Highlights

• Two exclusive-use villas on a 6,200-acre private nature reserve above Walker Bay
• Fynbos Villa sleeps up to 12 across six individually styled suites; Sunbird Villa sleeps up to 8 across four suites
• Private chef, dedicated guide and private vehicle included for the duration of the stay
• Horse riding, 4x4 flower safaris, forest walks and seasonal land-based whale watching all on the reserve
• Private landing strip suitable for helicopters and light aircraft

You Should Know

• December 16th to 10th January every year is peak season, with rates available on request only.
• Both villas take sole-use bookings only; rates are per villa per night, not per person
• Festive season (16 December to 10 January) rates are on request
• Minimum stay of two nights is recommended throughout the year
• Horse-riding weight limit is 198 lbs per rider; under-12s are restricted to guided pony rides
• Conservation contribution of R400 per adult per day is charged in addition to the rate
• No pets permitted

The Details

Location

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve sits above Walker Bay near Gansbaai, roughly 100 miles south-east of Cape Town along the R43 past Hermanus. The reserve protects an exceptional stretch of ancient milkwood forest and Cape fynbos, with coastal cliffs looking down on waters famous for great white sharks and southern right whales.

The two private villas are set apart from the main Garden and Forest lodges, each with its own driveway, pool and uninterrupted views across the reserve and bay. Access is by road from Cape Town or by light aircraft and helicopter to the reserve's own gravel airstrip.

The Fynbos Villa

The Fynbos Villa accommodates up to 12 guests across six en-suite bedrooms: two master suites with bath, indoor and outdoor showers; two luxury bedrooms with bath and shower; and two downstairs standard bedrooms. The villa opens onto two lounges with smart TVs, a dining room and breakfast nook, a fully equipped kitchen with scullery, a dedicated media room with projector, an office, gym and wine cellar.

Outside, large decks run around a private pool with two outdoor barbecue areas and a further indoor braai. The villa is staffed throughout the stay by a private chef and dedicated guide with vehicle.

The Sunbird Villa

The Sunbird Villa accommodates up to 8 guests across one master suite, two luxury bedrooms and one mountain-facing standard bedroom, all en-suite. A single lounge with smart TV, dining room, fully equipped kitchen and outdoor barbecue area sit alongside a private pool, gym, sauna and relaxation room, and a wine cellar.

Like the Fynbos Villa, the Sunbird Villa comes with a private chef and private guide with vehicle for the duration of the stay.

Activities

Included activities range from botanical fynbos hikes, milkwood forest walks and 4x4 flower safaris on the reserve to coastal drives with seasonal land-based whale watching, beach picnics, visits to the ancient Klipgat Cave in Walker Bay Nature Reserve, horse riding, birdwatching, wine tasting at a local estate, a day trip to Cape Agulhas and shopping excursions to Hermanus.

At additional cost, the team can arrange boat-based whale watching to Dyer Island (July to December), shark cage diving, scenic flights, fat biking, beach horse riding, Lady Stanford River cruises and spa treatments.

Dining

A private chef is on hand for breakfasts, lunches and dinners, cooking to each party's preferences and timing. Menus run from continental and hot breakfasts to light lunches and either plated dinners or South African braais. Most drinks, including spirits, liqueurs and soft drinks, are included; French Champagne and premium wines are charged separately.

Price Includes

• Sole-use villa accommodation for up to 12 guests (Fynbos) or 8 guests (Sunbird), fully serviced
• Welcome drink on arrival
• Continental and hot breakfasts, light lunches, dinners or South African braai
• All drinks including spirits, liqueurs and soft drinks (French Champagne and premium wines excluded)
• Private chef for the duration of the stay
• Private guide with private vehicle for the duration of the stay
• Laundry and valet service
• Horse riding on the reserve, botanical fynbos hikes, milkwood forest walks and 4x4 flower safaris
• Coastal drive with seasonal land-based whale watching and beach picnics
• Klipgat Cave and Walker Bay Nature Reserve excursion, Cape Agulhas day trip, Hermanus shopping, wine tasting at a local estate
• Transfers to and from all included activities
• Excludes: conservation contribution of R400 per adult per day, premium wines and French Champagne, spa treatments, telephone calls, air and road transfers from Cape Town