Natural Abundance Tour

Enjoy the best land-based whale viewing in the world, from cliffs overlooking a sanctuary on the Cape’s south-eastern shores.

Delight in botanical wonders at a pioneering nature destination of such exception that British conservationist David Bellamy claims is “the best example of conservation diversity … ever seen”.

Explore the wonderland of the Cape Floral Kingdom on foot, on horseback or by 4-wheel drive, with expert guides who introduce you to the relationships between plants, birds, mammals and insects in a diverse ecosystem.

A breathtaking scenic drive takes you through the coastal town of Hermanus, nestled at the base of the Overberg mountains before arriving at Grootbos which is less than two hours away from Cape Town. En route why not factor in a secluded botanical garden visit to the Harold Porter botanical garden.

Set in harmony with nature, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve has spacious luxury suites with views of dunes and ocean, cuisine that is gourmet, and wines that are local award winners.

Children are welcome, with one lodge an ideal family getaway. The other, more contemporary, will appeal to the cosmopolitan traveller.

Promoting the link between people and plants, Grootbos partners with projects such as Eden in Cornwall, and has initiated a foundation which contributes to the conservation of the reserve and surrounding natural areas, plus the development of sustainable livelihoods among local communities.

Spend three nights here, travelling via South Africa’s premier wine estate Vergelegen, where you can enjoy a wine tasting before lunch, and a stroll around its renowned gardens and manor house.

The coastline offers close-up encounters with whales, seals, sharks, huge seabird colonies and remnants of Stone Age man in coastal caves, as well as tidal rock pools, deserted beaches … and shipwrecks.