Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve in Swellendam

What a beautiful place, with friendly staff. Always clean.

This is such a hidden gem. According to Roberts Bird Guide app this is Southwestern Capes largest indigenous forest and the regions richest in terms of bird species diversity. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Such a warm welcoming experience

What an improvement since our last visit when only camping was available. A min of 3 nights is a must. So many beautiful trails and the views are just awesome.

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.

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!!

This reserve is beautiful and has the most incredible forest walks. The facilities are nice and clean and well maintained as well!

Love love love. One of Cape Natures best reserve. Beautiful forest. Glamping experience was a true treat.

Fabulous forest walks. Some quite strenuous for us older people.

Magnificent views and amazing glamping accommodation. Very efficient and friendly staff go out of their way to assist you. 5* facilities!

Magical meeting place of Feinbos and ancient forest. Breathtaking hikes over misty mountain cliffs and through pristine river crags

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 hadnt 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 rainingwalk 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 its not too far from the Wooden Cabins.

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.

Another beautiful hidden gem in South Africa. Fantastic natural forest area with hiking, MTB trails and lovely accommodation, well done Cape Nature.

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 youre based at the camping, glamping or Scolopia (pool at the cabins). To get to the reserve, theres a long gravel road, so travelling with vehicles other than an SUV or bakkie (like we unknowingly didis 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).

This place has glamping ,camping and cottages .Lovely getaway to be in nature. You can walk or mountain bike. We stayed in cabins which were well equipped and spacious. Mattress was very comfortable.If you like coffee take your own bodum.Place is a long drive on dirt road from nearest shops(Heidelbergso bring everything you need-they only sell wood,blitz and ice🤔.The baboons got our eggs on day 2-very wiley animals so KEEP ALL windows SHUT😅.There is also a lovely pool for those staying in cabins.My only complaint? Cutting grass every day instead of doing it in one "swoop" Very annoying when you are there for peace and quiet....

Passing by from George to Swellendam we took a side trip. Had picnic lunch at the day visitors site and and took a drive around the reserve roads. Beautiful vegetation, friendly staff, everything in working condition, amazing development of different levels of camping, chalets, educational centre. Big changes since we were last there. Well done Cape Nature.

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.

Incredible beautiful Glamping Tents with anything you need, just bring food and wine and clothes.....

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.

Beautiful surroundings! Accommodation is not as modern as some other CapeNature reserves, but perfectly fine and comfortable. I would recommend an off-road / 4×4 vehicle for accessing the reserve and getting around once inside.

Such a beautiful and serene place, we loved it and the kids had so much fun

What a magnificent place. A place to escape the crazy city life and just to enjoy nature. These new Glamping tents are a real treat.

Stayed just outside the reserve at Strawberry Hill Farm.You pay R50 to enter the reserve. Hikes are about 4 hours long. Beautiful waterfalls along the bushbuck trail, recommend that you hike as a group as crossing the waterfall can be tricky for some. Gates to the reserve close at 4pm.

We had a lovely weekend at Grootvadersbosch at the deck camping site. Stunning scenic views, blissful quiet and walks in the forest. Thank you to those who run and maintain the Reserve. Staff were helpful and friendly. Great job!

We stayed in one of the eco cabins on the hill which served our needs perfectly. Highly recommended. The indigenous forest is just amazing and the Redwoods, albeit aliens, were majestic and impressive. Will definitely visit again.

Such a stunning place. Chalets are very basic but with everything you need and sticking to the cutter house heritage of the valley. Some extraordinary views to be had.

Very quiet and peaceful. Ideal for hiking and mountain biking.

Lovely camp sites with integrated deck and spotless ablution facilities. Great views over the nearby mountains.

Grootvadersbosch is truly heavenly. The mountains, the forest, the hikes, waterfall, all amount to a relaxing and invigorating experience. Forest walks are fantastic. The camp sites have decks, firepits, a sink with running water, electricity and eating benches. The only criticism is that, while the walks are well sign-posted the signs are inaccurate and confusing. The map isnt very helpful either.

What an absolute stunning place! Definitely worth a visit, a long one (I would recommend 4-5 nights). Beautiful views of high rolling hills, big impressive forests, copious amounts of green grass, lovely wooden chalets and the most amazing rock pools (pro tip = you need to follow the path past where it apparently stops, and you will know when you have arrived enjoy)!

We had super amazing year end short break at this place. The accommodation cabin was super clean and affordable. The trail with forest and mountain options was a star. We enjoyed so much the walkies between the forest..nothing beats the bonding with mother nature. You wont regret it..we will definitely come back. Just be careful to always lock your door and window as we had baboons invaded to our cabin looking for foods...thats the only downside, otherwise we super satisfy!!

Very nice camp sites. Just a pity the swimming pool is so far from the camping area. But all in all a great time was had! Thank you Groot Vadersbosch for a lovely experience.

This is a truly breathtaking camp site.With everything you need in camping necessities with peace and comfort as a bonus.

Love this place, lots of upgrading done , lovely camping sites, and the nature walks, not to be missed, well done Cape Nature!

In a forest. Wonderful hiking trails. Spotless. Everything you need in the kitchen. No TV

Amazing. Really amazing. Bring your walking shoes and bikes with your camping gear. Don’t forget your swimming costume too: the massive natural dam down the river is really worth the exploration. Peaceful and inspiring indigenous forest, and the 40m Californian Redwoods are an experience too. Worth the trip from Cape Town.

One of the best getaways in the Westetn Cape. Camping ground with shared ablutions, camping ground with private ablutions and kitchen area, and lodge style homes. Endless walking and cycling trails. Swellendam is the nearest town or go over the Tradouw pass to the eclectic Barrydale. Dont forget to walk to the majestic Redwood Trees.

So nice to come to a local government run nature reserve (Cape Natureand find the condition of the cottages, the hiking trails and the general condition of the reserve in such a good state. The trails are beautiful despite the drought. Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve is a gem. Well done to Cape Nature and the staff.

Well maintained park, wonderful views and helpful staff. Great for running and hiking. 15km + 10km trails available as well as a 27km trail into the wilderness which is a 2 day hiking route

Great camping facilities, clean ablutions, blocks. Cleaned daily. If you love hiking and quietness, this is your the place for you.Variety of hiking trails. Safraan hiking trail is a real experience of the forest water streams, greenness, humidity. The Red Ceders Trees are amazing.Use your wild card, R80 per night, per person for camping. Friendly staff. No convenience store. No ice or wood available.

Great hideaway for nature lovers! Hike down to the big Ceder trees. Great treat. Sites are small though. Roads can be hard to navigate in the rain so sedans are not advisable in bad weather.

Beautiful forest getaway. Great for weekends, hikers and mountain bikers. Reachable by city car.Cabins:- Clean and well maintained- Cosy, well thought out layout gives sense of privacy- Wheelchair access on 3 of the cabins (these cabins seem slightly bigger too)- Indoor and outdoor fireplaces- Woodfire heater in the lounge- Fully kitted kitchen- Fantastic "kuier-kamer"- Adequate solar heated showers- Intermittent to good cellphone reception (for those that NEED to work)- Great kid friendly pool areaActivities:- Varied hikes ranging from leisurely to challenging. Trails are looked after.- Massive Redwood trees worth seeing- Swimming in the Duiwenhoksriver (highlight)- Swimming in the pool- Jungle gym at camping ground and cabins- Various mountain biking trails- Birding- Bug-hunting (for those so inclined)Camping:- Camp sites are close to each other- Communal bathrooms are well kept- Communal fridge is a bit small- Campsites are terracedCan highly recommend.

Beautiful chalets, well equipped.Great hikes.The fires have done some damage though.

Beautiful trails! The bushbuck hike was incredible fun and a moderately difficult hike. We were blessed with the sightings of 3 buck out in the forest and loved the bird-hides! The tree identification sights were fantasy ic as they educated you on the tree varieties around you throughout the walk.There are plenty of alternate routes so taking a map is vital. The branching trails give the opportunity to do longer or sorter versions depending on the desires of your group. Would highly recommend this reserve!

Clean, well maintained, excellent and knowledgeable staff. Most importantly, beautiful views and incredible experience. Pool relatively new and a joy for the kids. Would definitely visit again! 👌🏼

The private campsites are right next to each other, so its not too private. Otherwise a really special place, a truly magical and enchanted forest.

Great get away from the City. Beautiful and amazing forest hike

Love Grootvadersbosch & it has only gotten better with the addition of the cottages in the last few years. We love coming here.

Cape Nature treated us to exquisitely presented cabins and well marked hiking routes around the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve. An outstanding experience for the family.

Wonderful, quiet nature reserve off the beaten track. Fantastic hiking trails in the forest and accommodation available in self-catering cottages or camping sites.