Welcome to Platbos Forest
Platbos, hidden in the Uilkraal Vallei between Gansbaai and Stanford is an ancient indigenous forest with trees of over 1000 years of age. The forest itself is perhaps many millions of years old. Described as a “National Treasure” by Peter Slingsby – a cartographer for all major hiking trails in Southern Africa – Platbos is a “must see” for all Overberg nature tourists. Inevitably, first time visitors to this forest haven exclaim in astonishment upon seeing the trees: “but who would have ever guessed you would find a forest here?!”
A Forest Trail for Bird & Tree Enthusiasts
Gentle gradients and the leafy forest canopy make this an easy trail for young and old to enjoy. Relax on the wooden benches situated beneath majestic trees along the pathway, or if you are in the mood for quiet contemplation, walk the forest's beautiful labyrinth, made from mother-of-pearl sea shells. Platbos is open both to day visitors and to guests who would like to overnight in either the Old Olive Cabin, the Forest Camp, or the romantic Honey Bee Suite. Pre-booking is required.
Discover the Magic of this Unique and Ancient Forest
Visitors to Platbos always comment on its restorative, healing energy. The old and wizened trees, clad in mossy emerald cloaks, also evoke memories of childhood fairy tales - Platbos is a botanical wonderland for the whole family to enjoy.
Protecting & Rehabilitating Platbos Forest for Future Generations
Please help us to preserve and rehabilitate this ancient forest. Investigations into indigenous forests and their distribution in the Western Cape, leads to the inescapable conclusion that a combination of climate change over the eons, alien invasive vegetation and fynbos-orientated fire management programmes, have resulted in a situation where natural forests need active intervention in order to survive. We rely on funding to keep Platbos, a National Forest Treasure, alive.
Sleep Beneath the Forest Canopy
Immerse yourself in the forest: restore your soul and reconnect with the Earth’s rhythms. In the evenings, sit around the camp fire and listen for the owls and the deep bark of the bush buck. At dawn, awaken to birdsong and the sun’s first rays of pink and gold upon the tree trunks.
Accommodation Notes
Tented Accommodation, Platbos Forest
We are happy to introduce you to our eco-friendly, off-grid Forest Camp. Offering private, tented accommodation, this forest venue sleeps 4 guests. However, for larger groups, you are welcome to bring along your own extra tents, etc (please see rates for this below). The Forest Camp is exclusive in that guests enjoy the privilege of having this unique and beautiful forest venue all to themselves.
Rates & Conditions
Please note: A 50% deposit is required to reserve your booking.
Rates per night: R900 for up to 4 guests; thereafter R75 per person.
Single Night Stays: By arrangement only; an additional R200 surcharge is applicable.
Weekday Special: Mon-Thurs, excluding holidays and public holidays, less R200 per night.
In Season (16 Dec – 5 Jan): Minimum of a 3 night stay is required.
Check In: Between 2pm and 5pm | Check Out: 10am (unless otherwise arranged).
Facilities
Sleeping Areas:
Indoor / Outdoor Kitchen:
Open Air Shower:
Composting, Waterless Toilet:
Great efforts have been made to make this a cut above the traditional ‘long drop’!
Self-Catering Accommodation, Platbos Forest
Situated nearby to one of Platbos Forest’s most ancient trees - a Wild Olive of over 800 years old - the Old Olive Cabin offers you a wonderful opportunity to retreat for a weekend (or more) of peace and tranquillity in this magical forest.
Old Olive is the perfect “get away” for couples or a small family of four. Like the Forest Camp and Honey Bee Suite, Old Olive is totally off-grid. The cabin is situated right in the forest, and to minimize impacts to this sensitive environment, the cottage is accessed by a short, beautiful walk through the forest.
Rates & Conditions
Please note: A 50% deposit is required to reserve your booking.
Rates per night: R700 for 1-2 guests; R800 for 3 guests; R900 for 4 guests.
Single Night Stays: By arrangement only; an additional R200 surcharge is applicable.
Weekday Special: Mon-Thurs, excluding holidays and public holidays, less R200 per night.
In Season (16 Dec – 5 Jan): Minimum of a 3 night stay is required.
Discount: Available on stays of 5 nights or more.
Check In: Between 2pm and 5pm | Check Out: 10am (unless otherwise arranged).
Guests staying at the Old Olive Cabin may walk the forest trail free of charge.
Facilities: (sleeps a maximum of 4)
Bedroom & Living Areas:
Open Air Shower:
Composting, Waterless Toilet:
Tented Accommodation beneath the canopy of Platbos Forest
We are happy to introduce you to our eco-friendly, off-grid Honey Bee Suite. Offering private, tented accommodation, this forest venue sleeps 2 guests. However, for larger groups, you are welcome to bring along your own extra tents, etc (please see rates for this below). The Honey Bee is exclusive in that guests enjoy the privilege of having this unique and beautiful forest venue all to themselves.
Rates & Conditions
Please note: A 50% deposit is required to reserve your booking.
Rates per night: R700 for up to 2 guests; thereafter R75 per person.
Single Night Stays: By arrangement only; an additional R200 surcharge is applicable.
Weekday Special: Mon-Thurs, excluding holidays and public holidays, less R200 per night.
In Season (16 Dec – 5 Jan): Minimum of a 3 night stay is required.
Check In: Between 2pm and 5pm | Check Out: 10am (unless otherwise arranged).
Guests staying at the Honey Bee Suite may walk the Platbos Forest trail free of charge.
Facilities:
Bedroom:
Indoor/Outdoor Kitchen:
Outdoor Fireplace:
Grid is provided.
Open Air Shower:
Composting, Waterless Toilet:
Great efforts have been made to make this a cut above the traditional ‘long drop’!