10 Day Taste of South Africa

This tour gives a very personal and authentic look into life in the townships.

The tour begins with a stop in at the MORE Community Foundation-supported Injongo Educare Crèche, Mfuleni where guests can help to make or serve the children breakfast, and read, play ball and have singalongs with them. This is followed by a short walk down the road to where the crèche began at the home of inspirational founder, Mavis Ngcongolo who will be there to greet the group.

Then it’s on to the township of Khayelitsha where guests can see the whole of Cape Town’s biggest location from Lookout Hill at the Tourism Centre, before taking a drive through the streets, hearing about its history and people as they go.

The tour’s last stop is Langa (meaning ‘sun’) and arguably Cape Town’s most vibrant and progressive settlement. Here, guests visit Langa Heritage Museum in The Old Pass Court building, Guga Sthebe Arts & Culture Centre for local empowerment, and Langa Quarter where the Ikhaya Le Langa project is furthering social enterprise and creating a tourism hotspot.

– Departure times: After breakfast and lunch – meet at hotel reception
– Travel time: ±40 minutes (one way)
– Tour duration: 3–4 hours
– Number of guests: 2–7
– Cost: POA

As the sun dawns on your special day, celebrate the occasion with a sunrise picnic on Signal Hill. Romantic, exciting, it’s befitting any event from a birthday to anniversary, or proposal… At the most scenic lookout point, we’ll pop the bubbly and lay on treats especially for you.

– Cost: POA

Our Cape Cadogan Wellness Centre is where skilled therapists provide treatments tailored just for you, using the TheraVine™ range developed through extensive clinical and scientific studies. Whether you are looking for a targeted express treatment or a leisurely massage, we have a range of options that will provide just the glow you need. And for those looking to stay active, our fitness centre is ready to keep you on track. Here, you will find the perfect balance between relaxation and energy.

Our spa is open 8am - 7pm daily spa@capecadogan.co.za | +27 21 480 8080

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.

Here, you can discover more about our Premium Brookdale and lifestyle Mason Road Wine Ranges, ask questions, learn about our vines and wine philosophy and sample our terrior-driven vintages. We are deeply passionate about testing new theories, trying new things and remembering that each harvest has the potential for the exceptional.

Tasting Room Experience Credit: Brookdale Estate

Tasting Room Experience Credit: Brookdale Estate

Tasting Room Experience Credit: Brookdale Estate

Tasting Room Experience Credit: Brookdale Estate

Tasting Room Experience Credit: Brookdale Estate

Tasting Room - Artisanal Cheese Platter Credit: Brookdale Estate

Tasting Room Experience Credit: Brookdale Estate

Tasting Room Experience Credit: Brookdale Estate

Set on gentle slopes amongst our vineyards, The Bistro overlooks vineyards and the mountainous landscape of our valley in the Paarl Winelands. In this serene setting, Executive Chef Gary Coetzee crafts menus inspired by nature's rhythms.

The Bistro Restaurant Credit: Brookdale Estate

The Bistro Terrace Credit: Brookdale Estate

The Bistro Executive Chef, Gary Coetzee Credit: Brookdale Estate

The Bistro Cuisine Credit: Brookdale Estate

Let The Manor House be the setting for your next unforgettable occasion—where time slows down, nature inspires and luxury feels effortless. It’s the perfect venue for weddings, executive getaways, milestone celebrations and more—all in an atmosphere of understated luxury and complete privacy.

Our Team offers the freedom and flexibility to design your perfect event. Why Book Exclusively:

•Complete Privacy. Enjoy the Villa solely with your Guests.
•Full Access. Includes all luxury suites, amenities and the common areas.
•Breathtaking Setting. Mountain views, vineyards, and indigenous gardens.
•Indoor-Outdoor Living. Seamless flow for events of all styles.
•Tailored Experiences. Every detail, customised to your vision.

Credit: Brookdale Estate

Events @ The Manor House Credit: Brookdale Estate

Events @ The Manor House Credit: Brookdale Estate

Events @ The Manor House Credit: Brookdale Estate

Events @ The Manor House Credit: Brookdale Estate

Events @ The Manor House Credit: Brookdale Estate

Events @ The Manor House Credit: Brookdale Estate

Events @ The Manor House Credit: Brookdale Estate

Events @ The Manor House Credit: Brookdale Estate

Events @ The Manor House Credit: Brookdale Estate

Events @ The Manor House Credit: Brookdale Estate

Events @ The Manor House Credit: Brookdale Estate

A VENUE THAT BECOMES YOURS – COMPLETELY!

The Bistro offers a truly exclusive setting for extraordinary events. When you hire the venue privately, you’re not simply booking a restaurant—you’re claiming a space where elegance, atmosphere and experience align entirely around you. Whether it’s a milestone celebration, a corporate event or an intimate wedding weekend, The Bistro transforms into a stage for unforgettable moments.

@ The Bistro, exclusivity means more than privacy. It means:

•A 500m2 space with soul and serenity, reserved solely for you and your Guests: an elegant interior dining room, bar, fireplace lounge and vineyard view terrace
•Tailored menus, curated by our executive Chef, Gary Coetzee using the freshest seasonal ingredients
•Exceptional Brookdale wines, hand-selected to complement your event
•Personalised service, with a dedicated Team bringing your vision to life
•Indoor & outdoor flexibility, including scenic terraces and mountain-facing views

Events @ The Bistro Credit: Brookdale Estate

Events @ The Bistro Credit: Brookdale Estate

Events @ The Bistro Credit: Brookdale Estate

Events @ The Bistro Credit: Brookdale Estate

Events @ The Bistro Credit: Brookdale Estate

Events @ The Bistro Credit: Brookdale Estate

Events @ The Bistro Credit: Brookdale Estate

Events @ The Bistro Credit: Brookdale Estate

Events @ The Bistro Credit: Brookdale Estate

Events @ The Bistro Credit: Brookdale Estate

Events @ The Bistro Credit: Brookdale Estate

Events @ The Bistro Credit: Brookdale Estate

Fresh mountain air is abundant in our valley. If you need to get your heart rate going during your stay, enjoy a walk or run through the Brookdale Estate vineyards and gardens. Explore the Estate acre by acre on foot. You’ll feel the wonderful freedom and peace of solitude in an open landscape, filled with moments of reflection.

Trails @ Brookdale Credit: Brookdale Estate

Trails @ Brookdale Credit: Brookdale Estate

Trails @ Brookdale Credit: Brookdale Estate

Trails @ Brookdale Credit: Brookdale Estate

For those who enjoy the time with their mountain bike, bring yours along for a vineyard exploration. While Brookdale Estate does not have formal trails, you are encouraged to explore on your own. The views are endless with 67 hectares of land to explore.

Biking @ Brookdale Credit: Brookdale Estate

Biking @ Brookdale Credit: Brookdale Estate

Biking @ Brookdale Credit: Brookdale Estate

Biking @ Brookdale Credit: Brookdale Estate

The Manor House offers in-room spa treatments ranging from massages, manicures to pedicures to ensure that you are feeling relaxed and pampered! Bookings in advance is essential.

Spa @ Brookdale Credit: Brookdale Estate

Spa @ Brookdale Credit: Brookdale Estate

Spa @ Brookdale Credit: Brookdale Estate

Spa @ Brookdale Credit: Brookdale Estate

The workout space is tucked off to the side of the Manor House, with easy access to enjoy a heart-pumping session. Complete with a selection of free weights, endurance rowing machine, elliptical machine, stationary bike, bench, yoga ball and yoga mats, find the perfect speed and intensity for you. Guests have 24-hour access to the space for a workout at any time of the day or night to ensure all your fitness needs are met. Take the yoga mat out for a sunrise or sunset salutation on the terrace with views over the valley for the perfect start or end to your day.

Gym @ The Manor House Credit: Brookdale Estate

Gym @ The Manor House Credit: Brookdale Estate

Gym @ The Manor House Credit: Brookdale Estate

Gym @ The Manor House Credit: Brookdale Estate

Time. It’s one of those intangible things that changes its form and meaning constantly. Take the time to enjoy a sunset at Brookdale Estate - time out to soak up the peacefulness of a changing landscape and sky. Time is the greatest gift we can give to ourselves, so sit back and soak in the moment with a glass of Brookdale’s exceptional wine. It’s moments such as these, when we quieten our minds, that our hearts truly open.

Sundowners @ Brookdale Credit: Brookdale Estate

Sundowners @ Brookdale Credit: Brookdale Estate

Sundowners @ Brookdale Credit: Brookdale Estate

Sundowners @ Brookdale Credit: Brookdale Estate

Take a tour through the towering mountains, over rolls vineyards, across sprawling orchards and back to Brookdale Estate’s private helipad. Advanced booking is essential.

Helicopter Flips Credit: Brookdale Estate

Explore the great outdoors with a choice of wonderous hikes, outrides on horseback, cycling routes, fishing, sky diving, paragliding, golfing and so much more. Brookdale Estate has selected partners for privately guided experiences to discover the mountains, valleys and atmosphere of the area. The adventures awaiting are endless.

Activities in the area Credit: Brookdale Estate

Activities in the area Credit: Brookdale Estate

Activities in the area Credit: Brookdale Estate

Activities in the area Credit: Brookdale Estate

Activities in the area Credit: Brookdale Estate

Activities in the area Credit: Brookdale Estate

Activities in the area Credit: Brookdale Estate

Activities in the area Credit: Brookdale Estate

The iconic Taal Monument is located on a hill that gazes out over the Paarl Valley. Taal, meaning ‘language’, was built in October 1975 to commemorate Afrikaans being declared an official language of South Africa, separate from Dutch. Not only is its location surrounded by incredible views, but it also has hiking and biking trails with walks that can be done from the monument to a close-by rock feature.

Taal Monument Credit: Brookdale Estate

Hiking Credit: Brookdale Estate

Hiking Credit: Brookdale Estate

Hiking Credit: Brookdale Estate

Africa has been called the greatest show on earth and a Lion Sands safari plays out like a highlights reel. Our private reserve conserves 12 400ha (30 600ac) of habitat that is home to the highest and most diverse concentration of wildlife in the southern hemisphere. You can see all of Africa’s iconic species here, including the Big Five, along with a supporting cast of 150mammal species and over 500 varieties of bird. The magic here lies in how you experience this extraordinary place and its wildlife wonders, and that’s where our talent lies.

These are our after-breakfast walks on the wild side. For those who wish to experience the bush, not just observe it, there is no better guided excursion. You are dropped in the thick of things and all five senses engage… Feel the scrub crunch beneath your feet, touch a velvety acacia seed pod, hear the crack of a branch indicating you are not alone, and spot the game appear just metres off – exhilarating! This is also a wonderful opportunity to encounter the smaller creatures, often missed on safari vehicles, and to discover more about the reserve’s plants – many with fascinating medicinal properties and traditional uses.

From boma feasts to safari refreshment stops, dining promises to be a highlight – for all our guests, with any dietary requirement, including kosher, catered for. Our chefs transform local recipes into contemporary dishes, giving you a taste for Southern Africa. Paired with premium wines from the Cape, dining becomes an experience. Our wine tastings are also a favourite of connoisseurs and dabblers, alike.

Tinyeleti, meaning ‘many stars’, offers big views of a remote landscape, globed by an even bigger sky, its lights twinkling down to the horizon. But couples and families needn’t forgo luxury for an out-of-this-world experience. A gourmet picnic, illuminated by lanterns, and feather beds ensure guests will be quite comfortable.

Our Tinyeleti Treehouse invites you to romantic nights under the stars. Enjoy a picnic dinner as the sun sets, listen for the sounds of the wild and drift off to sleep atop cloudlike, plush beds. Here you are not forgoing any luxury and will never forget the night you slept alongside the Sabie River under the African stars.

After active days on safari, restore your body, mind and spirit in our open-air spa sala - bringing you closer to nature through indulgent massages, wraps, facials and more using natural oils. Wellness is important to us and comes easy in this natural retreat.

Lion Sands together with MORE Community Foundation assists our local Huntington and Justicia B villages, and you can get involved, too. Take a community tour, the proceeds of which go to our development projects here, or roll up your sleeves to help out through our Get Your Hands Dirty initiatives.

These centre on education, infrastructure, health and environment, and you can choose the area best suited to your skills and interest. These are extraordinary social experiences that bring you to the heart of Southern Africa to make your own and others’ dreams come true.