Platbos Forest: Old Olive Cabin

Nestled on the slopes of the Baviaanspoort Hills, Platbos Forest is one of South Africa’s few surviving indigenous forests. Amidst the ancient trees are three tranquil accommodation options – the tented Honey Bee Suite (sleeps two), the cabin-style Bush Buck Suite (also sleeps two), and the cosy Old Olive Cabin (sleeps three), which is named after a nearby Wild Olive tree that’s more than 800 years old! There’s a private wood-fired hot tub in both the Honey Bee Suite and the Old Olive Cabin, while all units boast a fully equipped kitchen, a fireplace (either indoor or outdoor) and gas for cooking.

Good to know
Bring your own drinking water (the units use mountain river water, which is untreated), as well as extra torches and firelighters for the campfire and hot tub.

THE LODGINGS

Bedrooms + bathrooms

• 1 bedroom (double bed), plus a 3/4 sleeper couch in the sitting room
• 1 bathroom with an open-air shower (hot water fuelled by the old-fashioned Donkey Boiler)
• Composting toilet
• Bathroom amenities

Indoor + outdoor living

• Open-plan kitchen and sitting room
• Indoor fireplace
• Solar-powered lights
• Fully equipped kitchen with a minibar fridge
• Double gas plate for cooking
• Wood-fired hot tub
• Braai facilities
• Open-air shower

THINGS TO DO

On the property

• Walk the Forest Trail
• Bird-watching
• Animal-spotting
• Forest-bathing
• Lounging in the hot tub
• Visit the Forest Tree Nursery (by prior arrangement only)

In the area

• Explore the nearby towns of Gansbaai and Hermanus
• Seasonal whale-watching in Walker Bay
• Various walks
• Horse-riding
• Shark cage diving
• Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary