in 2005, which increased the number of guests accommodated to 60. Grootbos had become a supreme, five star establishment with a worldwide reputation for amazing natural beauty, decadent luxury, and an incredible commitment towards conservation and social development. Tragedy struck less than a year after the Forest Lodge was completed, when a massive fire decimated over 60000 ha of the surrounding area, and burnt the Forest Lodge to the ground. The fire started many kilometres away, but most of the farms in the WBFC were affected by the terrible blaze. Forest Lodge was rebuilt to an even higher standard and reopened in October 2006.

Grootbos provides guests with a unique opportunity to learn about the wonders of the Capes flora, fauna, history and culture. Included in the accommodation rate is a variety of nature and culturally based tours. Tours are led by specialist guides who accompany guests on seashore, marine, island, botanical, archaeological and cultural tours of the reserve and its surrounds.

Our tourism business ensures that the environment in this unique region is both protected and restored. The Grootbos mission statement reads: 'The conservation of the biodiversity of Grootbos and its surrounds through ecotourism, scientific research, conservation management and education". Notably, Grootbos has received high acclaim for their in depth botanical survey, which has documented more than 750 species of plant on the reserve over the last 12 years, 102 of which are red data species, and 6 of which are completely new to science! In comparison, the whole of the UK only has around 1500 species. World renowned biologist and conservationist Prof. David Bellamy (OBE) called Grootbos 'The best example of conservation of biodiversity I have seen', while top fynbos conservationist Prof. Richard Cowling wrote, 'The Lutzeyers of Grootbos have been running a highly successful eco-lodge (in my opinion, the best of its kind) for several years.'

The Grootbos Foundation was established in 2005 to consolidate and run the various conservation and social development projects of Grootbos. The Foundation now boasts two on-site colleges, which give young adults from surrounding communities a years fully funded training in indigenous horticulture and organic food production respectively, in conjunction with exceptional life skills components. The Foundation also runs the Gansbaai Spaces for Sports Community Centre that sees over a hundred children a day getting access to professional coaching and world class facilities. For more information on these and the other projects run by the Foundation please visit our website



Grootbos has been the recipient of multiple awards over the last 15 years including most recently the 2009 Amarula Award for the Most Innovative Retreat in Africa.

Grootbos is a world class, proudly South African Eco-Tourism destination, which aims to showcase our fantastic biodiversity, and make sure that it is conserved for our future generations.

For more information on Grootbos Nature Reserve have a look at our website, www.grootbos.com.