Platbos Indigenous Forest

Cape Town & Western Cape Tourist Attractions

Platbos Indigenous Forest

Platbos Indigenous Forest
Platbos Indigenous Forest

Just off the coast of Gansbaai you will find Africa's southernmost forest. Platbos is an ancient, indigenous forest that lies on the slopes of the Baviaanspoort Hills on the Grootbos Road just outside Stanford, the largest remaining fragment of the orginal Swartkransberg Forests - lowland forests of the fynbos biome.

Platbos, as its name suggests, is the name for a flat forest or bush, which perfectly describes the approach to the forest along the road, where it appears to be simply bush. That it is actually a forest is something of a surprise, and to find that it is a forest made up predominantly of wild olive, white pear and white stinkwood trees is nothing short of incredible. What makes Platbos Indigenous Forest unique is that one wouldn't expect to find it where it is. Most forests retreat into moister mountain ravines and riverbanks. Platbos Forest, by comparison, is found in deep, sandy, alkaline soil on north-facing terrain – where the rainfall is generally not deemed sufficient to support a forest. Despite this, the trees flourish, so much so that some of them are over 1000 years old.

Platbos Indigenous Forest
1000 year old Milkwood Tree
Its species too are unique – it doesn't easily fit into any existing forest category. Whilst there are attributes of the Afromontane forest, you won't find yellowoods, black stinkwoods, rooiels and other thirstier trees. Instead all the coastal thicket species are visible, and it has been compared to Tongaland-Pondoland forests of KwaZulu-Natal.

Visit Platbos Forest by appointment to enjoy the gentle walks that take an hour or two to complete. In the heart of the forest you'll find a 1000 year old milkwood, and a labyrinth made of mother-of-pearl sea shells, often in disarray as the baboons like to re-arrange the design. Platbos also has a tree planting programme to which you can contribute.

Address & Contact Details:
Platbos Forest is situated in the Baviaanspoort Hills on the Grootbos Road between Stanford and Gansbaai. The forest is just 40 minutes from Hermanus, South Africa´s whale-watching capital. Visitors are asked to please phone ahead to make a booking. Exact directions to the forest will be given to you on booking.
Enquiries / Workshop bookings Tel: +27 (0)82 411-0448

Platbos Indigenous Forest

Accommodation nearby

For accommodation nearby see:
• Stanford Accommodation
• Gansbaai Accommodation
• De Kelders Accommodation

Or to see all accommodation in this region, visit Cape Overberg Accommodation.

View Western Cape Destinations

Visiting Swellendam?
Also see Things To Do in Cape Winelands or check out Things To Do in Western Cape to view activities by category, including watersports, sightseeing activities, arts & crafts and many, many more.

South Africa is one of the most diverse and enchanting countries in the world. With eight world heritage sites, a multitude of game reserves and national parks, over 1350 ha of national botanical gardens, and exotic combinations of landscapes, people, history and culture, South Africa offers the traveller a unique and inspiring experience. Enjoy your stay in Sun City!.
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