If you’re craving fresh air, flowing water, and the shade of tall trees, these destinations bring it all together. Each one is surrounded by forest and river, offering the perfect mix of peace, nature, and a little adventure.
1. Tsitsikamma National Park
Tsitsikamma National Park/Dariusz Jemielniak (“Pundit”)/Wikimedia Commons
The Tsitsikamma National Park on the Garden Route is the ultimate meeting point between towering trees and tumbling water. Here, the Storms River slices through deep gorges, its banks shaded by indigenous forest dripping with ferns and moss.
Spend your weekend hiking the famous Otter Trail, paddling through the Storms River Mouth on a kayak, or braving the canopy tour high above the forest floor. Accommodation options abound — from charming lodges in Storms River Village to family-friendly stays like Storms River Forest Lodge, perfect for couples and families alike.
Don’t miss: The suspension bridge at Storms River Mouth — one of South Africa’s most photogenic spots.
2. Kosi Forest Lodge, iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Tucked within northern KwaZulu-Natal’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Kosi Forest Lodge feels worlds away from the ordinary. It’s the only private lodge within this UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by raffia palms and coastal dune forest.
Days unfold at an unhurried pace — paddle silently through the Kosi Lake system on guided canoe trips, take forest walks with expert guides, or enjoy a sunset cruise among hippos and fish eagles. The lodge’s open-air bathrooms and thatched suites add to its barefoot-luxury appeal.
Don’t miss: A guided trip to Kosi Bay Mouth, where the ocean meets the lakes and traditional fish traps line the water.
3. Elgin River Lodge, Elgin Valley
Just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, Elgin River Lodge offers the perfect nature-filled reset. Nestled along the Palmiet River, the property is surrounded by apple orchards and Afromontane forest, giving it a peaceful, storybook charm.
Spend your weekend kayaking, swimming, or hiking the lush riverside trails. In summer, the lodge’s floating deck becomes the heart of the action — ideal for picnics and sundowners. Whether you choose a comfy cabin or a glamping tent, it’s a refreshing, close-to-home escape.
Don’t miss: The nearby Elgin Railway Market, a steampunk-style market with craft food, cider, and live music.
4. Sibuya Game Reserve, Eastern Cape
Few lodges blend forest, river, and wildlife as seamlessly as Sibuya Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. Accessible only by boat from Kentons-on-Sea, the adventure begins the moment you arrive.
Choose between the Forest Camp, set under giant trees alive with bird calls, or the River Camp, nestled on the Kariega River. Daily game drives are complemented by tranquil boat cruises, where elephants, antelope, and fish eagles appear along the water’s edge.
Don’t miss: A river cruise at golden hour — when the forest glows and herons skim the surface.
5. Grootbos Forest Lodge, Gansbaai
For those who like their forest escapes with a touch of indulgence, Grootbos Forest Lodge near Gansbaai delivers an extraordinary balance of comfort and conservation. Perched between ancient Milkwood forests and fynbos slopes, this eco-lodge overlooks the Walker Bay coastline.
Each suite feels like a sanctuary — glass walls invite the forest in, while guided walks, horseback rides, and botanical safaris connect guests to the land. The lodge’s sustainability ethos makes the stay as meaningful as it is beautiful.
Planning your forest-and-river escape
- Best time to go: Spring and autumn offer mild weather for hiking and canoeing, with fewer crowds.
- Accessibility: Some lodges (like Kosi Forest Lodge) require 4×4 access — check before you go.
- Travel tip: Pack river shoes, a waterproof jacket, and a good book — forest weather can change in an instant.
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