There is something magical about spending time in a forest and we can’t think of a better place to escape the crowds and reconnect with nature for a couple of days. Shut down completely in the quiet between the towering trees, breathe in fresh air and enjoy adventurous activities in some of the most beautiful areas in the country. LekkeSlaap rounded up fascinating forest stays for you to go and explore, so get your binoculars and hiking boots ready for an adventure.
Bellerive Guesthouse
Magoebaskloof
For a family gathering or a group of friends, the Bellerive Guesthouse is the way to go. Situated on an estate surrounded by indigenous forest, this ten-sleeper house is fully equipped for a self-catering stay. It is perfect for fly-fishing enthusiasts, hikers, mountain bikers and nature lovers, and, since the whole family is coming along, bring your pets too – they are most welcome here!
Pavetta Country House
Magoebaskloof
Nestled among a pine and indigenous forest at the edge of the Haenertsburg Trout Association’s trophy dam, this beautiful farm is a great pick! It boasts two self-catering houses with prime locations on the water’s edge and in the forest. Water’s Edge House comfortably sleeps eight adults and two children and Forest House can accommodate ten guests. It is the perfect secluded getaway for a group of friends or a family who enjoys fishing.
The Stables and Loft @ Glenogle Farm
Magoebaskloof
Want to horse around between the trees? Then Glenogle Farm has two beautiful units for you to choose from! The Stables is a luxurious, fully-equipped self-catering unit. It sleeps four and sports a beautiful spiral staircase up to the second storey and a fireplace for when you’d like to keep the winter chill at bay. The Loft is ideal for a romantic weekend and is situated just down the boardwalk, showcasing views of the lake and the forest, as well as self-catering facilities and a similarly cosy fireplace.
Sequoia Garden Retreat
Haenertsburg
Named after the dawn redwoods (Metasequoia Glyptostroboides) grown on the premises, this retreat is any nature lovers’ dream! You can choose between two beautiful self-catering cottages for four in wild and formal gardens that look like something out of a fairytale. The cosy Croft Cottage is a converted farm building with loads of character and the Meadow Cottage overlooks the dam. Fishing enthusiasts can catch trout or bass in the dams on the premises or you can simply sit back and enjoy a picnic in the stunning scenery.
Magoebaskloof Mountain Estate
Magoebaskloof
Situated between the Lowveld towns of Tzaneen and Haenertsburg, this estate boasts backpacker cabins with communal facilities and self-catering units where you can experience an unforgettable getaway. Spoiled with stunning scenery and woodlands around you, you can enjoy relaxing treatments on the tranquil premises and visit the farm stall across the road for a delicious meal.
Brambleberry
Nottingham Road
In the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands lie wooden cabins far from the crowds. This forest escape is a nature lovers’ paradise with a large dam, pine trees, rich birdlife and incomparable silence. There are cabins for four to sixteen guests, making this the ideal place for a relaxing family get-together. Explore the beautiful walking and mountain-biking trails on the farm and in the area, or head on over to the historical village Nottingham Road.
Misty Mountain Reserve
Storms River
Flanked by the Indian Ocean on the one side and the Tsitsikamma Mountains and Forest on the other, this four-star lodge offers breathtaking views and nature activities like fishing and cycling. The accommodation, ranging from lodges, tented units and the popular dome, has varying degrees of self-catering facilities, but there is a restaurant and a bar on the premises at which to enjoy a nightcap after a long day of exploring the forest.
Hogrock Falls
Hogsback
These two eclectic log cottages at Hogrock Falls offer excellent views of the forest from the curved deck. Equipped for self-catering, the units can be booked separately or together and are situated close enough for a group getaway. The cottages offer a quaint, cosy option close to the cascading waterfalls in the region and are each suited to a family of four or a couple simply looking for romantic forest walks. Each cottage also boasts a pathway to the waterfalls and wild-forested walks so you can easily explore the area.
Laragh-on-Hogsback
Hogsback
Situated high up in the Amathola Mountains, Laragh-on-Hogsback is the ideal getaway if you want to enjoy a slow-paced life in the beauty of nature. There are three four-sleeper chalets tucked between a variety of trees and each chalet has a deck where you can sit back, take in the sounds of the forest and listen to birdsong. This mountain forest also has several waterfalls for you to explore on your walks in this spectacular area.
Forest Valley Cottages
Knysna
Breathtaking doesn’t even begin to describe the view from these eight self-catering cottages perched above the trees in Knysna. Whisk the special person in your life away to one of the couples’ cottages sporting views of the forest below from the comfort of a luxurious bathtub. The four-sleeper unit has its own Jacuzzi on the deck with beautiful views and a braai area if you are a larger group. Enjoy hikes in the forest, cool off in the swimming pool or get that blood pumping with the mountain-biking trails in the area.
Cliffhanger Cottages
Knysna
Here’s your answer to that romantic getaway or secluded honeymoon you’ve been planning: a self-catering wooden chalet, built on the edge of a cliff overlooking the forested valley and tree-covered mountains near Knysna. There are two chalets to choose from and you can even enjoy the jaw-dropping view from the shower. Previous guests are raving about the views and can’t wait to return to this spot!
Teniqua Treetops
Sedgefield
Fancy a more outdoorsy stay? Then these eco-friendly treehouses near Sedgefield will blow you away. The self-catering treehouses sleep between two and four guests each and the two-sleeper units are ideal for a romantic honeymoon or getaway. Each treehouse has a braai on the private deck from where you can enjoy the spectacular view and immerse yourself in the charm of this unique place!
Forest Edge
Knysna
Situated east of Knysna at the end of the indigenous forest, these tranquil self-catering cottages can accommodate four guests each and are the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Laze around by the braai or in the hammock, or don your comfy shoes and meander through the forest while exploring the rock pools and making the most of the picnic spots. However you choose to relax, this place is a great find for any city-weary nature lover.
Trogon House and Forest Spa
The Crags
Completely surrounded by a forest reserve, Trogon House and Forest Spa boasts elegant suites suspended in the treetops, which means you have views of the forest in every direction. These suites for two are ideal for a honeymoon or a romantic getaway on the Garden Route. There is a spa on the premises, so you can spoil your other half with a relaxing treatment in the most beautiful surroundings.
Woodcutters Forest Cottages
Rheenendal
Woodcutters Forest Cottages offers lovely self-catering cottages for two to four guests in a beautifully-designed garden at the edge of the Knysna Forest. The peaceful space was carefully designed by the owners showcasing their love for plants and art. Each cottage has a cosy atmosphere with a fireplace and you can admire a view of the indigenous forest and lush garden from the private patio. And, if you’re feeling well-rested, there are hiking and cycling trails to explore through the forest nearby.
We know that you are ready for a relaxing stay at one of these forest escapes, so don’t delay – book your well-deserved getaway today!
Feature image: Brambleberry (LekkeSlaap.co.za)
