Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: forest (9) pool (9) reserve (7) views (7) hike (7) trails (6) bird (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 R. A. 2 years ago on Google β€’ 564 reviews
    Beautiful forest reserve for hikes, walks and cycling. Friendly and helpful reception staff. The signage for the trails is somewhat confusing but fortunately we did not get lost. Huge trees, many birds and a stream provide a pleasant environment which can be enjoyed by young and old. We had our accommodation just outside the reserve.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Lucille S. 1 year ago on Google
    Relatively new campsite in the Grootvadersbosch Reserve. We stayed in a Clamping Tent with the most beautiful view of the Langeberge. There are tents with either inside or outside showers, a double bed and 2 bunk beds in 2 seperate rooms. The kitchen has a glass cooking plate, fridge, microwave oven and crockery and cutlery for 4 people. The decor is modern with quality linen and blankets. Awesome experience!!
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Nina N. 7 months ago on Google β€’ 153 reviews
    A stunning place if you want to get away from the city. We absolutely loved it. Wonderful helpful staff, spanking clean ablutions and views for days. We added about 15 bird species to our list. Did a midweek stay for 3 paid for 2 and stayed another day. Coming back soon.... ❀️❀️❀️
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Christo C. 7 months ago on Google β€’ 42 reviews
    Excellent accmodation, magnificent view, and lovely walking/biking trails. Very quiet, tranquil and serene.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Kobus van der M. 1 year ago on Google β€’ 41 reviews
    1 November 2022 Camp Site B7's view is blocked by a tree and feels smaller and awkward. We asked to be moved to B8 in the far, lower corner. B8 has two options to pitch your tent: a shady spot without a view and a spot with a view, but without shade. Pros: Great ablution blocks. Toiletpaper supplied Nice swimming pool area Play area Small fridge which we had to ourselves. The other parties were well equipped and probably had their own Cons: Lawns were mowed after 2 pm Monday afternoon (checkin time). Cell Phone reception is spotty Many views at the camp site are blocked by wooden walls. They are probably erected as windbreaks and privacy screens, but at the cost of blocking beautiful forest views The Trails: The Stinkwood Trail is awesome, especially if you make your way to the rock pools, which is the best part of the trail. The trails in general are easy walking, except for the path to the rock pools. They are rather technical but not hectic. The redwood trees are majestic and absolutely worth seeing. We passed at least 3 bird hides for those who like bird watching. Flowers are not plentiful, but the trees and ferns take absolute centre stage
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Sergio B. 6 months ago on Google β€’ 37 reviews
    Cabins at good price, with evrything you but if course you need to Carry your own foos and drinks, they only have charcoal and wood, necessary in winter time to warm the House and prepare a braai.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Klaus von P. 5 months ago on Google β€’ 16 reviews
    Amazing natural beauty, worth spending time with friends and family. Great hiking and mountain biking routes.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Marinda M. 2 years ago on Google
    Grootvadersbosch is a gem ! If you love forests,hiking and birding - this is the place for you. A weekend is too short if you want to hike all the trials and spend enough time in the bird hides, but even just for a weekend it is well worth the trip.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 4/5 Andre H. 1 year ago on Google β€’ 139 reviews
    Visited on 4 Feb while visiting Heidelberg. Follow the main road out of Heidelberg and about 8.3km from the turn off is the reserve. All gravel roads but in fairly good condition for all vehicles Check in to get permit was quick and having a Wild Card meant no cost. There are 3 trails, we did the 10km one , the longest is 14km . Apart from getting down to the river and waterfall,which is currently not flowing as it's not rainy season yet , the trail was reasonably easy There are a few bird hides along the route with some offering really great views of the mountains and valleys. Much of the trail was in the shade, thank goodness as it was around 30 degrees Celsius There is also accommodation available. Very peaceful place

  • 5/5 Kerry B. 2 months ago on Google β€’ 97 reviews New
    Great campsites with your own private kitchen and beautiful nature trails. We camped over the Christmas weekend. Will definitely visit again.

  • 5/5 Nico S. 2 months ago on Google β€’ 88 reviews New
    Wow. It's one of many superlatives that comes to mind when doing some of the hikes in the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve. It truly is a gem, and a must for nature lovers. I stayed in a cabin 100m outside of the Nature Reserve and did all the available hikes over three days. It's difficult to single out one specific hike, but the Redwoods on the Bushbusck Trail, and mountain views on the Grysboksirkel Trail were especially spectacular. The flora on all the hikes were also something to behold - a canvas of multi colored flowers and plants as far as you can see. Absolutely worth a visit.

  • 5/5 Carike P. 3 months ago on Google β€’ 37 reviews New
    Perfect camping spot with the best amenities. Loved the fully fenced pool and play area for our toddlers. Decked camping sites are super bit even the basic sites were perfect for our stay. Plug points even include 2point and USB. Thoroughly enjoyed the hiking trails. Just a note for check in the gate closes early so no late arrivals accommodated.

  • 5/5 Landi L. 1 month ago on Google β€’ 14 reviews New
    Stunning views. No signal so completely off grid for a weekend. Perfect get away with friends and family.

  • 5/5 MariΓ© K. 9 months ago on Google
    Stayed at one of the cabins before doing an overnight hike in boosmansbos. A must visit for nature lovers. Dont just stay for one night!

  • 5/5 Christi T. 1 year ago on Google
    Put Grootvadersbosch on your must-see list. Beautiful and practical campsites. The forest and Californian redwoods are definite drawing cards.

  • 4/5 Saberi M. 8 months ago on Google
    Nature lovers will thrive in this reserve. Such an important environment for the preservation of indigenous fauna and flora.

  • 3/5 Cheryl T. 1 year ago on Google
    Only three stars as the swimming pool was unswimmable due to water issues and inefficient maintenance staff. Caravan camp stands also short changed but camping /roof top tent sites are superb. Fabulous walks- Redwood forest a must and then a few more strenuous hikes for the avid hiker. Lovely drive through the Nature Reserve to the breathtaking lookout point. Lots of work being done- the Glamping tents will each have a jacuzzi style Kol- kol in time for cooler weather. Baboons can be challenging and bothersome. Be warned- NO SHOP for other than eco wood bricks, charcoal and ice (reasonably priced). You cannot take your own wood due to the very serious infestation of a beetle of late in wood supplies. Don't bring along, you will seriously harm this pristine environment. They also have an enviroment school for groups on outings.

  • 5/5 Semigrasie C. 1 year ago on Google
    This is such a hidden gem. According to Roberts Bird Guide app this is Southwestern Cape's largest indigenous forest and the region's richest in terms of bird species diversity. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Such a warm welcoming experience

  • 3/5 Chemelle B. 2 years ago on Google
    The views and scenery are extraordinary and hiking through the forest is definitely a great experience but currently, the only pool is so far that you have to hike or drive there if you're based at the camping, glamping or Scolopia (pool at the cabins). To get to the reserve, there's a long gravel road, so travelling with vehicles other than an SUV or bakkie (like we unknowingly did) is not advisable. Even the internal roads at the reserve is also not suitable for normal vehicles (we could not drive to the pool, we had to hike for about 3kms). Currently the Scolopia is not in a great state but upgrades will be taking place soon, and construction is currently underway to install a pool close to the camping and glamping sites (which is also close enough to the Scolopia cottage).

  • 5/5 marius d. 1 year ago on Google
    Glamping here was worth it. Beautiful nature, lots of birds, a few bucks and then the baboons (jip, we got raided when we left the tent.) luckily not serious! I can recommend this place. The staff was friendly. Place was clean. Only the beds are very hard. Bring your own water.

  • 5/5 Craig R. 1 year ago on Google
    Camped here shortly after their reopening. The camp site are grassed and come with their own braai area with water and electrical point. They are conveniently located close to the jungle gym, swimming pool and ablutions. There are multi day hike and short hike as well. A redwood forest and indigenous forest to walk through and explore. There is no shop in site but wood is sold. Bring your own dining water as the local water is river source and brown in colour.

  • 4/5 Sean J. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful surroundings! Accommodation is not as modern as some other CapeNature reserves, but perfectly fine and comfortable. I would recommend an off-road / 4Γ—4 vehicle for accessing the reserve and getting around once inside.

  • 4/5 Gail M. 1 year ago on Google
    Spent just 1 night in the Wooden Cabins, and it was fully kitted, the built in fireplace in the rainy weather was perfect. Just wished we hadn't been passing through the area. Would have loved to stay at least 3 more nights. Kids loved it, and were thrilled with the Baboons visits.... Took a damp (it had been raining) walk through the forest, not good for elderly in the wet, but we went anyway. And went to see the beautiful little waterfall. Finding Starfish Fungi was super cool. We will definitely be back. Hoping to Glamp....and explore some more in warmer weather. Gave it a 4 star because of how far the pool is....hopefully they build one closer to the campsite. But it's not too far from the Wooden Cabins.


Call +27 28 492 0001 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Activities
    • βœ“οΈ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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