Business Type:	Accommodation and Nature Reserve
Telephone:	+27 28 384 8000
Fax:	+27 28 384 8020
Postal Address:	P O Box 148, Gansbaai Western Cape 7220
E-mail:	info@grootbos.co.za
Website	www.grootbos.com

Grootbos Nature Reserve conserves 1700 hectares of pristine fynbos, the Cape’s unique floral kingdom. Within its borders lies a wealth of more than 650 species of indigenous plants. Activities abound, from viewing tidal pools and coastal caves, to horse riding, Cape wild herb spotting, whale, shark and Cape Fur seal viewing.  Secluded suites set amidst the world’s largest Milkwood forests and abundant birdlife complete the sublime experience.

Grootbos has two lodges: the Classic Garden Lodge set in a lush indigenous surrounding and is an ideal family getaway. The new forest Lodge with its contemporary and modern style appeals to the cosmopolitan traveller.

Grootbos is also home to a unique skills development project known as Green Futures, an annual training project for unemployed youth from nearby communities. The programme equips learners with knowledge and practical skills around conservation, fynbos landscaping, horticulture and eco-tourism.  Linked to the college is an indigenous plant nursery and fynbos landscaping business that generates income for the Foundation. In this way, each year students are growing plants and working in landscaping projects that will help to pay for the next year’s students’ tuition.

Grootbos has demonstrated that fairness, ethical business practice and environmental respect form the basis for sustainable tourism. This is evident in the many programmes it has developed that champion local socio-economic development, notably the Green Futures College providing training for unemployed youth in the fields of fynbos landscaping, horticulture and ecotourism. The project is designed to develop nature-based sustainable-livelihoods for people from communities around Grootbos.