Once upon a time in a deep, dark forest not so very far away, LekkeSlaap had some lovely tree-filled stays, and so Red Riding Hood and the woodcutter had a romantic weekend in a granny cottage, Goldilocks was served a delicious meal before retiring to her luxurious bed, and Snow White ended up having a blast with her seven friends during their weekend getaway.

The best part of this story, however, is that you too can have your very own fairy tale forest stay! So into the forest we go …

Known as the ‘Land of the Silver Mist’, Magoebaskloof in Limpopo will take you back to the fairy tale forests of your youth.

The nearby town of Haenertsburg with its antique shops and restaurants, and the abundance of trails and outdoor activities in the area means that this beautiful region offers plenty to do and to see. But if you’d like to be left in peace you’d be happy to know that there are countless hiding places here!

BELLERIVE GUESTHOUSE

For a family gathering or a group of friends, the Bellerive Guesthouse is the way to go. Situated on an estate surrounded by forest, this 10-sleeper house is fully equipped for a self-catering stay. It is perfect for fly-fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers, and, since the whole family is coming along, bring your pets too – they are most welcome here!

PAVETTA COUNTRY HOUSE

Nestled among a pine and indigenous forest at the edge of the Haenertsburg Trout Association’s trophy dam, this beautiful self-catering house is a great pick and comfortably sleeps 8 adults and 2 children. It is the perfect, secluded getaway for a group of friends or a family.

KURISA MOYA

If a lodge is more your speed, Kurisa Moya is what you need. Sleeping between 4 and 10 guests, one of their beautiful units is bound to be just the forest find you’re looking for.

Light a fire outside The Farmhouse and tell ghost stories until the wee hours of the morning, all the while listening to the sounds of the forest.

Or book one of the secluded Forest Log Cabins for a romantic getaway – on stilts! Remember, these units are pet-friendly, so Fido is welcome.

MAGOEBASKLOOF BIRDERS’ COTTAGE

Birders and adventure bathers alike will be pretty pleased with what the secluded Magoebaskloof Birders’ cottages have to offer.

Stay in the 6-sleeper Robin’s Cottage or in the couple’s Trogon Cottage. Each unit is equipped with an indoor fireplace, private outdoor baths offering views of the forest or the mountainside, and are off-the-grid with gas appliances and water heated by a donkey system – you’ll be free as a bird at this quiet forest escape!

BRAMASOLE

If luxury among the trees is what you’re after for your next couple’s getaway, the beautifully appointed self-catering 2-sleeper units at Bramasole are just the thing.

THE STABLES AND THE LOFT @ GLENOGLE FARM

Want to horse around between the trees? Then Glenogle Farm has 2 beautiful units for you to choose from!

The Stables is a luxurious, fully equipped self-catering unit. It sleeps 4 and sports a beautiful spiral staircase up to the second storey and a fireplace 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.    

 Fun to be had in and around the forest…

* Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour
* Kloofing and abseiling at George’s Valley Gorge with Magoebaskloof Adventures
* Debegeni Waterfall
* Hiking, bird-watching and cycling
* Ebenezer Dam Cruises
* Trout, bass and fly-fishing
* Haenertsburg’s antique shops
* Wegraakbosch Organic Dairy and the Zwakala Brewery
* Festivals like the Haenertsburg Food, Wine and Beer Festival and the Magoebaskloof Spring Festival

The Tsitsikamma National Park, if properly explored, packs quite a punch for any nature lover. Apart from the forest, the park also straddles pristine coastline and breathtaking caves to be explored by canoe, not to mention the nearby Bloukrans Bridge bungee site, the world’s highest commercial bungee point!

MISTY MOUNTAIN RESERVE

Flanked by the Indian Ocean on the one side and the Tsitsikamma Mountains and Forest on the other, this lodge offers breathtaking views and nature activities like fishing and cycling. The accommodation, ranging from 2- to 4-sleeper units, has varying degrees of self-catering facilities, but there is a restaurant on the premises and a bar at which to enjoy a nightcap after a long day of foresting.

BLUE HORIZON – ABSOLUTE TSITSIKAMMA

Situated on the breakers with the forest as its backyard, this 8-sleeper self-catering house offers breathtaking ocean views — maybe you’ll even spot some whales or dolphins!

THE FERNERY LODGE & CHALETS

For our discerning forest-bound guests, this 4-star lodge has it all! Relax in the Jacuzzi with a view of the forest and streams, go down to breakfast and take in the spectacular view of the Storms River Mouth or row a boat on the lake enclosed by trees. Need we say honeymoon?

PEAR TREE COTTAGE

Have an environmentally friendly forest-stay in one of these two quaint, secluded 3- to 4-sleeper cottages which are equipped with self-catering facilities. Set in tranquil surroundings near the Storms River Peak, the frogs and birds will serenade you to sleep.

TSITSIKAMMA LODGE

Rustic log cabin meets grand lodge at this beautiful hotel set in the forest and surrounded by the mountains. Each of the 34 cabins have luxurious amenities like a private deck and a spa bath, and delicious meals are served in the restaurant on site.

Fun to be had in and around the forest

* Bloukrans Bungee with Face Adventures
* Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour
* Untouched Adventures‘s kayak and lilo trips up the Storms River Gorge
* Tsitsikamma Wolf Sanctuary
* The Big Tree
* Tsitsikamma suspension bridge
* Hiking (Experienced hikers should try the Otter and Dolphin trail)
* Blackwater tubing
* Storms River Village
* Marilyn’s 60’s Diner
* Bird-watching
* Horseback adventures
* 4×4 trails
* Cycling

With scatterings of indigenous fauna and birds such as the brightly coloured Knysna trogon, the Knysna Forest has been the muse of writers like Dalene Matthee and a favourite haunt for outdoorsy vacationers — with good reason!

FOREST VALLEY COTTAGES

Breathtaking doesn’t even begin to describe the view from these 6 self-catering cottages perched above the trees. Bring the family along to stay in the 4- or 6-sleeper cottage or 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.

CABIN 16 AT PHANTOM RIVER VIEW

This self-catering cottage at the edge of the forest is perfect for a family of 8 or a group of friends looking for a secluded getaway. With all the luxuries and comforts of a home and a sparkling pool overlooking the valley, you won’t want to leave paradise.

CLIFFHANGER COTTAGES

Here’s your answer to that romantic getaway or 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. This beautiful cottage takes romance right up to the edge!

TENIQUA TREETOPS

Fancy a more outdoorsy stay? Then these eco-friendly treehouses situated in the Garden Route National Park will blow you away. Each self-catering treehouse sleeps between 2 and 4 guests. A remarkable time is to be had (on stilts) at Teniqua Treetops!

FOREST EDGE

Situated east of Knysna, these tranquil self-catering cottages can accommodate 4 to 6 guests each and are the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Laze around by the braai or in the hangmat, or don your comfy shoes and meander through the forest. However you choose to relax, this place is a great find for any city-weary nature-lover.

Fun in and around the forest

* Hiking and forest trails
* Featherbed Nature Reserve
* Birds of Eden Sanctuary
* Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary
* Knysna Elephant Park
* A rage of fishing opportunities
* Knysna Oyster Festival
* Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival
* Knysna Heads
* Whale watching in season
* Knysna Waterfront
* Antiquing in Knysna and Sedgefield
* Bir

With its breathtaking waterfalls, expansive green canopy and snow covered forest floor during the winter, it isn’t all that hard to see why it is said that the forest at Hogsback inspired J.R.R. Tolkien to write The Lord of the Rings.

GRANNY MOUSE HOUSE

This charming owner-run guesthouse is nestled in a beautiful, flowery garden in the quieter part of town. Accommodation is offered in 2-sleeper guestrooms which are perfect for travellers and couples looking to find some peace and quiet amongst the trees.

HOGROCK FALLS

The 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. The cottages offer a quaint, cosy option close to the cascading waterfalls in the region and are each suited to a family of 4 or a couple simply looking for romantic forest walks.

Fun to be had in and around the forest

* Hiking and cycling in the forest
* The 39 Steps, Kettlespout and Madonna and Child Falls
* Hogsback Farmers Market
* Hogsback labyrinth
* Snow during winter
* The Bath at the End of the World
* Shire Wild Bulb Nursery
* Hogsback Festival of Trees

So take the time to breakaway to your very own fairy tale at one of these beautiful South African forest and live happily ever after.

Main image: Cliffhanger Cottages (LekkeSlaap)