Hanging out in the trees takes living to another level and is a delightful way to get away from it all. Knysna offers many charming ways to explore nature and Phantom Forest, which won leading ecotourism destination at the World Travel Awards two years ago and was recognised for excellence in ecological endeavour last year, is one.

Nestling within a private nature reserve of 147 ha, it consists of three biospheres: Afromontane Forest, Cape Coastal Fynbos and Estuarine wetland. Conservation is run and funded through a Trust, which serves as a model of preservation in an area of natural beauty. A professional member of Cape Nature Conservation sits on the board, ensuring the future of this reserve.

Before building began, alien vegetation was cleared by hand and large Australian gum, blackwood and wattle felled, planked and kiln dried to create beautiful flooring, chairs, tables and doors. Strong eco-friendly methods were used to construct the ‘tree-suites’ and all small plants were removed from under the decks for later re-planting. Pine and poplar became roofs, decks and supports and end-cut ‘wavy’ pine planks became roof shingles. At the time of building these planks were ‘throw away’ and now have new value!

Poplar trees are massively thirsty and have little commercial value, but farmers in the neighbouring Little Karoo were willing to sell live trees to the builders, which were, after debarking and cleaning, turned into roof beams. This timber seems to be unpalatable to bugs, can be used ‘green’, and gets harder and stronger each year. The wood used in this way creates beautiful ‘hats’ for the tree-suites, a win-win situation!

Water is recycled, pumped back to reed beds and filtered naturally back into the ground as clean, re-usable water for all, flora and fauna included. Only bio-degradable cleaning products are used and water quality is regularly checked and tested. Apparently it’s good enough to be sold as bottled water! The policy of ‘touch the earth lightly’ is taken literally here. Over one kilometre of boardwalks minimises any impact on the ecology of the forest, and often wildlife is seen using the boardwalks to move easily around their habitat!

The principle of sustainable development is an ongoing process through community involvement, with training throughout the lodge, sending newly acquired skills into the marketplace. Buying organic produce from small growers is another important aspect of empowerment.

Seriously good work is being done so that you can relax and in the silence listen to the trees, as if whispering voices are imparting secrets through the leaves. Phantom Forest does whisper a special magic. Expect to touch your senses and restore your spirit in a wonderland of nature.