Tree Spirit Cottages, is based in the heart of the Knysna Forest, (Gouna),a dream location to all families, groups and clubs, interested in Biking, Hiking – whether it be mountain or road races, We have the road surface to suit both biking options on and off the beaten track, matching your sport pursuit.
Our farm at is situated directly on the route of two major sporting events, the Knysna Marathon and the Karoo To Coast Mountain Bike challenge.
Knysna forest Marathon – Come and stay at Tree Spirit cottages
Karoo Coast to Mountain ride
Karoo Coast to Mountain ride
We are based within the Gouna Forest, on the route of Karoo to Coast bike ride, come and stay at Tree Spirit Cottages, guaranteeing you a very restful night and pole position in the morning.
Knysna Forest Walking Trails
Gravel roads, beautiful forest scenery, variety of wildlife and birds and little to no cars. SAN Parks circular hiking trail The Terblans Walk starts a mere 3.5km from the farm. Open from 6h00 to 18h00 daily along the Kom-se-Pad road up from Gouna with picnic sites to enjoy after your hike.
Distance: 6.5km, circular route.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Route markers: The route follows the Outeniqua Hiking Trail in places, Terblans route markers are yellow plastic signs with a bushpig on. There are quite a couple of forest slip-paths in this area, dont mistake them for the trail.
Permits/Costs: Self issue permit at the start.
Contact Numbers: Diepwalle Forestry Station – 044 382 9762/3
Directions: Head out of Knysna towards George, along the lagoon take the Old Cape Road turnoff to Gouna / Simola, follow this road past Simola. As the road becomes gravel take the Gouna turnoff to the left. Follow this road past the Gouna Forest Station to the Grootdraai Picnic site along Kom-se-pad. This picnic site can also be reached by taking the Kom-se-Pad turnof from the R339 near Diepwalle.
Further into the forest is Diepwalle Forest Station with a choice of three circular routes to choose from boasting huge Yellowwoods and Tree Ferns. For more details on the hikes available visit Sahikes
Simola Golf Course
Simola golf Course
Simola Golf course is situated at the based of the Old Cape Road, leading out of Knysna and about 15 minutes from Tree Spirit cottages, one of South Africa’s best golfing destinations, Simola boasts overwhelming views and an outstanding Jack Nicklaus Signature course.
Breathtaking vistas of the Knysna Heads on one side and the Knysna River on the other make it difficult to focus on the game. But in the midst of all this beauty, the course offers challenging and rewarding golf amidst spectacular scenery.
Simola was one of the first Jack Nicklaus designs on the Garden Route, reflecting the maestro’s philosophy of adjusting the layout and design to the natural features of the landscape.
Fairways flow along the rising and falling natural landscape and every hole offers superlative views of the Knysna Lagoon all the way to the Heads or across the pretty meandering Knysna River and valley below.