By now the deliciously long summer holiday is a fading memory as 2013 speeds full tilt into her second quarter and turns her face toward winter. If you’re looking to retreat from the frenetic pace of life, the Platbos indigineous forest in Gansbaai is the perfect place to get away and recharge your batteries.
Situated between Gansbaai and Stanford (read: 12 things to do in Stanford), the verdant Uilkraal Vallei is likely to take you by surprise – surrounded by acres of fynbos, a dusty dirt road snakes along sluggishly until suddenly you’re looking down on a majestic expanse of lush vegetation. The first time I came reached this crescent, the view took my breath away and elicited an involuntary (but entirely joyous) “Oh!” It is that beautiful.
Along this same road is a veritable treasure chest of Overberg gems: the luxurious Grootbos; the zen pearl of Bodhi Khaya; Farm 213 to name a few. And almost hidden from view is Africa’s southernmost indigenous ‘flat’ forest, Platbos.
In the last few years, I’ve developed an appetite for ‘the simple life’. Consider if you will that eight years ago I was a workaholic living in The Big Apple. A stroke sent me back home and since then my focus shifted towards finding a healthy balance in life. This effectively meant de-cluttering my life and establishing a stronger connection with nature. Testimony to this is my last home’s indoor composting toilet (read: long drop) in Scarborough (you can imagine how radically this decreases the number of willing guests) and current home, a cottage on a farm, off the grid in the middle of nowhere. Where I fell in love with a local oak. But that is another story …
I’ve developed a grand scale obsession with trees – it started young starting, as a tomboy growing up in Underberg. There’s something magical about these wise, peaceful organisms which inspires a sense of tranquility and wonder. And if you want to experience the sheer joy of simplicity and childlike awe, go spend a weekend in this unique wood.
As soon as you arrive, navigating the sandy road of an old dune, time rewinds and you find yourself transported back to a gentler era. Branches and lichen hang over the road, little paths meander through the dappled light and delightful birdsong punctuates the vibrant silence. While there’s a multiplicity of magnificent sentinels in this distinctive ‘sandwoud’, perhaps my favourite is the ancient Milkwood where Melissa Saayman Krige, horticulturist, conservationist and forest guardian, holds meditations, meetings and tree essence workshops. This tree exudes a maternal sense of calm and comfort, her split trunk split serving only to extend the reach of her gentle canopy. Simply sitting here, for a few moments of quiet contemplation is like an elixir for the tired soul. Pack a picnic, bring a book to read or simply doze off for a delicious afternoon nap. For those who like walking meditations, there’s a beautiful shell labyrinth to spiral through and the entire forest, can be circumnavigated in about 2 hours. Take your time to soak up and savour the beauty of this enchanted emerald biosphere.
While a day trip is wonderful, a weekend is better. All accommodation is simple, self catering and ‘off grid’ so if you want a ‘green’ holiday that’s as good for you as it is for the environment, Platbos is it. If you are on your own, and want to retreat for a couple of days, Olive Cottage is snuggled in a private wooded enclave, a two minute stroll from the ‘road’. Old world novelties include: a wheelbarrow to transport luggage from the car, an outside shower with hot water Donkey Boiler and waterless, composting toilet. I spent a night in this lovely cottage but could easily have stayed a week – it’s an ideal spot for an artist who wants ‘time out’ to focus on their craft. The shower is divine and positively inspirational!
If you have a larger group or want a memorable birthday celebration with friends you can book out the Forest Camp and enjoy a tented safari under the stars. As there is no power, you have the perfect excuse to unplug your laptop, switch off your phone and focus on simply being present with the inherent beauty of nature. It also means you get to use some of the really clever camping gear you bought at the last Getaway Show, practice your guitar under the Milky Way or find ingenious ways of solving problems. No fridge? Buy a Woolworth’s freezer bag and throw in a frozen ice bring or two and store in the shade of a tree. You can trek into Stanford on Saturday morning to source local produce or head over to Gansbaai for fresh fish. Brilliant for body and soul!
Shell Labyrinth
The enchanted ‘bos’
Leafy umbrella in Platbos
Forest shower
Open air bathroom at Platbos
Overberg jaguar
Canopies of light
Plant some trees at Platbos
An ancient Chinese proverb which states: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is now.” Here’s your ‘now‘.
If you really want to make 2013 a great ‘green’ year of heightened environmental consciousness, consider planting a tree. Better yet, if you’re looking for a feel good musical festival with a difference, be sure to book your ticket for this year’s Greenpop Reforest Fest. The tree-planting fesitval takes place over two weekends: 10 – 12 May 10 – 12 is family-centric tree planting fun and the following weekend 17 – 19 May is dedicated to planting and dancing to live music. For more info and updates join the Facebook event.
For bookings or queries, please call 082-4110-488 or email [email protected] or visit their website www.platbos.co.za
Looking for accomodation in the Overberg? Check out Getaway Accomodation.
