GPS Co-Ordinates
Latitude: -34.539746
Longitude: 19.413528
Directions
Directions to the Grootbos Nature Reserve from Cape Town:
Take the N2 from Cape Town, past the Cape Town International Airport to Somerset West. Either follow the N2 over Sir Lowry's Pass turning onto the R43 after the Houhoek Pass, or take the R44 along the coast and turn onto the R43 to Hermanus. Drive through Hermanus, Grootbos is 13km past Stanford on the R43.
Directions to the Grootbos Nature Reserve from the Garden Route:
The N2 brings you west past Swellendam and Riviersonderend. 10km past Riviersonderend turns onto the R326 to Stanford. At Stanford turn left onto the R43. Grootbos is 13 km from Stanford on the R43.
Coastal scenic route from Cape Town to the Grootbos Nature Reserve near Hermanus:
The drive from Cape Town takes guests along the R44 from Gordons Bay to Hermanus. This is one of the most scenic coastal routes in Southern Africa, hugging the coastline with magnificent views of False Bay. Between June and November, whales are sighted on this drive. The route winds through the magnificent Kogelberg Nature Reserve, which is known for its beautiful fynbos. The reserve lies within the southern stretch of the rugged Hottentots Holland mountain range and has remained isolated and remarkably unspoilt. Its high mountain peaks, steep kloofs, valleys and several tributaries of the pristine Palmiet River create a sense of remote wilderness.
En route to the Grootbos Nature Reserve, guests may visit Stony Point in Bettys Bay, which is home to one of only three breeding colonies of the African Penguins on the mainland in South Africa. The penguin colony can be viewed from a platform, and the penguins are best seen when they return from their days fishing. An interesting fact is that the Spheniscus demersus (African Penguin) is one of 18 species worldwide and the only penguin species that breed around African coasts. Pathways are leading past the penguin nests, and many photographic opportunities of these fabulous creatures are available.
After leaving Stony Point in Bettys Bay, the route takes visitors past the Harold Porter Botanical Garden towards Kleinmond. Once one reaches Kleinmond, the R43 leads you towards Hermanus, which is wedged between mountain and sea offering spectacular views over Walker Bay. Drive through Hermanus, pass Stanford and you will arrive at the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve.
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