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Platbos Forest stands as one of the scarce remaining indigenous forests in South Africa. Tucked away on the slopes of the Baviaanspoort Hills, Platbos Forest is a true nature-lovers retreat, and graces the landscape along Grootbos Road situated between the fishing village of Gansbaai and the coastal town of Hermanus in the Western Cape Province.
Set beneath a fine old white stinkwood tree, the eco-friendly, off-grid Owl Camp offers a secluded and truly unique experience for camping enthusiasts. This is the only camping stand at Platbos, and the facilities are for the exclusive use of those booking the site. Being a small stand, tucked in under a sheltering but low-growing forest, this camp is perfect for a couple or a group of four.
Located in a captivating setting in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, Platbos Forest offers an array of attractions, including the Platbos Forest Trail and the enchanting Forest Labyrinth. Positioned just 15 kilometres from the coast, the area boasts stunning long beaches ideal for leisurely walks or invigorating swims. The De Kelders coastline is renowned for exceptional whale-watching experiences.
Various companies provide horse-riding excursions for those seeking adventure in the picturesque mountains surrounding Platbos. Wine enthusiasts can indulge in tastings at Lomond, while the Klipspringer Mountain Bike Trail, featuring four distinct routes, offers a thrilling cycling experience, with all paths starting and finishing at Lomond Wine Estate. The diverse offerings in the vicinity make Platbos Forest an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
F. Hoffman
Stayed at: Platbos Forest Campsite
We stayed for 2 nights with the family in the campsite. Lovely and magical experience. Also recommended to people who do not camp regularly as it offers everything you need and more
O. Dyers
Stayed at: Platbos Forest Campsite
Wow, this place exudes tranquility and peacefulness. If you don't mind being completely off the grid, rustic and surrounded by a forest creatures, then this is the place to be. We had an awesome time and didn't see a soul over the 3 days we were camping.
Grootbos Gravel Road, Uilkraal Valley, 7220
How to get there: Directions and all relevant information will be emailed to you once your payment has been received.
Thank you for choosing our ecofriendly, offgrid accommodation for your nature getaway! Platbos Forest Reserve is a private nature reserve and although only a two hour drive from Cape Town offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself into the heart of this wild yet gentle indigenous forest. It is indeed a privilege to overnight in the forest: after Grootvadersbosch outside Swellendam, Platbos is the largest remaining fragment of lowland Afromontane forest found between Knysna and Table Mountain: less than 0.05% of the Western Cape is home to old growth forest.
Our accommodation units are set within the boundaries of the Reserve and as such have been designed to cause as little disturbance to the forest environment as possible. Honey bees and rain spiders coexist in the Reserve alongside wood peckers, owls and bushbuck for example. Having said that, none of our guests have been harmed by the wildlife, and the Founders of the Reserve have lived in the forest since 2005 without any mishaps. However, should the idea of being so close to nature worry you, Platbos may not be the right place for you. If on the other hand, a retreat into a pristine forest that offers pure clean air, starstudded skies and the company of ageold trees fills you with enthusiasm please do confirm your booking we would love to have you! As evidenced by our Certificates of Excellence from Trip Adviser since 2018, you will not be disappointed! 5% of your accommodation fee goes directly to the Platbos Conservation Trust whose task it is to conserve and protect this ancient forest: thank you!