Platbos Forest Walks

Discover for yourself this unique, relic forest with specimen trees estimated to be well over 1000 years of age. This gentle, undemanding walk takes between one to two and a half hours to complete. Sit on the benches situated along the forest trail and absorb the scents of tree blossoms, earth, mosses and leaves. A "Forest Information Sheet" supplies a wealth of knowledge about the forest ecosystem. Trees are labeled along the way to help you to get to know them. Look out for bushbuck grazing in the cool depths and enjoy the sight and sound of birds flitting between the ancient trees.

If you are in the mood for quiet contemplation and meditation, walk the forest's beautiful labyrinth made from mother-of-pearl sea shells.

Platbos Forest is the perfect oasis from harsh coastal winds and summer sun. This is not an arduous hike - gentle gradients make it an easy trail for young and old alike to enjoy.

This is a privately owned forest and the number of walkers at any one time is limited to minimize impact on the forest's ecosystem.

Reservations are essential to avoid disappointment.

Visitor Comments:

"We enjoyed our very interesting walk through your magical forest. We also enjoyed the labyrinth. We wish you much success in preserving this lovely spot." - Susanne and Elf, Switzerland

"A refreshing difference; hauntingly beautiful" -Tracy, Bill and David, Canada

"Kom weer! Platbos is 'n sielsbos!" - Esme, South Africa

"A spiritual experience, one which we have taken with us. Thank you." - Wallace family, Dubai

"Dankie dat julle die bos bewaar - dis GOED dat dit nog hier is!" - Du Toit family, South Africa

"Amazing! We saw a bosbok - what a privilege. Other than that, thank you for offering this heaven of forest for the city dwellers to enjoy" -Andre and Annette Delport, SA

"What a blessing for nature in South Africa. Well done in creating opportunity for us to enjoy. Awesome and Divine. Beautiful/Motle haholo/Pragtig/Sehon" - Johan and Carien Delport, SA

"An amazing experience to walk in this unique forest, the old trees are real personalities." - Lars Hugo and Kristin Bakri, Sweden

"Thank you for sharing this absolute gem with us." - Haug family, Cape Town, SA

"What a wonderful forest. It brought back memories of favourite childhood stories. 'The Enchanted Wood' by Enid Blyton - read it to your children! Thank you!" - Julia Dobson and Pier Rica, U.K.

"A truley magical experience and so interesting. Thank you for the opportunity to visit this wonderful forest. You are doing a wonderful job towards sustaining this planet." - Chris and Jackie Wesley, England

"This is a very inspired place. The forest is fascinating and the human habitation shows courage and creativity." - Susan and Paul Fleischman, USA

"Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful land. We appreciate the direction you are taking in educating us and developing programs to enhance our reconnecting with nature and the forest." - Linda and Richard Steyn, Canada

"Most well laid out walking route, wonderfully enjoyable with all deference to ecology. More identification boards would be most welcome - we need educating" - Wednesday Walking Group, Hermanus, SA