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Phantom Forest

A privately owned eco-lodge in a reserve on the Knysna River.  Built using only sustainable materials, this beautiful forest retreat has been hand crafted to blend with it's surroundings with thatched and shingled roofs tops and boardwalks with fresh water pools.

The nature reserve is 137 ha in size and was opened in 1998.  If offers a variety of indigenous forest species trees and plants, Cape Coastal Fynbos and Estuarine Wetland which supports about 120 bird species, bushbuck, blue duiker, grysbok, bushpig and other smaller mammals.

The 14 'tree suites' are a blend of hand crafted fittings and african arts with forest bathrooms and trees popping through the buildings.  Each suite has a sitting room, bedroom, deck and en-suites with a stunning forest bathroom.

There are some Moroccan style suites too.  The Chutzpah offers Moroccan style dining with huge floor cushions and fabrics offering a huge area to lounge, enjoy cocktails, dates and turkish delights!  Fantastic food is served here, indoors or by the pool.

One of the main attractions of this lodge is the 'Body Boma' which is a stress release centre on the forest edge with great views over the Knysna lagoon and river estuary.  A lovely place to indulge in relaxing, healing treatments and massages and soothe aches and pains.  Treatments are 1 hour long except the Mineral Mantle, Amandla and Forest Fusion which are 1.5 hours.  You pay direct for treaments and must book in advance.  The wellness centre is operated by a qualified medical practitioner who is also a qualified homeopath. There is a bubble barrel and sauna and there are two swimming pools (both cold water), the bottom pool getting morning sun and top pool sun throughout the day.

There are 3 double canoes on the river and you can go out, with towels and life jackets provided, picnics can be requested.  Mostly guests go out for 1- 3 hours.  

 

Highlights

  • Eco-Reserve
  • Many bird species and unusual small mammals
  • Easy reach of many garden route attractions
  • Luxurious but environmentally sensitive accommodation

Viewpoints

Situation

In a nature reserve on a river, near town of Knysna on South Africa's 'Garden Route'.

Activities

Body boma (treatments and wellness centre), canoeing, bubble barrel and sauna, forest walks, mountain bikes, swimming pools.

Facilities

14 luxury tree suites, healing treatments and massages, Moroccan style dining area, 2 pools.

Child policy

Children over 12 are welcome.

Open

Open all year.

Meals

Dinner needs to be pre-booked and lunches and dinners can be paid for at the lodge. Picnic can be requested.

Included

Bed and Breakfast, use of canoes, forest walks.

Shop at Tribes Trading

The Global Art of Ethical Living

The Tribes Foundation

Our charity aims to relieve the poverty of indigenous communities outside of the UK.

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