Text: Magriet Kruger. Pictures: Matthew Cowarr. Article from the Spring 2012 issue of Wild Magazine.

Stay over in the heart of the woods and savour the season’s burst of life.

1. Orange Kloof Tented Camp, Table Mountain National Park

Beautifully constructed from alien timber, this tented camp could be straight out of the Swiss Family Robinson. Wooden walkways connect the tents to a lookout deck and a central cabin for dining and relaxing. There is a wood-burning stove for chilly nights, but in fair weather you can slide away one wall of the cabin to reveal the view over the trees to Hout Bay. It’s easy to imagine yourself a castaway here.

Entry into Orange Kloof is by permit only and, excluding camp guests, only 12 people are allowed into the forest a day. Disa Gorge is a must in summer, when the red disa flowers.

Rates R440 a night for two people, R220 an additional adult and R110 a child.

Contact Central Reservations 012-428-9111, Website

“At the Tree Top Chalet we found ourselves alone in the forest, with just the birds for company” – Magriet Kruger, Wild

2. Manor House, Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve

The 180-year-old oak trees that shade this traditional homestead are almost as venerable as the farmhouse itself. Built in 1790, the Assegaaibosch Manor House has recently been refurbished to make your stay even more indulgent. In the lounge plush couches invite you to unwind and the kitchen is fully equipped with modern appliances. The one convenience you won’t find is a television as there’s a far better show on outside. Large trees shade pretty picnic spots along the Eerste River and when you leave the woods behind the veld becomes a wildflower garden.

Rates R960 off-peak season or R1400 peak season a night for one to four people. R240 for an extra person, maximum six.

Contact  0861-CAPENATURE (0861-227-362-8873) Email Website

3. Tree Top Chalet, Garden Route National Park

You can’t easily stay closer to forest birds than at the Tree Top Chalet. Raised several metres up into the canopy, this luxurious wooden cabin has a bird’s-eye view of the Harkerville Forest. The spacious deck is a place to braai, enjoy meals outdoors and relax on loungers while you listen to the chirps and calls coming from the trees. Indoors a large fireplace and leather couches might have you wishing for bad weather. With a well-appointed kitchen and stylish furnishings, the chalet is the height of comfort, but the ultimate luxury is that you have the forest to yourself. Take your mountain bike along so you can follow tracks deep into the forest.

Rates R920 a night for two.

Contact Central Reservations 012-428-9111, Website

4. Umlalazi Nature Reserve

Amidst a lush mangrove forest, a sparkling lagoon and large palm trees, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in the tropics. Umlalazi is a meeting of beach and coastal bush, a place where you can play in the sun or retreat to the hush of the forest. Tucked among the trees are log cabins and spacious campsites. Listen for a scuffling sound in the undergrowth: it could be a red duiker nosing around a powder-puff tree. The antelope love this fibrous fruit and will feed in full view if you’re quiet. Umlalazi is also one of the best places to see the rare palm-nut vulture.

Rates R270 a night for a campsite, R1020 for a log cabin.

Contact Reservations 033-845-1000 or 021 975 2189

5. Limpopo Forest Tented Camp, Mapungubwe National Park

The sun-baked veld around Mapungubwe Hill seems to stretch in all directions, so when you come upon the Limpopo Forest Tented Camp in the park’s west, it’s a real surprise. Here eight tents nestle under enormous nyalaberry trees, a cool and peaceful refuge from the heat. The word ‘tent’ may be misleading as these units are bigger and more comfortable than most rondavels.

Outside vervet monkeys play in the trees and dainty bushbuck graze in the leaf litter. Don’t miss a trip to the tree-top walk on the Limpopo River.

Rates R820 a night for two people.

Contact Central Reservations 012-428-9111, Website