Deep in the heart of Knysna’s ancient forest is the very best place to reconnect with your soul. There is magic in the air, the kind that infiltrates your being, slows down time and gently restores the frenetic pieces of modern life into something beautifully whole and infinitely simpler.

Suspended above the forest floor under the canopy of South Africa’s largest indigenous forest, Diepwalle’s Camping Decks are the ideal place to spend a few days absorbing the peace, tranquillity and enchantment of the Knysna forest.

Diepwalle means “deep walls” and as you drive through the towering walls of ancient trees it is easy to see where it got its name. The Diepwalle forest station, located 20km into the forest, has ten camping decks tucked under lofty trees. They are accessed via decked pathways and although they are located quite close together, the thickness of the surrounding woodlands makes each deck feel completely private.

Four of the decks – the ones along the windiest pathways furthest from the parking – have permanent tents on, each containing two comfy single beds. The other six decks have space for you to erect your own tents. Each deck has a lean-to lapa with a kitchen counter, some kists for storing food and  a built in braai. There is electric lighting, a plugpoint and the  tented decks also have a fridge.

Everything you need to know:

1. Where to book

Make sure to pre-book as there are only 10 decks and the reception closes at 4pm. If you arrive after the reception is closed, you can choose an available deck (choose one that matches what you booked ie a tented deck or regular camping deck without a tent)

The decks are allocated on a first come first served basis so if you are travelling in a group and have booked multiple decks, make sure to check in early to get decks that are adjacent to each other. All the decks are equally lovely.

Book online at Sanparks.org

2. Rates

As at May 2021, the tented decks cost R490 per night for two people and the camping decks are R240 for the first two people, and R100 per person thereafter (max 4 per deck). You also need to pay a daily conservation fee of R40 per South African adult to Sanparks, or you can use your Wild Card.

Your daily conservation fee covers entry to the entire Knysna Forest section, you do not need to pay again to access the King Edward Big Tree.

3. What to pack  

Bedding

• If you book a tented deck, it contains 2 single beds with foam mattresses. Bring your own pillows and sleeping bags and 2 single fitted sheets. Some spare blankets are great for autumn and winter as it gets really chilly in the forest once the sun sets.

Camping gear

• Camping chairs (there are some rustic tree stumps to sit on but you do need to bring your own chairs).

• Tents and mattresses (if you book a camping deck without a tent)

• The decks and tents are well lit so no need for extra lighting, but don’t forget your torch just in case.

• No need to bring a table – the kitchen has a high counter and there are 2 wooden kists that can double up as a coffee table.

Kitchen gear

• Crockery, cutlery, cookware and drinkware

• Plastic tub, dishwashing liquid and cloths

• The decks are equipped with a kitchen dustbin and refuse bag, so no need to bring.

• Braai wood, charcoal and tongs. There are built in braais with good grids on all the decks.

• Gas burner with camping kettle

Food and drinks

• Bring sufficient food and drinks as there is no shop on site. The closest shop is in the town of Knysna, (approximately 22km drive)

• Drinking water – bring enough for drinking, cooking and to take on your hikes

• The decks have two monkey-proof wooden kists to store all your food in. Don’t leave any food out else you may be raided by the local wildlife.

• The tented decks have a fridge, but the camping decks don’t so bring an electric cooler or lots of ice.

Leisure

• A camera and a good book are all you need.

• There is an electric plug point so you can charge your devices

Clothing

• Sufficient clothing for your stay. Bring layers as it is generally hot in the day and cool at night.

• Toiletries and bath towels. The ablutions are clean and have plenty of toilet paper.

• Comfy hiking shoes

• A warm jacket

• Swimming costumes and towels to take with on your hikes (in summer it is lovely to swim in the river)

4. General Info

The decked pathways are extremely slippery, especially when wet so watch your step.

Grab a “Rooted in Time” map from the reception – it’s a lovely brochure that outlines the main attractions in the area.

Take a photo of the colour hiking trail map in reception before setting out. There are three trails and all are a similar length. The black and white trails are relatively flat and the red has some uphill parts. Each trail is lovely and it is well worth doing all three.

There is a community run tea garden in the old forester’s house near reception. The back half of the house can be booked as a self catering unit which sleeps 6 guests, but not online – you need to call Sanparks to book.

Make sure to pop into the little on site museum for some interesting facts and history of the Knysna forest woodcutters and elephants.

Check out our video tour of Diepwalle Camping Decks:

Click here to watch on YouTube if the video does not display properly on your device.

Feel free to ask questions in the comments section below, and please share your tips and experiences of camping at Diepwalle with us.

Yours in travel

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