Grootbos Environmental Centre

Grootbos Environmental Centre (GEC) is an independent research centre based on Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. The facility was opened in 2019 with the purpose of furthering research and understanding of the Agulhas Plain environment, a high priority lowland area of 270 000 hectares within the Cape Floristic Region, a International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) global centre of plant diversity. 

Growing and sharing our environmental knowledge helps us better manage and conserve this globally unique and biodiversity rich landscape.

Unique Environment

The GEC is located in the Witvoetskloof Valley and is surrounded by pristine fynbos, afromontane forests and milkwood forests making it the ideal location for the study of these environments and the fauna and flora which inhabit them.

The region offers:

  • 15 frog species
  • 26 mammals
  • 208 insect families
  • 45 ants species
  • 67 bees species
  • 1145 plant species
  • 8 vegetation communities, 5 of conservation concern

Facility

The GEC is self-catering and completely off-grid with solar power providing electricity and wifi. It is situated approximately 45 minutes drive from Gansbaai where the nearest shops are located. Accommodation is available for a maximum of 48 guests with cottage options for smaller research teams and a larger dormitory style facility for student and environmental education groups.

Research conducted through the GEC is supported by a research co-ordinator and a team of botanists, entomologists, and faunal specialists.

Enquire Now

If you wish to conduct your research at Grootbos Environmental Centre, contact us about availability below or email info@grootbosfoundation.org or gecbookings@grootbosfoundation.org.