Sample Faces of the Cape (12 nights)

Surrender Your Senses
Our award-winning family-run hotel is nestled between the majestic mountains and the azure Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by a tranquil National Park, yet close to Cape Town’s best beaches. Guests feel indulged and cared for with splendid luxury, passionate service, generous hospitality and exquisite cuisine. We offer the ideal escape where harmony and tranquillity gently restore body, mind and soul. We are dedicated to restoring beauty and balance through individual treatments and spa journeys, personalised for each of our guests by exceptionally skilled therapists. Our commitment to wellbeing focuses on holistic principles, combining ancient wisdom and modern expertise.

Hydrotherapy Pools:
WARM, COOL & FLOTATION
Incorporating water jets at the optimal temperature for rebalancing your body’s metabolism, use of our warm and cold plunge pools is available to all spa guests inclusive of your treatment. In addition you may also like to try a complimentary session in our unique Salt Water Flotation Pool. Offering a liquid, reduced gravity experience, floating in the salty water eases jetlag and results in maximum relaxation - research has shown that just 20 minutes is equivalent to a full two hours of sleep.

Indoor Treatment Rooms:
7 DUAL AND SINGLE TREATMENT ROOMS
Our extensive spa facilities include seven superbly equipped indoor treatment rooms with rain showers, for dual and single treatments. The rooms have been designed to offer a serene, calming ambiance, with heated treatment beds, fluffy towels, scented candles and relaxing music. They are the perfect retreat for both hotel guests and day spa visitors wishing to enjoy a selection of personalised individual treatments or exclusive Spa Journeys.

Outdoor Mountain Gazebos:
2 GAZEBOS WITH ATLANTIC SEA VIEWS
While the interior of The Spa is exceptional, The Twelve Apostles’ unique position on the mountains overlooking the Atlantic Ocean means that a sunset massage in one of two outdoor gazebos is an absolutely unforgettable experience. It is the perfect place for couples to escape and have a side-by-side massage surrounded by nature, with the Atlantic stretching into the horizon in front of you for as far as the eye can see. Please note that the gazebos cater for massage treatments only.

Rasul Chamber and Rain Shower:
TRADITIONAL ARABIC CLEANSING RITUAL CHAMBER
Our Rasul Chamber offers a traditional Arabic cleansing ritual through the use of gentle steam and mud. This relaxing skin-smoothing self-treatment blends mineral-rich mud, steam and heat to provide an experience that cleanses, releases toxins and rejuvenates. The self-applied mud hardens in dry heat, allowing the skin to draw out impurities from the body. As the mud softens again, its beneficial ingredients and natural minerals are further absorbed by the body. A gentle rain shower signals the end of the programme, leaving you with glowing skin. The ritual is recommended for enjoyment with a partner.

Health Bar Buffet & Menu:
Homemade healthy snacks
Spa guests may take advantage of our complimentary Health Bar buffet during their time at The Spa, with a selection of healthy homemade snacks, fresh fruit juices and still mineral water. For something more substantial we also offer an exclusive Spa Menu at an additional cost, featuring delicious, wholesome meals conducive to a healthy lifestyle.

Tranquility Lounge:
RELAX BETWEEN & AFTER TREATMENTS
To make the most of your time at The Spa, recline and relax on a comfortable lounge chair in our Tranquility Lounge, in-between and after spa treatments. Sip herbal tea, browse a selection of magazines, read a book or simply close your eyes and meditate. It’s the perfect way to complete your spa journey.

Venture into the mountains for the perfect picnic
Hotel guests are able to stroll straight from their rooms onto the mountainside to take in some fresh air and spectacular sea and mountain views. The Table Mountain National Park, a World Heritage Site, offers uninterrupted views and the hotel has created several packages for unforgettable outdoor experiences.

Have a delicious picnic on a specially laid out picnic site, toast romance while the sun sets into the Atlantic Ocean or simply let the kids run wild in the open space. And while you feast your tastebuds on the food and your eyes on the stunning natural environment, know that you’re giving back to society, as all picnic baskets have been purchased from the Cape Town Society for the Blind.

Hotel guests are free to explore the various mountain trails – from 10 minutes to 45 minutes in duration - ask for a copy of the map below, from our Concierge desk. Or enquire about our complimentary Sports Buddies programme which allows for a staff member to join you as you hike through the Fynbos.

Classic favourites in our private cinema
The Twelve Apostles operates an intimate, 16-seater cinema/screening room available to both guests and non-guests, and also available for exclusive private hire. Each month a new schedule of movies is set, running five times a day and may be accompanied with breakfast (10h00), lunch (15h00) and dinner (17h30/20h30/22h30).

Our unique Dinner and a Movie package allows motion picture lovers to enjoy an evening of wining and dining in the award-winning Azure Restaurant with a specially-created movie menu, followed by a screening of a film in the private cinema. For those who would like to choose their own movie, we have a varied selection of classics, comedy, adventure, drama and foreign films. Sink into plush leather seats with state-of-the-art flat screen Dolby surround sound, and a lavish assortment of goodies, including popcorn, hot chocolate, milkshakes and candy.

Please note that selecting your own movie is subject to existing reservations and requests from other guests sharing the screening room. Note that screenings are not exclusive unless a group booking is made for the entire cinema.

The diversity of world-class wine routes right on Cape Town’s doorstep is staggering. Offering an irresistible combination of delectable wine tastings, informative winemaking tours, mouth-watering cuisine and magnificent scenery, they attract international and local travellers alike.

Most Cape wine farms are characterised by classic Cape Dutch-style buildings and expansive vineyards, with picturesque mountains as a breathtaking backdrop. Following the arrival of the French Huguenot, Dutch and German settlers during the 18th Century, many of them also show a distinctive European influence.

Our concierge and sommelier have selected some of their favourite wine farms in each region for you to explore!

Silvermist Organic Vineyards - 15 min (12.4 km) without traffic
Beau Constantia - 17 min (12.9 km) without traffic
Constantia Glen - 15 min (12.9 km) without traffic
Eagles' Nest Wines - 16 min (14.1 km) without traffic
Groot Contantia - 19 min (16 km) without traffic
Constantia Uitsig - 24 min (19.4 km) without traffic
Buitenverwachting - 25 min (19.1 km) without traffic
Klein Constantia - 26 min (19.3 km)without traffic
Steenberg Vineyards- 29 min (23.1 km) without traffic

Kids will feel right at home at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, thanks to a range of in-house amenities and activities aimed specifically at little ones. Our concierge has recommendations for explorers of all ages, from mountain climbs, museum visits and park fun, to excursions to various destinations that include butterflies, cheetahs, birds, crocodiles…and not to forget, penguins! Children are sure to have the time of their life while staying in Cape Town.

Pools & Gardens:
Set in nature’s paradise, between the Atlantic Ocean and The Twelve Apostles Mountain Range, the hotel is surrounded by breathtaking views of the Table Mountain National Park and a protected marine park, where kids can spot whales and dolphins playing in the azure waters.

Children can have fun splashing in our infinity or mountain pools, with pool toys provided during the summer holidays. Both pools have a special menu which is serviced by The Café Grill and includes delectable dishes for little ones; in addition, they can help themselves to water and fruit from our refreshment stations.

As another example of our passionate service and thoughtful attention to detail, we have introduced a new complimentary Sports Buddy programme, where staff at the hotel has their gym kit and shoes on standby, ready to train with guests who might be looking for a partner to play a round of golf, game of squash, attend a yoga class or take a hike in the pristine nature reserve behind the hotel.

Complimentary Activities
Biking - Take a scenic cycle from the hotel to Chapmans Peak along one of the world’s most beautiful stretches of road. Admire endless views of the Atlantic Ocean and pass through the fishing village of Hout Bay.

Hiking - The Hotel offers hiking on the property in the Twelve Apostles mountain range. For more experienced hikers, a staff member can accompany you on mountain trails further afoot in the World Heritage Site.

Jogging - You have the choice of running to Camps Bay or Hout Bay, both along Victoria Road, with world-class views to inspire you. A staff member will keep pace with you and point out the sights such as Sentinel Peak and Hout Bay Harbour.

Yoga - Yoga mats are available at the hotel. There are superb locations in and around the hotel where you can become one with nature while practicing the ancient discipline, and energising your body and mind.

Chargeable Activities
Squash - A staff member will challenge you to a game of squash at the squash club. Pre booking is requested at least 7 days in advance.

Golf - The Hotel is centrally located to world class golf courses including the Metropolitan Golf Club, located next to the V&A Waterfront. Pre booking is requested at least 7 days in advance.

Terms and Conditions
The “Sports Buddy” service is offered on a complimentary basis excluding squash and golf. Third Party costs for equipment hire is chargeable at cost.

Bookings should please be made at least 7 days in advance, especially for sports that require booking a court or green.

In Cape Town and surrounding areas

The Western Cape is one of the world’s most spectacular and diverse golfing destinations. Many of these lush, beautifully maintained Golf Courses are in close proximity (20 – 40 minutes) from the hotel. These Golf Courses have captivated the global golfing community and boast both local and international awards for exceedingly high standards, quality, design and professionalism. The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is the perfect base for your seaside relaxation combined with your golfing needs.

The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa offers an impressive collection of air-conditioned function spaces and meeting rooms, set in an inspiring location offering both ocean and mountain views.

Larger function rooms can accommodate up to 90 guests, and feature state-of-the-art audio-visual systems. Additional specialised presentation or entertainment equipment can be sourced from our technology partners on request.

Each event booking is meticulously managed by a dedicated member of our multi-skilled team of function organisers, who are on hand from the point of enquiry until the conclusion of the event. Working together with our team of talented chefs, look forward to an unforgettable menu of delicious dining options to transform your event into a truly memorable occasion.

The latest addition to the menu of culinary experiences on offer at The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa is The Apostles Braai. Set amid lush indigenous gardens at the rear of the hotel, this beautiful light-filled events venue offers sea and sunset views, as well as vistas up to the rugged peaks in the Table Mountain National Park for which our hotel is named.

It’s a striking space of mirrored walls and picture windows letting natural light and panoramic views wash in. A handcrafted Murano glass chandelier hangs above and handblown Biot glassware from Provence graces the tables.

The Apostles Grill can host up to 32 guests, and caters for private functions, themed events and unique culinary occasions, from a wine pairing dinner with our sister-vineyard Bouchard Finlayson to an intimate wedding or family gathering at the foot of Table Mountain.

Inspired by South Africa’s love affair with barbecue-style cooking – a braai, as the locals call it – the menu at The Apostles Grill evolves with each unique event, but is built on a foundation of flame-grilled fare cooked al fresco on the terrace, celebrating seasonal produce and the Cape’s bountiful seafood.

The Cederberg Mountains rise majestically above the vineyards and citrus groves of the Oliphants River valley. Most of the mountain range is part of the Cederberg Wilderness Reserve and remains one of the most pristine areas of South Africa. Ancient mountain trails, originally cast by woodcutters, take you past curious rock formations and pristine fynbos, such as the rare Snow Protea and Clanwilliam pincushion.

Apart from the occasional “boulderer”, (free-style rock climbers), it is rare to see other walkers in the northern Cederberg. You can join one of our guided walks, or you can walk independently. It is up to you!

Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Wish you could get to see more Stars and stare at them for hours? The Cederberg is star-gazing heaven. Our night skies are beautiful with little or no cloud cover year round. And very little light pollution. And yet we are a mere 2½ hours from Cape Town. (Yes Sutherland may have a slight edge. But we are much less of a drive!)

Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Cederberg is the only place in the world where the remarkably healthy Rooibos tea is grown. Rooibos (‘red bush’) is a major industry in the Cederberg. This region happens to be the only place in the world where rooibos, (actually not a tea, but a broom-like shrub) can be successfully grown. So this indigenous, healthy caffeine & tannin-free herbal tea is exported throughout the world to Europe, Japan and the USA.

We offer a fascinating Rooibos excursion to one of the local Rooibos farms. This happens approximately twice a week on a Tuesday and a Saturday. Here you can see how they grow and then process the earthy-tasting tea. Afterward you enjoy a tea-tasting.

Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Enjoy guided walking trails both right from the lodge or in the adjacent Cederberg Wilderness

Reserve. Trails range from an easy 45 minutes to a 3-4 hour hike. Why not try our very own

Spitzkop peak with its iconic views?

Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

The Sevilla rock art trail is a collection of nine rock art sites about 30 minutes’ drive from Cederberg Ridge. The 5km walking trail consists of 9 different rock art sites and will take about 3 hours to complete, depending on how long you stay at each site, so it’s a 4+ hour trip in total.

Our guides introduce you not only to the life and culture of the San but also to the natural beauty of their homeland. Our guides are passionate and very knowledgeable about the history and culture of the San people.

Note that in summer we head out very early at 6.30am in the relative cool of the day, armed with some snacks to ward off hunger. Then we come back for a late breakfast/brunch.

Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Cederberg Ridge offers a semi-full day excursion into the High Cederberg (Stadsaal and Cederberg Cellars) every three days, which is highly recommended.

Enjoy the sights of the High Cederberg on a guided excursion to Stadsaal caves, rock at and wine-tasting at Cederberg Cellars.

Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Cederberg Ridge offers a semi-full day excursion into the West Coast for a delicious seafood lunch on the beach at Muisbosskerm. Generally we offer this excursion in the summer months when it’s enjoyable to escape the heat and head to the cooling sea breezes.

En-route we unique Bird Island with its vast array of gannets and cormorants.

Please note: Our guided excursions follow a set program so we cannot guarantee any particular excursion during your stay. This excursion is typically on a Sunday.

Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Most people prefer to enjoy a mountain bike ride independently. (Though you can ask for a guide if you prefer.) Our mountain bike trails also range from an easy track (less than an hour) to something more challenging for the more experienced.

The easier trails on the farm can be done independently. As with walking, we provide maps and signs to guide you.

Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

The Clanwilliam dam provides a stunning setting for our sunset boat cruises. These come into their own in the hot summer months from November to February. With the mountain as your backdrop, soak up the fiery sky at dusk on our 1½ hour sundowner cruise. We offer this typically every other evening in the summer months.

We generally offer this tour from generally October to March when the water is nice for swimming off the back of the boat. But timing may be less frequent.

Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

To pay homage to our unparalleled cultural heritage, we bring you traditional African massages. Indulge in a selection of Africa’s authentic and traditional massage techniques with our highly skilled therapists.

We offer a selection of treatments in our spa and adjoining relaxation room, which will relax and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit. A massage is especially recommended after an adventurous hike in our mountains. But you really don’t need an excuse to treat yourself!

Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Here at Mont Rochelle wine tasting isn’t just a special event – it’s an everyday occurrence. Wine tastings can be organised in a variety of locations, including in Miko Restaurant, at our bar, at the
Country Kitchen and in our wine cellar (as you might expect!).

The 150 year old wine cellar was previously used as a fruit packing shed for the early settlers. Since being converted to a traditional wine cellar Mont Rochelle can now process close to 150 tons of grapes in a season, and these smaller volumes afford more concentration on quality rather than quantity. Stainless steel tanks aid in the making of the crisp clean whites, while barrels are favoured for the red wine making. Wines are available to purchase.

Cellar and Winery Tours - Monday - Friday at 11h00 - complimentary (pre-booking required)

Premium Winery Tours are also available on a Monday / Wednesday / Friday at 11h00 with Mont Rochelle’s very own Wine Maker. This is a true winery experience lasting approximately 20 minutes where you’ll be taken around Mont Rochelle’s winery and cellar, ending with a Wine tasting (pre-booking required)

Take a dip and relax in the main outdoor heated swimming pool at Mont Rochelle - there are some fantastic views of the Franschhoek Mountains. Bar service is available around the pool and fresh pool towels are available.

What could be more relaxing than a spa treatment during your stay? Mont Rochelle has two dedicated spa treatment rooms as well as a Hammam. We use the eco-friendly Africology ‘Authentic’ range of products which are made from 100% essential oils and natural plant extracts. Resident guests are welcome to make use of the Hammam at their leisure as long as it’s not in use for a scheduled treatment.

There are some wonderful routes that make it easy to explore the surrounding area on bike. We can arrange rentals with a local company, just let us know and we can book these for you.

Enjoy a hike through the hills, valleys and vineyards surrounding the hotel, as well as in local reserves. The Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve on the opposite side of the valley offers superb views of

the wine valley and on a clear day you can even see Table Mountain and the ocean! The walks vary in length from 3 to 8 hours and are of moderate intensity. One will need to acquire a 1 day permit that

costs R30 per person and a map that costs R15. Guests are welcome to take walks through the farm and the only request is that you stay on the walkways, thus preserving the fragile vines that produce our splendid wines.

A great way to discover the Franschhoek Valley is by the famous wine tram! This is a hop-on, hop-off service offering picturesque vineyards, beautiful scenery, fine wines, and world class cuisine as you travel. Here guests will have the chance to visit some of South Africa’s oldest and most distinguished wine estates travelling on an open air tram. Mont Rochelle is a stop on one of the Wine Tram Routes, so guests can book the other route to sample more of the area’s vineyards.

There’s something special about seeing a place on horseback. Take a slow trot as you appreciate the views or ride down the sweeping sand dunes, the fresh air filling your lungs and exhilaration pumping through your veins.

Horse riding at Grootbos is suitable for anyone, whether you’re a complete novice or a more experienced rider. Go for a relaxed ride through the fynbos or ride one of our special horses that are specifically trained for the beach. Our 22 horses at the Grootbos stables are well exercised and expertly trained, while all of our guides have years of experience in dealing with these noble animals.

The Southern Right whales visit Walker Bay each year and being witness to them in action whilst they breach and blow is a very special experience to observe.These peaceful giants of the deep come to Walker Bay to mate and calf in the sanctuary of the Bay.. The Walker Bay rocky outcrops offer close viewing points from elevated positions.The Grootbos guides know all the best spots and this guided experience is an experience of a lifetime.

Grootbos Nature Reserve has an exclusive boat trip, through Dyer Island Cruises, leaving every morning from Kleinbaai harbour. Besides seeing the amazing whales, this trip offers a complete experience of the Marine Big5, which includes the whales, dolphins, African Penguins, Cape Fur Seals and surface viewing of the Great White Shark. The boat comfortably accommodates 20 guests, has a toilet, upper decks, shelter from the sun as well as snacks and drinks provided onboard. The boat also has specialized guides, who can provide all the facts about the whales as well as other interesting information about the magnificent marine life. As these gentle giants are very curious, they often swim right up to the boat to get a better view of the boat and the guests. This trip takes about 2 hours and is a marine experience not to be missed!

Boat-based whale watching is not part of the standard Grootbos activities included in your rate.

One of the most exciting experiences at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is the Great White Shark cage diving. Gansbaai has the reputation for being the shark capital of the world. Divers and adventurers travel from all over the world to watch this magnificent creature in the waters around Dyer Island. Every day a number of boats leave Kleinbaai harbour to spend a few hours on the water to view the Great White Sharks from the boat or to go diving in a cage with these elegant and large predators. This is a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed!

Cage Diving (No diving experience required!)
This is truly one of the most adventurous activities on our planet, coming face to face with the Great White Shark. No diving experience is required, and all equipment is provided on board. When the sharks are around the boat, the divers get into the cage and the shark is lured to within meters from the cage. As the shark approaches, divers duck under water and marvel in amazement as this awe inspiring creature swims past the cage.

Surface Viewing
Grootbos guests have the choice to either enter the cage on the shark boat or view these magnificent creatures from the top deck of the boat. Surface Viewing is normally suitable for people wanting to see the shark from out of water and not necessarily come face to face with it inside the water. However, it is often commented that one gets a better view of the sharks from the top deck.

Shark Cage Diving is not part of the standard Grootbos activities included in your rate.

Keep still, listen intently and you’ll be amazed at the things you learn on a botanical safari. With the richest temperate flora in the world and six completely new species never discovered by science before, your time at Grootbos will mean that you’ll never look at plants and flowers in quite the same way again.

The 800 recorded plant species in our 2500 hectares of pristine wilderness will bring the fascinating story of fynbos and forest to life as you touch, smell and see the natural miracles that surround you. Learn how a sunbird’s beak fits perfectly into a flower, why the honey our bees produce is completely unique and how important ravaging fires are for bringing forth new life.

As a guest at Grootbos, there are so many different ways to enjoy the beach. You can take a long, relaxing walk on a solitary shore; laze in the sun on the luxurious white sand; or explore the unique coastal ecosystem while looking out for frolicking whales.

Our guides know exactly where to take you for the best swimming, tanning, walking, whale watching, angling and several other oceanic experiences on offer. We’ll transport you to and from the beach and provide you with a picnic lunch and all the beach accessories you need to enjoy your day in the sun.

Grootbos also offers guided beach tours where you can learn about the unique intertidal ecosystem; the abundant marine life; the coastal vegetation; and the geological forces that gave this coast its dramatic form.

A Bird's eyeview of Birding at Grootbos
Birding is akin to stargazing. On cloudless days, you see a myriad of these jewels flickering and floating in the sky, and once you know where and what to look for, you are transfixed by the ethereal pattern and order in their endless motion.
The Grootbos reserve and surrounding areas are a magnet to a wide variety of rare and endemic bird species feeding and breeding in the rich and diverse habitats. You know birding is not for the birds when you see how the Malachite Sunbird, with its bright green iridescent plumage, compete for attention with the flowering aloes and proteas. Grootbos is a birder friendly establishment endorsed by Birdlife SA. Our knowledgeable guides are geared to give bird watchers of all levels a winged overview of these magnificent creatures that enliven our skies and flora with their beauty and procreative activities.
Let's face it, the dazzling tapestry of fynbos wildflowers on Grootbos is not meant to attract tourists - the colourful displays of petals are nature's magic to lure birds and other pollinators to their nectar in exchange for spreading their pollen.

The beaks of the conspicuous endemic Orange-breasted Sunbird and the Southern Double-collared Sunbird are tailor-made for sipping the sweet stuff from the floral tubes of the various Erica species. You cannot miss the male Cape Sugarbird, with its ridiculously long tail (almost 70% of its total length), feeding on the nectar of Protea species. The impressive tail is solely a decorative testimony to manhood - the longer, the better! They whip their tails to attract females and ward off rivals.
In breeding season (September to April) Grootbos guests will encounter a magnitude of feisty and friendly fellows sticking together albeit they are not of the same feather. The diverse habitats - from fynbos, Milkwood and Afromontane forests to riverine scrub and mountain slopes - accommodate at least 120 different bird species, of which 30% are endemic or near endemic to Southern Africa. These include specials such as the Knysna Woodpecker, Cape Clapper-lark and the Southern Tchagra.

Flagship raptors of the area are the majestic Black Harrier, Jackal Buzzard, Forest Buzzard and African Fish-Eagle. The nearby agricultural fields are home to Blue Cranes, the Agulhas Long-billed Lark and the Denham’s Bustard.
Coastal Birding Tours
Grootbos, in partnership with Dyer Island Cruises, also takes guests on a "game viewing" cruise to Dyer Island, where endemics such as the African Black Oystercatcher, Hartlaub’s Gull, Crowned-, Cape- and Bank Cormorant, African Penguin as well as the Cape Gannet flourish. Pelagic species such as the Shy Albatross, Sooty Shearwater and Giant Petrels are also seen from time to time.

The Klipgat Cave outside De Kelders evokes vivid images of pre-historic times when modern man lived haply in symbiotic harmony with nature off the bounty of land and sea when the coastline was still kilometres away. This historical site in the Walker Bay was home to Middle Stone Age peoples some 70 000 to 80 000 years ago when large antelope such as black wildebeest and the extinct “blaauwbok” still abounded in the bay where dolphins, seals and whales now flourish.

Archaeological findings indicate that these primitive folks mainly lived off plants and smaller animals such as dune mole rats, tortoises and hares. They hunted steenbok and eland, while seabirds, shellfish and seals also formed an important part of their diet.

Dubbed Klipgat Cave (stone with a hole) after the remarkable window-like openings in the limestone rock formations that yield spectacular views of the bay and sea, the site is one of the most important cultural assets in the Western Cape. Innumerable stories of the perils and pleasures of yesteryear’s peoples unfold as layer upon layer of deposits reveal fascinating secrets of the tides, temperatures and living conditions of those early times. Later Stone Age pastoralists, believed to be the Khoekhoen/Khoikhoi, already kept sheep, and probably even cattle and dogs, in this area as early as 2 000 years ago.

They chiselled tools such as “needles” and “spatulas” out of bone to create ornaments, shell beads and pendants. Ostrich eggs were fashioned into water flasks, and tortoise shells served as bowls. These artefacts and bone samples are on display in the Cape Town Museum.

Unfortunately, the bulk of tell-tale everyday details of the loves and losses of man’s early ancestors is forever buried in the crags and crevices of this early home. Around 1713, a devastating smallpox epidemic claimed the lives of the entire local human population. The Klipgat Cave is of World Heritage significance and managed by Cape Nature Conservation.

For those who just want to relax we offer an array of spa treatments. It is time to tip-toe into a slower world where the mind can drift away on the vapors of luxurious scents, such as sandalwood, arnica and buchu, while the body melts under the soothing touch of our fully qualified beauty therapist. Pampering takes place in the comfort of your own suite. For the tired body, a therapeutic full body massage is a definite must, leaving you in a state of absolute calmness. For the weary feet, reflexology, including a footbath, will most certainly do the trick. Manicures, pedicures, facials and a host of other treatments are available on request in our Bloom Beauty Salon or in the privacy of the suites at Grootbos.

Spa Treatments are not part of the standard Grootbos activities included in your rate.

Enjoy an entrancing stroll through our Milkwood forest or a more revitalising hike up our fynbos-clad mountains, as you begin to understand what makes Grootbos quite so special. From a sunbird sipping from a flower to an ocean vista that leaves you breathless, surprises await you around every corner.

Trails are all well marked and you can choose between self-guided walks or guided walks, to learn more about these fascinating and secretive eco-systems. Gaze into the petals of a King Protea, breathe in the blackcurrant scent of buchu or simply listen to the exquisite silence that surrounds you.

Hop aboard the Lady Stanford river boat for a iconic and tranquil river cruise that winds its way gently along the picturesque Klein River, toward the Hermanus lagoon. Spend time on the open upper and lower decks of this modern eco-friendly river boat with its quiet, four-stroke boat engines, as you watch a kaleidoscope of natural colour go by.

No expense has been spared when it comes to comfort and luxury on board this vessel that most definitely stands out from the rest. A qualified skipper and experienced interactive guide, who intimately knows the river and all it has to offer, will ensure this journey is a memorable one. The Klein River features more than a hundred bird species which include majestic fish eagles, a flamboyance of pink flamingos and the ever spectacular, blue crane. Keep an eye out for otters, bontebok and horses grazing on the fertile river banks, as you make your way toward the lagoon. Lady Stanford runs daily trips for individual passengers as well as being available exclusively for private functions. The boat can comfortably accommodate 26 passengers.

The River Cruise is not part of the standard Grootbos activities included in your rate.

Take a tour with heart as you discover how the entire Grootbos experience has been designed around benefitting the community and environment around you. Learn and connect as you witness how our various projects are changing lives and conserving this protected wilderness.

What is progressive tourism? It’s a term we coined to explain a new way of living that is at the heart of the entire Grootbos experience. It’s about every action we take benefitting someone else or having a positive impact on the environment.
From the freshly grown tomatoes you eat at lunch, to the recycled candles in your room, to the earrings you buy at the gift shop – we’re constantly seeking out new ways to create sustainable livelihoods for the people who call this unique area home.

This is the ultimate ride from Grootbos Nature Reserve down the mountain to the top of the Sand Dunes. The trail to the dunes is special, running on a narrow sandy horse trail through the Fynbos.
When reaching the dunes we will make our way up and across to reach a fantastic downhill section where we will pick up speed before reaching the top of our first vertical dune face. After a briefing on how to ride down the dune we down the face but for those just wanting an easy ride you can go around the side where it is an easy slope. The dune face may feel impossible and dangerous to do but the ride is in fact very controlled and the sand will slow the bike down.

What your mind tells you is impossible will in fact be very enjoyable and easy. I will be at the bottom of the dunes videoing your challenges so remember to smile. I will also teach you how to do slalom like a skiier on a snow ski slope. This is excellent fun on a bike and not too difficult to achieve. After the dunes we will pick up a 4x4 trail down to the beach. From there we will head back up to the car park but for those who are already tired I can bring the 4x4 down to the rocks so you do not have to ride up.

Fat Biking is not part of the standard Grootbos activities included in your rate.

Visit the home of the recently launched Grootbos Florilegium. The Hannarie Wenhold Botanical Art Gallery built on Grootbos Nature Reserve is an innovative space dedicated to the Florilegium’s fine botanical artworks and is a celebration of the hard work of all involved over the last five years.

The Grootbos Florilegium is the first contemporary African florilegium. Its intention is to celebrate and honor the Cape fynbos and the Cape Floral Kingdom in the southern Overberg, as a valuable botanical heritage of South Africa and as a record of the many rare, endemic and endangered plants of the region. The Florilegium is a global collaboration, featuring carefully selected botanical artists. 35 celebrated artists from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Reunion and the United Kingdom have lent their talent and expertise to the collaboration. A further 9 come from countries including the Netherlands, Brazil, the USA, Japan, Germany, South Korea and Italy.

The Grootbos Florilegium is representing nothing less than the best of the international botanical arts community.