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Grootbos Nature Reserve travel info Grootbos is Afrikaans for Big Forest, and had originally been named Grootbos in the early 1800's after the large Milkwood forest that grew within its boundaries. The Grootbos forest measures 23 hectares in total making it one of the largest forests of its type in the world. It is dominated by the white milkwood (Sideroxylon inerme), some of which are many hundreds of years old.
Grootbos is situated in the heart of the Cape's Unique Floral Kingdom - botanically one of the worlds richest regions of plant life. More than 620 species of plants, 100 birds, 20 mammals and 18 reptiles have been recorded on the reserve. Coastal Ecosystems can also be explored - Walker Bay Nature Reserve has a spectacular 20 kilometres of coastline. It is home to a variety of coastal birds including South Africa's specialised endemic seabird, the African Black Oystercatcher. Here you can experience long stretches of white sands, spectacular rocky cliff formations and the power of the mighty Atlantic Ocean. The unspoilt coastline has secluded beaches, offering incredible land-based viewing of the Southern Right whales, which mate and calve in the area. Dyer Island, a nearby offshore island, is haven for a diversity of marine life, home to between 40 000 and 60 000 Cape Fur Seals, a breeding colony of the rare African Penguin and thousands of sea birds. Other activities include strolls through the largest private fynbos garden in South Africa, with its many ponds, medicinal herb garden and own fynbos nursery, as well as stargazing.
Seasons
Grootbos Lodge is closed in May. It is open throughout the rest of the year. Summer months (Nov-Mar) can be hot, with temperatures reaching 30+ degrees Celsius. Winter months (Jun-Aug) are much cooler, although days are pleasant. Whale-viewing is best between July and October.
Wildlife
You should see: Southern Right whales (seasonal), Cape Fur seals, penguins, sharks
You may see: Great White shark, dolphin, Black oystercatcher back to Grootbos Nature Reserve top
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