Nestled in the thriving biodiverse Grootbos Nature Reserve, the Forest Lodge has been named the Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property in the prestigious 2019 Safari Guild Awards.
With 2 500 hectares of wilderness, 100 endangered plant species, three conserved milkwood forests and over 20 mammal species, it comes as no surprise that Grootbos Nature Reserve’s Forest Lodge took home gold at the international awards.
The accolade is given to the property that exhibits the most effort to protect and preserve the natural ecology along with the local flora and fauna. This includes the property’s active role in reducing its environmental impact and minimising its use of non-renewable energy.
Located on the reserve near the ancient milkwood forest, the lodge blends into nature, with botanical-inspired tones in its décor, offering guests a serene escape. With only 16 free-standing suites which sit along a path that travels through the milkwood forest, it offers an exclusive retreat into nature, literally.
The Grootbos Forest Lodge incorporates nature into its various offerings: an outdoor dining area under a milkwood tree, a viewing point with a 180-degree panoramic view of the reserve, and the freshest local ingredients sourced for the menu of the on-location restaurant.
The annual Safari Guild Awards are hosted by the Safari Guild, an organisation of over 5 500 safari specialists and travel advisors that provides travellers with insight into the best and safest safari experiences available. The awards winners are chosen via a voting process, where tour operators, travel agent and travel journalists vote for the best safari camps, lodges, houses, riding operators, and wildlife organisations around the world. These votes are tallied and create a list of award nominees which are then sent to a panel of industry experts who are considered the judges of the awards. Judges visit the destinations to experience and understand the location and offering.
Members of the public are able to nominate for a specific organisation, experience or lodge that they feel is worthy of an award. With over 15 categories at the Awards, such as Best Walking Safari, Most Romantic Safari Property, and many others, any wildlife travel experience from across the world can be nominated.
This year’s Best Safari Experience in Africa was awarded to Greystoke Mahale. Located in Tanzania, it is known for giving tourists the chance to have up-close encounters with the endemic chimpanzee species.
We would like to congratulate Grootbos Forest Lodge on their achievement in making a mark in the world, they have done Cape Town proud.
Picture: Grootbos Nature Reserve, Forest Lodge
