Set on a nature reserve overlooking Walker Bar, Grootbos Forest Lodge is a five-star eco-paradise boasting surrounds of mountains, forest and sea. With 2500 hectares of pristine wilderness to explore and space to dine and relax in two lodges surrounded by a Milkwood forest, Grootbos puts guests at the heart of serenity and adventure.
Location
The lodge sits at the edge of a forest within Grootbos Private Nature Reserve with views down to Walker Bay. The reserve is set in the hills above Walker Bay, two hours from Cape Town. It’s at the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom and there is plenty to explore on the hills of the reserve, as well as an abundance of marine life down at Walker Bay including the marine Big Five. It’s also just a short distance from Hermanus on the Garden Route.
Rooms
The Forest Lodge offers 16 contemporary rooms which are linked to the main area by pathways through the woods. Each room has a wonderful view of the reserve and the interiors make the most of natural textures and colours. Each room has a double bed, a lounge area with sofas and a coffee table, a cosy fireplace and en-suite bathrooms. Private decks offer sea views and large windows which overlook the greenery as it sweeps down to the sea.
Communal Areas
The main area sits along the hillside with huge windows and open-plan spaces for a light and airy atmosphere. There is a dining room and lounge with an expansive deck overlooking the landscape and a fire-pit for evening drinks. The bar area boasts a cosy fireplace and guests can pick up souvenirs and gifts at the onsite curio shop. Outside, an infinity pool and cocktail deck offer more unbeatable views.
Activities
Guests can take guided nature walks through 1,000-year-old milkwood forests and 790 plant species or botanical 4×4 tours through the reserve.
For the brave, shark cage diving is available at Gansbaai, as well as whale watching and marine safaris in search of the marine Big Five (Whales, sharks, dolphins, penguins and seals). Explore the landscape on horseback, take guided coastal safaris or even scenic flights to see the rugged coastline, shipwrecks and marine life from on high.
Full Board
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
SUMMER
Ideal weather with mainly clear skies, very little rainfall and little wind. Midday temperatures will generally reach highs of around 25°C/77°F, occasionally going over 32°C/90°F. Nights are warm but comfortable.
As with the rest of the Western Cape, the Overberg can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.
SUMMER
Ideal weather with mainly clear skies, very little rainfall and little wind. Midday temperatures will generally reach highs of around 25°C/77°F, occasionally going over 32°C/90°F. Nights are warm but comfortable.
As with the rest of the Western Cape, the Overberg can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.
AUTUMN
This can be a fantastic time of year to visit as the summer's heat subsides, the wind settles and autumn casts its brightly coloured mantle over the vineyards, generating red, burnished vistas spreading from the mountain tops to the sea. Midday temperatures of around 24°C/75°F, mornings can be a little chilly at times, so do pack a warm jumper.
As with the rest of the Western Cape, the Overberg can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.
AUTUMN
This can be a fantastic time of year to visit as the summer's heat subsides, the wind settles and autumn casts its brightly coloured mantle over the vineyards, generating red, burnished vistas spreading from the mountain tops to the sea. Midday temperatures of around 24°C/75°F, mornings can be a little chilly at times, so do pack a warm jumper.
As with the rest of the Western Cape, the Overberg can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.
WINTER
The arrival of Winter signifies cooler weather, increased rainfall with weather front often rolling in off the Atlantic Ocean, accompanied by strong winds. In between the weather fronts, the weather can be surprisingly pleasant, these days are just less frequent. This is a spectacular time to see the Western Cape in all of its glory, but just be prepared for any weather! The end of May also marks the start of whale season as Southern Right whales arrive in large numbers to breed, give birth and playfully frolic in the sea.
As with the rest of the Western Cape, the Overberg can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.
WINTER - WHALE SEASON
Winter signifies cooler weather, increased rainfall with weather front often rolling in off the Atlantic Ocean, accompanied by strong winds. In between the weather fronts, the weather can be surprisingly pleasant, these days are just less frequent. This is a spectacular time to see the Western Cape in all of its glory, but just be prepared for any weather! Southern Right whales arrive in large numbers to breed, give birth and playfully frolic in the sea.
As with the rest of the Western Cape, the Overberg can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.
WINTER - WHALE SEASON
Winter signifies cooler weather, increased rainfall with weather front often rolling in off the Atlantic Ocean, accompanied by strong winds. In between the weather fronts, the weather can be surprisingly pleasant, these days are just less frequent. This is a spectacular time to see the Western Cape in all of its glory, but just be prepared for any weather! Southern Right whales arrive in large numbers to breed, give birth and playfully frolic in the sea.
As with the rest of the Western Cape, the Overberg can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.
WINTER - WHALE SEASON
Winter signifies cooler weather, increased rainfall with weather front often rolling in off the Atlantic Ocean, accompanied by strong winds. In between the weather fronts, the weather can be surprisingly pleasant, these days are just less frequent. This is a spectacular time to see the Western Cape in all of its glory, but just be prepared for any weather! Southern Right whales can be found off the coast in large numbers to breed, give birth and playfully frolic in the sea.
As with the rest of the Western Cape, the Overberg can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.
SPRING - WHALE SEASON
With a flora and fauna as biodiverse as the Western Cape it is no surprise that spring can be spectacular period to visit. Temperatures remain fairly cool, with a maximum average high of around 20°C/67°F, though the number of clear calm days is almost as high as the summer. Southern Right whales can be found off the coast in large numbers to breed, give birth and playfully frolic in the sea.
As with the rest of the Western Cape, the Overberg can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.
SPRING
With a flora and fauna as biodiverse as the Western Cape it is no surprise that spring can be spectacular period to visit. Temperatures remain fairly cool, with a maximum average high of around 22°C/71°F, though the number of clear calm days is almost as high as the summer. The end of the whale season, as the Southern Right whales depart for other waters.
As with the rest of the Western Cape, the Overberg can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.
SUMMER
The arrival of the summer, clear skies, very little rainfall and little wind make this a wonderful time to visit. Middy temperatures are comfortable with midday highs generally reaching around 23°C/73°F. Nights are still on the cool side.
As with the rest of the Western Cape, the Overberg can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.
SUMMER
The arrival of the summer, clear skies, very little rainfall and little wind make this a wonderful time to visit. Middy temperatures are comfortable with midday highs generally reaching around 24°C/76°F. Nights are warm but pleasent.
As with the rest of the Western Cape, the Overberg can be best described as having a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild and wet winters. Ideally, we would recommend visiting in the Spring, Summer or Autumn when the weather is at it’s best within the area. Winter weather is cooler, wetter and often much windier; there are however still a huge number of activities possible and accommodation prices are more competitive.
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What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
