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PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
4C Management by Objectives

Grootbos is a 1740 hectare paradise of beautifully conserved Cape flora and fauna which is situated approximately 160km along the Garden Route from Cape Town, near the town of Gansbaai. This area of the Cape is widely regarded as the best whale watching area in the world, and it is in the adjacent Walker Bay, that up to 170 mammoth Southern Right whales annually spend 4-6 months calving.

But this is only a small part of the allure of Grootbos. Wandering from one of the two stunning lodges to your secluded luxury suite, you pass through what is probably the largest remaining Milkwood forest in the world. The 27 suites are nestled amongst these 1000 year old trees, and each of the one or two-bedroomed cottages exudes luxury and style; cosy, personal lounges with private fireplaces and stunning bathrooms with heated towel rails and double showers and baths. Every cottage also has a private deck, prefect for watching the sunset over Walker Bay with a distant Cape Point shimmering in the background.

Waking from your 100% down duvet and cotton sheets, morning will bring with it the songs of the forest birds around you, and the promise of adventure - whether it be cage diving with the super predator of the sea, the Great White Shark, or seeing a 50 ton Southern Right Whale mere metres from your boat.

Grootbos is a nature-lovers haven, and each guest is assigned a personal nature guide on arrival. These exceptionally knowledgeable young locals will guide you on walks through the Milkwood forests or over the Fynbos clad hills of the reserve, rattling off the names of almost any flower or bird that you come across. In the last 10 years, Grootbos resident and shareholder Heiner Lutzeyer, and avid amateur botanist, and Sean Privett, Grootbos’ resident Msc. botanist, have been recording the vegetation found on the reserve, and to date have found an amazing 746 species of indigenous flora, 102 of which are Red Data Species and 4 of which are species that were previously unknown to science! Coupled with the flora, you can also see 120 species of bird and various buck and other small mammals. This spectacle of nature can be enjoyed walking, on horseback or from the comfort of and open roof 4x4.

Younger guests are treated royally at Grootbos, and children are accompanied by guides on amazing adventures like forest treasure hunts, orienteering challenges and horseback safaris. The large free range chicken hutch and stables also often prove to be a hit with the youngsters.

In both African style lodges, there are decadent bar areas, with breathtaking mountain and sea views. Tasting fine South African wines whilst watching the sun loom orange over the sea will surely wet your appetite for the sumptuous 7 course dinner that is served in the restaurant which boasts the same stunning views. Only the finest ingredients are used by the team of executive chefs including the freshest local seafood and organic vegetables grown in the Grootbos veggie garden.

Another interesting side to Grootbos is its commitment to conservation and social upliftment of the people of the area. This commitment has been formalised through the initiation of the non-profit Grootbos Foundation. This organisation runs several projects on Grootbos and in the local communities, including the Green Futures College, which provides annual training for 12 underprivilaged young men and women in horticulture, landscaping, conservation and life skills such as computer literacy and a drivers licence.