Classic Tree Suites

Our 6 Classic Tree Suites are a magical celebration of African textures. Named after indigenous trees (such as Monkey Plum and Turkey Berry), these elevated tree-suites comprise an entrance area, bedroom & sitting room, stunning end-glass gable, sensuous bathroom with glass roof over double-ended bath, twin basins, separate shower room with bidet & loo and relaxing deck.

Natural fabrics in subtle creams, earth tones & black, echo the Xhosa style.

All suites enjoy views over the Knysna Lagoon or forest.

The serenely indulgent Classic Tree Suites have been created in harmonious balance with nature, and are the ultimate expression of privacy and exclusivity.

Upper Tree Camp

The 4 Upper Tree Camp Suites, a magical celebration of natural fabrics, are intimate and romantic. These suites are the perfect honeymoon hideaway.

Count the stars together in the jetted outdoor bath on your private deck, or cosy up on the indoor daybed with a glass of wine. Arum, Erica, Strelizia and Watsonia are named after species in our Fynbos Floral Kingdom.

Bathe in luxury to the symphony of birdsong or the quiet contemplation of the African sky.

Moroccan Tree Suites

Our Moroccan Tree Suites are in synergy with our theme of ‘Touch and Taste Africa’. These fabulous suites are decorated with a distinctly North African feel, from the sensuous touch of silk and velvet, to the visual beauty of mosaic and handcrafted lamps.

The mood of a most fascinating part of Africa has been created.

“Around us was silence where only the winds played,
and cleanness infinitely remote from the world of man”
Wilfred Thesiger

Emphasis is placed on the use of sustainable methods of construction. Alien vegetation, gleaned directly from our eco-restoration programme, has been utilised in floors, furniture, roofs and boardwalks. Drawing inspiration directly from nature, a harmonious balance has been created, from ragged thatch rising into the forest canopy, to wood shingle and a ‘freshwater’ nature pool. In true eco-terms, man’s intrusion in our wonderful natural environment has been graciously accepted by both flora and fauna.

Directions to Phantom Forest Eco Reserve and Lodge

Phantom Forest Lodge is 7 kilometres west of the picturesque Southern Cape town of Knysna, at the foot of the spectacular Phantom Pass.

When approaching from Cape Town, turn left onto the Phantom Pass road, the Phantom Pass turn-off is located just before the road bridge over the Knysna River. If you are approaching from Knysna, turn right immediately after crossing the Knysna River.

Follow the Phantom Pass road for about 1.2km and you will see Phantom Forest’s entrance on the left, denoted by a wooden sign. The Phantom Pass Road is tarred until just beyond the entrance to the lodge. Turn left into the entrance and follow the cobbled track up to the gatehouse. You will park your car here and Phantom Forest’s staff will transport you to the lodge.

GPS Coordinates: 34 01′ 23.98” S, 22 59′ 09.13” E

Awards

• WINNER 2012 Africa’s Leading Green Hotel.
• WINNER 2011 Africa’s Leading Green Hotel.
• WINNER 2010 Africa’s Leading Green Hotel.
• WINNER 2007 Africa’s Leading Ecotourism Destination.

Nominations

• AFRICA’S LEADING GREEN HOTEL 2009.
• WORLD’S LEADING GREEN RESORT 2008.

The Phantom Moth

Almost every single Keurboom tree (virgilia divaricate) and Phantom Moth (leto venus) in the indigenous forests between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, is home to an insect that most of us will never see.

The female Phantom (or Ghost) Moth(Leto Venus)lays her eggs in the soft earth near the roots of the Keurboom, before flying off to die. The larvae make their way up the tree, drilling a tunnel through the bark into the wood. As they enlarge the tunnel, the sawdust from which they extract their food, and their droppings, are expelled through the opening. Once the larvae gain maturity, and just before the pupa stage, they seal the opening with a cap of gum-like sawdust. The pupae move around with ease inside the sealed tunnel by wriggling their abdominal segments, which are especially adapted for this purpose. Before the adult pupa emerges, the cap splits open and the insect works itself out of the tunnel until its wing cases are free. After a minute or two, the pupa opens its wings, moving quickly up the trunk of the Keurboom before settling down and allowing its beautiful, silver-spotted wings to unfurl.

Just as the Phantom Moth is the only of its kind, so too is this eco reserve, which proudly bears its name.

The Boma

Feeling beautifully relaxed, we wandered to the ‘boma’ where dinner was no rushed affair. Here international cuisine with local colour was served in the classic style.

End a memorable evening on the fire deck, sipping delectable African-blend coffee and liqueurs.

6 course “cartes du jour” changes daily.

The Chutzpah

A sparkling Moroccan-style dining & leisure space.
Available for evening dining, 12 persons or more ~ R 400 per person.
The mood is of exotic North African baroque, from mosaic chameleon to Goudi-style lizard lazing off the pool.

Left: All set for a delectable feast. Right: Sweeping views from the Chutzpah.

The gazebo at the Chutzpah.