Ace Connect hosted an exclusive luncheon at The Arts Café in Mumbai’s BKC on August 20, 2025, bringing together travel trade specialists for a showcase of its partner, the renowned Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. Present at the event were visionary Michael Lutzeyer, owner of the globally acclaimed Grootbos, located near Gansbaai in South Africa’s Western Cape, just a two-hour drive from Cape Town, and Wilfred Chivell, CEO of Marine Dynamics. Together, they shared remarkable insights into wildlife, flora, and fauna, bringing to life the extraordinary experiences, adventures and wonders of Grootbos.
The name ‘Grootbos’ comes from Afrikaans, where ‘Groot’ means big or great and ‘Bos’ means forest. At Grootbos, conservation goes hand in hand with community upliftment. Michael highlighted how the reserve continuously researches, innovates, and pioneers new ways to preserve its pristine 8,650 acres of ancient forest, home to 907 plant species, 118 bird species, 29 mammals, and 21 amphibians, some of them endangered. The Grootbos Florilegium, a unique botanical art collection, stands as a tribute to the Cape Floral Kingdom’s exceptional biodiversity.
Recognised as a leader in sustainable tourism, Grootbos has earned some of the world’s highest accolades and numerous ecotourism awards. Its accommodation, whether Garden Lodge, Forest Lodge, or Private Villas, has been thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, without compromising on luxury or style. Experiences abound at Grootbos, spanning land, water, air, and wellness. Michael emphasised that to truly enjoy the full spectrum, guests should plan to stay for at least three days. He also shared Grootbos’ passion for fine wine, assuring guests that the award-winning vintages of the region add another dimension of discovery and delight.
Wilfred Chivell, who pioneered the concept of the Marine Big 5- whales, sharks, dolphins, penguins, and seals has led an extraordinary journey in marine conservation and is also recognised as part of several global sustainable marine projects. Under his leadership, Marine Dynamics Shark & Whale Tours has received international recognition for sustainable ecotourism, winning multiple Responsible Tourism awards. His tireless efforts have significantly contributed to the protection of South Africa’s marine life. He added that Indian travellers will find much to love at Grootbos, with experiences that extend far beyond encounters with iconic penguins, seals, sharks and whales.
Ace Connect is a professional consulting company specialising in niche products and destinations. Known for her deep love of Africa and profound knowledge of its travel experiences, Alpa Jani, Founder of Ace Connect, brought together this special dialogue, helping the trade community discover more authentic magic of South Africa. Sharing from her own experience, she said, “Grootbos is truly magical, a place you instantly fall in love with and one that always leaves you wishing you had booked a few more days.”
