Grootbos | Cave Tours near Cape Town
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CAVE TOURS
The Klipgat Caves are nestled along the rocky coastline of Walker Bay Nature Reserve on the edge of De Kelders in Gansbaai. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is a luxurious five-star lodge that is set amongst the perpetual beauty of nature close to Gansbaai. Guided Cave Tours are offered to guests where an experienced guide can divulge the interesting history and heritage of the area.
When you arrive you can take in the incredible view over Walker Bay Nature Reserve and Die Plaat, which is seventeen kilometres of untouched beach and rolling sand dunes. Soak in this view before making your way down the steps leading toward limestone caves bearing ancient tales and fascinating secrets. The steps are not too strenuous and they are surrounded by lush fynbos.
Discover a labyrinth of caves caused by a combination of the merciless and relentless Atlantic Ocean and the elements of the limestone rock. The Grootbos guide will lead you through narrow tunnels that open up onto large cavernous areas. The largest cave has been investigated by a group of qualified archaeologists that discovered signs of Stone Age people and the Khoikhoi. Evidence of Middle Stone Age times are the first signs of early man (homosapiencs) and it is a rare and valuable discovery in South Africa. Each layer of sand represents a different era that is awash with long forgotten stories and ways lost in time. Learn about a time long before technology where life bore daily challenges that we do not face today. Ancient man had to create fire from stone, hunt to eat and face natural adversities every day.
The Khoikhoi were hunter-gatherers that were more commonly found inland. However, this particular group were obviously attracted to the Klipgat caves because of the natural shelter, the stream of fresh water close by, abundance of fish and whales, and gorgeous views. The cave openings look onto the brilliant blue ocean and it is the perfect silhouette for taking photographs.
Once you are finished discovering the home of ancient man, you can take a stroll along the pristine beach of Walker Bay or sit down for a light picnic and sundowners.
Grootbos | Guided Adventures near Cape Town
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Adventures
Allow Grootbos Private Nature Reserve to introduce you to a bio-diverse landscape nestled in the Western Cape. This five-star lodge beckons an adventure holiday with thrilling activities set in the pristine wilderness of the Southern tip of Africa. There are countless guided adventures to choose from to get your blood rushing:
Guests can go on a 4x4 flower safari to take in the splendour of this unique ecosystem in the midst of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Traverse across the 2500 hectare reserve on an open-top Land Rover to grasp the sheer scale and diversity of the 765 different flower species on Grootbos. There are also hiking trails leading across the reserve or through the intertwining branches of an ancient Milkwood forest.
A quad bike tour goes through indigenous forests, fynbos-clad hills and muddy ditches that require a bit of throttle. As you make your way through Uilenkraal Valley stop at a viewpoint for a breath-taking sight before you ascend the steep Mount Dyer.
Take to the skies and reach new heights and perspectives as you fly over untouched beaches, a gorgeous landscape and families of Southern right whales. Walker Bay is home to the whales from July to December and apart from viewing them from above, it offers some of the best land-based whale watching there is. To view the gentle giants in the natural habitat there are boat tours leaving daily during whale season.
Explore limestone caves that bear fascinating secrets of ancient man and days long forgotten. After the guided cave tour guests can meander along the untouched beach of Walker Bay Reserve or horse ride across the long stretch of virgin white sand. Feel the wind whip through your hair as these majestic creatures run free across a secluded beach.
The most adrenalin-pumping experience to be had at Grootbos is shark cage diving. You will be taken to the infamous Shark Alley where you will be dipped into an aluminium cage and see great white sharks glide past within inches. This unique encounter is the heart-pumping thrill of a lifetime!
From exploring indigenous wildflowers to swimming with the King of the Ocean, Grootbos has everything necessary for the ultimate adventure holiday in South Africa.
Grootbos | Beach Holiday in South Africa
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Beach Holiday at Grootbos
A beach holiday is defined by laughter, joy and the freedom to run beneath the glow of the sun. It is a place where families and loved ones create lasting memories in a space of tranquillity and happiness. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is situated close to secluded beaches that are untouched and have retained their raw natural beauty. For a beach holiday that will soothe your soul and make you feel rejuvenated, come to Grootbos.
Grootbos is situated just inland from Walker Bay Nature Reserve, which is a bio-diverse landscape of fynbos valleys and rolling sand dunes that meet the Atlantic Ocean in a spectacular setting. The area is protected because of the unique plant diversity and because the Southern right whales mate and calve here every year for six months. It offers some of the best land-based whale watching in the world as the Southern rights come incredibly close to the shore and are playful at this time of year. These qualities are what make this one of the best beach holiday destinations in the Western Cape.
Die Plaat is the seventeen kilometre stretch of beach in Walker Bay Nature Reserve. It is lined with limestone rocks that are raised in defiance against the relentless ocean that meet in a tumultuous spray of salt water. Many of the limestone rocks have a labyrinth of caves that whisper of Stone Age Man and the days of hunter-gatherers. On a Cave Tour with Grootbos you can explore this archaeological site and discover the long-forgotten secrets.
This is a perfect beach family holiday as the seclusion allows kids to run until their heart's content and discover the crustaceans, anemones and shells buried in the white sand. After exploring the caves with a guide guests can sit down to a freshly-packed picnic on the beach that Grootbos will prepare.
This beach holiday is about reconnecting with your loved ones where there is no stress or interruptions. Amongst this raw, untamed beauty time can stand still and the rest of the world fade into a distant memory as you cherish the moment.
KwaZulu-Natal Tourist Attractions: 15 Top Places to Visit
Planning to visit KwaZulu-Natal? Check out our KwaZulu-Natal Travel Guide video and see top most Tourist Attractions in KwaZulu-Natal.
Top Places to visit in KwaZulu-Natal:
UShaka Marine World, Durban Botanic Gardens, Valley of a Thousand Hills, Drakensberg Mountains, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Moses Mabhida Stadium, Umhlanga Main Beach, African Bird of Prey Sanctuary, Thompson's Bay Beach, Tala Private Game Reserve, Butterflies for Africa, Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve, Umgeni River Bird Park, Phezulu Safari Park, Hare Krishna Temple of Understanding
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Grootbos | Horse Riding near Cape Town
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Horse Riding
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve offers an unforgettable horse riding holiday in South Africa with trails through a lush fynbos valley and along the beach.
There are two main horseback rides Grootbos has to offer. The one option is to grasp the sheer scale of the 2500 hectare reserve on horseback and ride through the labyrinth of fynbos-clad paths on the reserve. Traverse across valleys bursting with a rich floral diversity and ascend mountains for a spectacular view across this natural jewel nestled in the Cape Floral Kingdom of the Western Cape. This ride is suitable for any level of experience as the wide open spaces mean you can vary between relaxed walks, trots and canters. There are rides every day and it is included in the accommodation few, so feel free to ride until your heart's content with Grootbos.
The other horse riding trail leads through the Walker Bay Nature Reserve and over pristine sand dunes to a long stretch of untouched beach. Let your horse reign free as you reach incredible speeds on a gallop across Die Plaat. This secluded beach is adorned with limestone rocks jutting from the ground and the Atlantic Ocean where the undulating waves caress the beating hooves of your horse. Nothing spells freedom like the wind whipping through your hair and uninterrupted beach to soar across on a powerful creature. This horseback ride is designed for experienced riders and is not included in the price of the accommodation, but it is worth every penny. The beach horse ride is one of those experiences in life that make it worth living.
The stables on Grootbos are beautifully maintained by people passionate about horses. The eighteen horses are well-groomed and trained so that people of all levels can enjoy an outride. There are also ponies for the young adventurers that can go on a relaxed outride or walk within the boundaries of the paddock. The children can also help feed and groom the horses as they are very calm.
Grootbos is the undiscovered horse riding gem of South Africa with magical experiences just waiting to happen.
South Africa and Maldives in 4K - Trip of a Lifetime!
Video and drone footage from our wedding and honeymoon trip to South Africa and Maldives. Three part video covering our time in the Sabi Sands area near Kruger, the Cape region and the Maldives.
Lodging Locations:
- Lion Sands Game Reserve in Sabie Sands
- Tintswalo Atlantic in Cape Town
- Grootbos Private Nature Reserve in Gansbaai
- Niyama Private Island in the Maldives
Filmed using the DJI Osmo+, DJI Mavic Pro and GoPro Hero 5. Filmed in April, 2018.
Grootbos | Pristine Beaches near Cape Town
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Pristine Beaches near Cape Town
From Franskraal to the rocky cliffs of De Kelders and pristine beach of Walker Bay, the beaches and coastline close to Grootbos are absolutely breath-taking. Panoramic views that stretch across the horizon and virgin white sand that is caressed by the Atlantic Ocean make for a mesmerising view. There are limestone caves that beckon explorers with whispers of ancient times and waters teeming with a marine wildlife. This is a unique beach holiday in South Africa that bears unsurpassing beauty and intrigue.
Die Plaat is seventeen kilometres of sand, sea and ancient caves in Walker Bay Nature Reserve. It is a whale watching mecca that becomes a hive of activity with dozens of Southern right whales from July to December.
Cape Agulhas is nearby and this geographically significant spot is the tumultuous meeting place of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean. This great collide has stirred up a unique marine ecosystem that hosts a diverse wildlife from fierce predators to gentle giants.
The rough seas have claimed the lives of countless sailors trying to complete a voyage that met a perilous ending due to the ominous rocky outcrops. The most famous of all the sunken ships is the Birkenhead. This ship was en-route to the Eastern Cape with reinforcements until they hit a rock and sunk in a matter of minutes. The reason it became so famous is because it was the birth of the 'women and children first' protocol after the soldiers stood in line and sacrificed themselves. The Danger Point lighthouse was erected to guide future sailors and stand as a monument to the mystery lying at the depths of the ocean.
Discover the forgotten tales and untamed beauty of this pristine coastline with Grootbos, a five-star eco-lodge in the Western Cape. It is the ultimate beach holiday that can include meanders along the coast, beach picnics, horse rides, the dream beach wedding and more...they are moments that you can cherish forever.
Grootbos | Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai
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Shark Cage Diving
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience by coming face to face with a great white shark. Grootbos has partnered with Marine Dynamics to provide this enthralling adventure with the conscience that the commercial funds go towards research and conservation for these incredible creatures.
The experience is utterly mesmerising and is like no other as the great whites swim within inches of your body. The shark handlers skilfully lure the sharks within close proximities and you may even feel the aluminium cage vibrate as a fin or tail bashes against it in its attempt to get hold of the seal decoy. Everything you know about great white sharks will disappear as you witness a beastly elegance and agility one could not have expected from such a large animal. You will come to discover that they are actually beautiful creatures with an intense curiosity.
The film 'Jaws' by Steven Spielberg created this image of great white sharks as man-eaters and it invoked fear into hearts across the globe. Since the 1975 film there has been incredible controversy following this archaic species. These myths will be dispelled by a dedicated marine biologist that accompanies every boat trip with Marine Dynamics. These qualified individuals will show you how to identify the different sharks and the incredible characteristics that scientists are only discovering now. The trip takes you to the infamous Shark Alley and Dyer Island where the sharks can generally be found. A trip with Grootbos and Marine Dynamics will prove to be exhilarating, invigorating and professional.
This adventure does not require any diving experience as the cage floats next to the boat and guests simply don their dry and clean wetsuit with a mask and take a deep breath. You never have to be more than a metre underwater and can surface whenever you please. The boat, Slashfin, is the only one of its kind as it is made of aluminium to ensure superior safety, stability, speed and space. The upper deck of Slashfin allows great viewing for when you are not in the cage and makes the experience enjoyable for children. The experience will be captured by a videographer on the boat so you can enjoy watching the giddy shrills and hold onto an incredible memory.
This is the adrenalin-pumping adventure of the year!
Grootbos Private Game Reserve
Grootbos, meaning ‘Big Forest’, only two hours from Cape Town, nestled between mountain and sea, on the way to the Garden Route, is a 5 star eco-paradise showcasing the incredible flora and marine life of the region. Home of the ‘Marine Big Five’ - whales, sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins; and with unparalleled floral diversity, Grootbos offers you a one-of-a-kind African experience. From a range of luxury suites to a private villa with your own private guide, chef and butler, the lodge offers panoramic views, gourmet food and fine wines. The guided activities include whale watching, horse riding, walks, 4X4 flower safaris, bird watching, quad bikes and more