Platbos Forest Camp
Grootbos Road, Overstrand 7220 South Africa
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#1 of 2 campsites in Gansbaai
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Platbos, a private forest reserve, offers rustic, off-grid accommodation for eco-tourists and nature lovers: this is 'glamping' at its finest! Set beneath the canopy of this ancient forest, each unit is private and exclusive. The accommodation is self-catering; bedding and linen provided, fully-equipped kitchen units. The perfect get-away to restore the soul and re-connect to nature.
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Free parking
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Location
Grootbos Road, Overstrand 7220 South Africa
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What an experience! If you're looking for peace, quietness and tranquility, then a magical adventure at the Old Olive Cabin is the place to be. At Platbos, the forest has different hiking trials that take you on incredible journeys. I cannot wait to go back to the mystical land of the Platbos Forest!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: September 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Melissa Krige, General Manager at Platbos Forest Camp
Responded 09 Oct 2023
What a magical review on our Old Olive Cabin and the forest itself - thank you so much - it made our day :)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A magical forest experience. Pristine forest. Vibrant birdlife. Comfortable camping. Peace and quiet. A labyrinth. This worthy reforestation project also revitalises body and soul. Will definitely return.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Melissa Krige, General Manager at Platbos Forest Camp
Responded 06 Sept 2023
Thank you so much for this 5 star review - it really fills our hearts to hear of your appreciation for this most wonderful forest, our conservation work here and that you enjoyed your stay in our accommodation :) - we look forward to your return!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This was a great experience to be a part of. Seeing reforestation in progress was unique and learning about the importance of saving our indigenous forests coupled with a tranquil get away not far from home, relaxing off the grid is something that is few and far between nowadays. We stayed in the Old Olive cabin and will definitely be back to try out the camping and other amenities in the near future. Saving a forest is a noble thing to do, so thank you Platbos!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: May 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Melissa Krige, General Manager at Platbos Forest Camp
Responded 09 Oct 2023
Thank you so much! So good to hear too the appreciation of our conservation and reforestation work here at Platbos!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Loved every second of our stay in Platbos Forest. This magical reserve is a very special place We were mesmerised by the trees, moss, tree bears, mushrooms and wildlife. Cannot recommend a stay here enough!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: May 2023
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Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Melissa Krige, General Manager at Platbos Forest Camp
Responded 10 May 2023
Thank you so very much for this delightful review of your stay with us at Platbos - we appreciate it enormously :)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We loved our stay, in Bushbuck Suite. being at peace in the forest under the ancient Stinkwood Tree. The forest paths are well marked, with wonderful birds, and beautiful bird-call. It is a truly unique experience! Only suggestion is perhaps a new mattress as we found it a little too soft.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Melissa Krige, General Manager at Platbos Forest Camp
Responded 18 Apr 2023
Many thanks for this sterling review of our Bush Buck Suite and your stay in our beautiful forest reserve! Thank you too for the heads-up on the mattress. House-keeping will do a quality check.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My girlfriend and I went for a 2 day camping at Platbos Owl camp where I proposed to her. We had an amazing time in the bush where we enjoyed the nature in a complete relaxed environment. I would recommend Platbos to anyone who wants to break away from a busy and rushed lifestyle. We felt completely safe and completely relaxed.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2023
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Melissa Krige, General Manager at Platbos Forest Camp
Responded 21 Mar 2023
Thank you so much for this lovely review of our Owl Camp, and congratulations from all at Platbos on your engagement!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Awesome Campsite, which is small enough to not intrude into the natural surroundings. We had a wonderful two night stay...the walks are beautiful and informative...the campsite is serene and private. Thank you for being such wonderful custodians of the forest.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Melissa Krige, General Manager at Platbos Forest Camp
Responded 24 Feb 2023
Thank you so much for this wonderful review of our Owl Camp, the Forest Trail and our conservation work here in the forest - it is hugely appreciated :)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Platbos Nature Reserve is an inspiration. Walking around the well signed routes in the reserve is a spiritual experience. Sitting next to a milkwood tree that is over 1 000 years old is deeply moving. The accommodation is simple but functional. We never saw anyone else for the whole weekend. It is very relaxing. Thank you Platbos for a wonderful weekend away.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Melissa Krige, General Manager at Platbos Forest Camp
Responded 05 Feb 2023
Thank you so much for this beautiful review - it was a joy to read :)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I'll keep this brief and honest. The whole setup at the honeybee is lovely and intimate for couples. The place is clean and rustic. The hot tub is magical (use the candles). I want to speak about what i don't like. The composite toilet took awhile to get use to but that wasn't the issue. The issue is the location of the bathroom. Right by the only road. In sight of the freezer hut. Ah yes the freezer hut, the building that has it all. A fridge, bags of wood and USB charging. The most annoying part of the whole stay at the Honeybee. Early stages of the morning or late at night. Other guests from the other locations slamming that wooden door or being loud. Worst is when you're on the composite toilet and all you can hear are people discussing whether they are going to leave money for wood or not. Besides that i cannot fault this place. I will stay for a week on my next visit. Perhaps during the off season.…
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Melissa Krige, General Manager at Platbos Forest Camp
Responded 18 Jan 2023
Thank you very much for your terrific review of our Honey Bee Suite and also for sharing a noise issue that we were not aware of. We are going to put up a sign at the Freezer Hut so other guests can know to keep their noise level down to a minimum in order not to disturb guests staying at the Honey Bee and Forest Camp - other guests may be unaware of the existence of Honey Bee for example as its location is screened by the forest trees. Also the issue of the slamming door (there is a hook to keep it latched and open but this is easily missed and then the door will close loudly on its own which is annoying). I must address / correct a few points made in your review here so future guests do not get the wrong impression about the layout / privacy of the Honey Bee facilities. Our bathroom facilities (shower and washbasin) are located separately from the composting loo. The shower is set beneath the forest canopy and well away (and anyway screened) from the firebreak/freezer hut/ 'road'. The Honey Bee's private composting loo is set on the edge of the forest canopy/firebreak because it works on a system that needs sunshine and heat to speed up the composting process. It is about 10 metres from the Freezer Hut and nobody can see you unless they were to creep up and peep over the screening walls. We will however put up a sign to alert potentially nosey guests that it is a private loo for our Honey Bee guests. The 'only road' mentioned above passes the Freezer hut and gives access to Honey Bee parking and then shortly thereafter, parking for our Bush Buck Guests. Nobody else has any need to use this gravel track other than our staff when they need to clean the units or drop off donkey boiler wood in preparation for new guests arriving. The Freezer Hut is located where it is so it is convenient for Forest Camp, Honey Bee and Bush Buck guests. It also needs to be on the edge of the forest canopy / firebreak as our solar system there needs sun for the solar panels. We do appreciate your feedback and will be addressing this noise problem which we were until now unaware of - thank you and looking forward to your future stay with us :)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Just peacefull and amazing. Kids can roam free, quiet, just what we needed. The new part of the forest that we helped planted 3/4 years ago is coming on nicely. Wish we could have more forest in our own daily areas!!!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Melissa Krige, General Manager at Platbos Forest Camp
Responded 28 Nov 2022
Thank you for this wonderful review! We are so happy to hear that you also explored our reforestation areas that you and your family helped plant during the reforest festivals with Greenpop in years past... once clogged with alien trees, the forest and its biodiversity are thriving there again - thank you for being part of this important work!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LOCATION
South AfricaWestern CapeOverberg DistrictOverstrandGansbaai
NUMBER OF ROOMS
5
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Frequently Asked Questions about Platbos Forest Camp
Which popular attractions are close to Platbos Forest Camp?
Nearby attractions include Klipgat Caves (7.0 km), Owl's Pub (5.4 km), and Strandveld Museum (7.0 km).
What are some restaurants close to Platbos Forest Camp?
Conveniently located restaurants include Benguela Restaurant De Kelders, Coffee on the Rocks, and Kuslangs Pub & Restaurant.