Grootbos Nature Reserve & Hermanus Gourmet Discovery Overland (Single Occupancy)
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Port
Cape Town, South Africa
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,All,68
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$4999
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
60 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
DAY 1 (L, D,)
Upon disembarking, meet your guide and transfer to Grootbos Private Nature Reserve for a two-night culinary and cultural getaway surrounded by one of South Africa’s most unique natural landscapes.
Located just two hours from Cape Town, Grootbos is a leading luxury eco-reserve where mountain, forest, and ocean come together. Forest Lodge is set within an ancient Milkwood forest and offers contemporary suites with private decks, fireplaces, and wide-ranging views over the fynbos and Walker Bay.
The lodge features a restaurant, bar, infinity pool, and comfortable spaces designed for relaxation. Grootbos is also recognized for its commitment to conservation and community development through the Grootbos Foundation, making your stay part of a meaningful sustainability initiative.
On arrival, enjoy lunch before checking in. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the reserve or take part in one of the included activities.
Included Activities:
During your time at Grootbos, a wide range of activities is available. Guests may enjoy guided horse riding suited to both beginners and experienced riders, with pony rides offered for younger children. The reserve offers a Botanical Fynbos Hike, a peaceful Milkwood Forest Walk, and a 4x4 Flower Safari showcasing the region’s remarkable plant diversity. Coastal drives and beach picnics can be arranged on request, and visits to Klipgat Cave and the Walker Bay Nature Reserve provide insight into the area’s natural and archaeological heritage. Grootbos also offers a Progressive Tourism Tour highlighting its conservation and community initiatives. Bird-watching opportunities are abundant, and maps are available for those who prefer self-guided walks.
Dinner is served at the lodge, showcasing fresh, locally inspired cuisine.
Hotel: Grootbos Private Nature Reserve: Forest Lodge
DAY 2 (B, L, D)
Start your morning with a generous breakfast at the lodge before departing for Hermanus and the “Taste of Hermanus” experience. On arrival, meet your local guide at the Hermanus Tourism Bureau and begin a gentle walking tour through this UNESCO-recognized City of Gastronomy. The route covers approximately 1.5 km with one mild incline.
Throughout the tour, enjoy a series of curated tastings that highlight the region’s flavours. These include artisanal coffee, a wine and cheese pairing from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, a guided tea-pairing experience, and a final stop for locally made ice cream. Along the way, your guide will introduce you to key landmarks and share insight into Hermanus’s culinary and cultural heritage.
After the tour, enjoy free time to explore Hermanus at your own pace, with opportunities to browse boutique shops, galleries, and coastal viewpoints.
Return to Grootbos in the afternoon and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. You may choose from the reserve’s included activities, which can be arranged upon arrival. Dinner is served at the lodge.
Overnight at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve.
DAY 3 (B, L, D)
Begin your morning with a relaxed breakfast at the lodge and, if time allows, enjoy one final included Grootbos activity. Afterward, complete check-out formalities and meet your guide for the journey to Creation Wines.
At Creation Wines, take part in a thoughtfully curated food-and-wine pairing designed to showcase the estate’s award-winning vintages. Each course is crafted to highlight balance, innovation, and regional flavour, with menus that may include plant-based options and seasonal specialties. Set on the scenic Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, Creation offers a refined culinary experience in a striking natural setting.
Following your tasting experience, travel back to Cape Town and rejoin your ship.
Cancellation Policy:
90 Days prior to arrival in the excursion port. This excursion is non-refundable within 90 days of arrival into the excursion port. Any cancellations made after this deadline will be subject to full payment of the tour. This will include if a guest cancels their voyage within 90 days of arrival into the excursion port.
Important Participation Note:
This program involves strenuous activity and requires a high level of mobility. Guests must be able to embark and disembark motor coaches with little to no assistance. Guests using mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs must ensure these devices are collapsible and can be stored under buses without staff assistance. If you are unable to manage your mobility device independently, you must travel with a companion who can assist you. Motorized scooters of any kind are not permitted on this tour. Participation in this program requires physical capability to navigate uneven terrain, ramps, and steps, so please carefully consider your mobility needs.
Tour Notes:
The contents and order of activities in this program are subject to change by the lodge management without prior notice due to the prevailing weather conditions and wildlife movement on the reserve. Early morning game drives in open vehicles can be a little cool -- bring a windbreaker. During the day, temperatures can be extremely hot. The game drive vehicle may not be covered. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Ride will be bumpy. Guests with back or neck conditions are not allowed to participate. Not advisable for guests with mobility limitations. Waiver must be signed and medical conditions disclosed. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed. Participants are not permitted to use cell phones during the game drives or to speak loudly or stand up in the game drive vehicle, as this will disturb the animals. Smoking is not permitted. An escort from the ship's staff may or may not also accompany the group. You must book this overland PRIOR to sailing. Tour operates subject to meeting a minimum number of participants. Airport assistance and transfers, transportation by air-conditioned coach, all entrance fees indicated in the itinerary, an English-speaking guide (unless otherwise noted), water on the vehicle, and meals (as indicated) are also included. Gratuities and personal expenses are not included. Bring your passport with you on tour. South Africa requires two blank passport pages per entry. Kruger is a malaria risk area; see your physician well in advance of travel for appropriate prophylaxis medication.
Luggage:
Maximum baggage allowance is one soft-sided bag up to 44 lbs per person. Hotels and Lodges are able to launder clothes, but this will be at an additional cost and is not included in the cost of this program.
Visas:
Kindly note that it is the responsibility of guests to ensure they possess the necessary visas for all countries that will be included in their Overland Adventure or Overnight trips, as well as for re-joining the ship at the designated location. Holland America will not assist guests with obtaining a visa. Guests are encouraged to seek assistance with visa requirements from their travel agent. Holland America does not provide visa procurement services and therefore, guests are advised to obtain the required visas independently before embarking on their journey. If you require further assistance, Holland America Line's preferred visa service is CIBTvisas. Residents of the USA and Canada phone: 866-935-8472; or email: hollandamerica@cibtvisas.com . CIBTvisas' phone numbers and email addresses for residents of Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions section of our website, in the Cruise Preparation area. Applications and additional information can be downloaded from the CIBTvisas website at https://CIBTvisas.com/hollandamerica . You must advise CIBTvisas of your Overland Adventures or Overnights, as the visa requirements for these vacation enhancements may vary from those required for your cruise.
Breathing devices:
There are stringent regulations regarding the transportation of breathing/respiratory devices for any purpose during tours or overland trips. Guests intending to bring such a device must notify the home office or shore excursion staff at least 30 days before the start of the tour. They are required to fill out the necessary FAA documentation, furnish a physician's authorized letter detailing the device's particular use, and provide information about the device. It is imperative to understand that each airline will conduct an inspection of the device before boarding to ensure compliance, which may result in delays at the airport.