Welcome to Platbos

Platbos is an ancient indigenous forest situated at the foot of Africa. Described by botanist and author, Professor Eugene Moll, as a "unique South African forest jewel", this is a forest that enchants and inspires all who come to visit. Read more

Help us to protect and restore Platbos Forest

Platbos, a relic forest with trees of over 1000 years of age, is vulnerable to runaway fires. Indigenous forests are rare and endangered ecosystems covering less than 0.05% of the Western Cape. The Trees for Tomorrow Reforestation Project was con- ceived in the wake of the devastating fires of 2006.
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Plant a Tree: Grow a Forest

When you make a donation to plant a tree at Platbos, you are helping to conserve and extend the biodiversity of the forest. For when you plant a tree at Platbos, you are sponsoring a square metre of forest canopy and the myriad of life forms that this supports - from mosses, lichens, birds and bees, to bushbuck and honey badgers. Whether it's planting a tree in honour of someone special, or sponsoring tree planting to minimize your ecological footprint, your participation in the Trees for Tomorrow Reforestation Project is what enables us to realize our goal in conserving and rehabilitating this unique forest.

We thank the following people for sponsoring trees recently at
Platbos Forest in our Trees for Tomorrow Reforestation project.

As of July 2019, 67 228 trees have been planted.

See the full list of Reforestation Project tree sponsors

African Tree Essences

If, like many of the visitors to Platbos, you are inspired by the gentle yet vibrant energy of the forest, you might like to purchase a set of the African Tree Essences.

Made from the tree flowers, clear spring water and the African sun, they hold the unique vibrational blueprint of the 13 major tree species of the forest.

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Visit Platbos Forest

Come and discover this unique forest biome for your self. The forest trail is enjoyed by tree and bird enthusiasts, and the gentle terrain and sheltering canopy make it a suitable destination for young and old alike. Bring along a picnic or contemplate the peace of Platbos at the forest's beautiful labyrinth.
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Tree Nursery

Our nursery is now growing Platbos tree species exclusively for our Reforestation Project and is thus unfortunately closed to both the public and wholesale nurseries.

Our project’s slogan “Plant a Tree – Grow a Forest” captures the essence of this project for when one sponsors a tree at Platbos one is really sponsoring a square metre of forest canopy and the myriad of life forms that this supports - from mosses, lichens, birds and bees, to bushbuck and honey badgers.

We hope to welcome you soon in person!

Only a two hour drive from Cape Town yet light years away from the 'maddening crowd', Platbos, unusual forest gem that it is, will win a special place in your heart.

Platbos Forest Accommodation

Forest Camp: Eco-friendly and "off-grid" private, tented accommodation, this forest venue sleeps up to 4 guests. For larger groups, you are welcome to bring along your own extra tents etc.
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The Old Olive Cabin
Situated nearby to one of Platbos Forest's most ancient trees - a Wild Olive of over 800 years old - offers you a wonderful opportunity to retreat for a weekend (or more) of peace and tranquillity in this magical forest.
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Honey Bee Suite: Eco-friendly and off-grid, offering private, tented accommo- dation, this forest venue sleeps 2 guests. Guests enjoy the privilege of having this unique and beautiful forest venue all to themselves.
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Bush Buck Suite: Eco-friendly and off-grid private accommo- dation, this forest venue sleeps 2 guests. Exclusive in that guests enjoy the privilege of having this unique and beautiful forest venue all to themselves.
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Owl Camp:
Set beneath a majestic white stinkwood tree and surrounded by forest. Secluded and truly unique experience for camping enthusiasts. Facilities are for the exclusive use of those booking the site.
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Platbos Forest is an "off-the-grid" enterprise. The majority of nursery, office and household activities are powered by renewable energy sources. All waste is recycled and composted where possible and the tree nursery runs according to organic growing principles.