• 10h00 ARRIVAL AT GROOTBOS LODGE

• 10h00 - 10h30 WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
  Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while your guide outlines the activities of the day.

• 10h30 - 13h00 THE GROOTBOS NATURE TRAIL
  Your expert nature guide will lead you on a journey of discovery
  into the complex and fascinating world of fynbos ecosystems.

• 13h00 - 14h00 LUNCH
  A time to relax and enjoy a gourmet meal, the
  spectacular view and our 5 star hospitality.

• 14h00 - 15h45 COASTAL EXCURSION
  Enjoy a tailor made afternoon of whale watching in season
  (June - December), a visit to the Klipgat cave, or a stroll
  along endless white beaches.

• 15h45 TEA AND CAKE
  Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with a slice of delicious cake
  before departure.

Guests can choose to do the walking trails either unaccompanied or accompanied by a personal guide.  Maps are supplied for the clearly marked reserve trails, which vary from one hour to four hours round trip.

The Protea mountain trail takes walkers up onto the slopes of the Swartkransberg (Black cliff mountains), through the richly floral “fynbos” (fine bush), a uniquely diverse vegetation of daisies, bulbs, heaths, reeds and proteas.  The trail is aptly named as walkers will encounter no fewer than 14 species of proteas within a distance of a few miles.

The Milkwood (Sideroxylon inerme) forest of Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is one of the largest Milkwood forests remaining in South Africa, and is a botanical treasure and bird-watcher's delight.   

The forest trails meander under the milkwood and white stinkwood (Celtis africana) canopy, crossing well-worn porcupine runs and weaving around 800-year old trees. 

In the branches of the canopy, the shy cape batis, the rameron pigeons and the paradise flycatchers of the Grootbos forest are to be seen.

On the summit (500 m) you will be treated to stunning views of the blue Atlantic Ocean, across Walker Bay to Hermanus and, on a clear day, you can see all the way to Cape Point. 

The trail takes approximately two to three hours to complete. For the less energetic, there is a shorter circular walk of approximately one hour in the hills above the lodge.