We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
Free Newsletter

Interested in The Phantom Forest Eco-Reserve and Knysna?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for The Phantom Forest Eco-Reserve and Knysna each week.

Explore other Knysna resources:

The Phantom Forest Eco-Reserve: Traveler Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

Reviews of The Phantom Forest Eco-Reserve

( 5-9 of 11 )
“I Would Give It A Pretty Good”

The Phantom Forest Eco-Reserve

Save Review
3 of 5 stars
Seattle Washington
Jan 10, 2008
2/2 found this review helpful

My wife and I spent three nights at the lodge in October 2007. We stayed in one of the Moroccan Suites. The suite was very nice, but was a bit dark...not unexpected because you are in the forest. It was very quiet and relaxing. The shower and bath are fabulous.

However, we did not find the forest terribly exotic or interesting. There is a path you can take to the lower exit of the place, but its a bit boring. Beyond relaxing at your suite or in the lodge common area, there is nothing to do unless you travel from the lodge. The swimming pool area was nice, but the pool is far more decorative than useful.

The food was very good, both breakfast and dinner and the staff and service were great. When we were there, the Chutzpah (Moroccan themed) restaurant was closed for renovations and is now open again. That would add to the food experience. We also had two very good massages at the spa.

As for outside activities: I highly recommend sailing with Springtide Charters...a wonderful half day on a beautiful 50 foot boat. If you like to run, there is a very nice 2 1/2 mile loop around Leisure Island, 90% of it along the water. Finally, do not miss a trip up to the Heads, whether you go to the more accesible east Head or the less accessible west Head.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ASeattleTraveler's Summary
Date of Stay: October 2007
Traveled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Romantic getaway
Age group: 50-64
Member since: March 07, 2005
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
    • 2 of 5 stars Business service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
probably not
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Outdoor / Adventure, Great food / Wine
Was this review helpful? Yes No
“Lovely - if you're into Ants!!!”

The Phantom Forest Eco-Reserve

Save Review
2 of 5 stars
Bagheeralouis
Nov 23, 2007
2/3 found this review helpful

We were booked to stay in Phantom Forest for two nights on our honeymoon... we were expecting it to be glorious, but to be competely honest, we were quite disappointed. The room was lovely, but a bit chilly (weather wasn't great at the time), the food and restaurant were lovely and the staff were nice, but overall impression was one of shabbiness and there were gaps around the windows and under the doors. Needless to say, we got a lot of night visitors in the form of ants and bugs, and spiders. I don't mind insects myself, but it got a bit much when they were crawling all over the bathroom! My husband hates insects and spent the night in a jumper, trousers and socks and had to get drunk to sleep!! We actually left the next day and stayed in Port Elizabeth instead for the second night, rather than stay. My advice... give it a skip if you're not into camping type things!

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — The food was good, although you didn't get a choice on some courses
    • Disliked — The bugs! The accommodation wasn't great, and it was noisy (v near main road)
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bagheeralouis's Summary
Date of Stay: November 2007
Traveled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Honeymoon
Age group: 25-34
Member since: November 16, 2007
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 1 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
probably not
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Spa
Was this review helpful? Yes No
“Amazing”

The Phantom Forest Eco-Reserve

Nov 19, 2007
3/3 found this review helpful

This is a stunning hotel and experience. Could have happily stayed a week. It's totally true to the website, so best to check it out there. The design with glass walled double-showers and outdoor baths is creative and original.

Would highly recommend using the spar treaments as they are great value and the setting is beautiful.

We were gutted to leave.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
PippaandMatt's Summary
Date of Stay: November 2007
Member since: November 19, 2007
Was this review helpful? Yes No
“Wonderful experience at the Phantom Forest”

The Phantom Forest Eco-Reserve

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
Dublin,Ireland
Sep 28, 2007
5/5 found this review helpful

My husband and I stayed at the Phantom Forest for 3 nights as part of our 3 week honeymoon in South Africa. It is situated in a very enchanting location high on a hill side overlooking the Knysna lagoon, with beautiful views of the sunsets, coupled with entertaining visits from the forest's residential vervet monkey troope. We really enjoyed our stay, 3 nights was a perfect amount of time. We particularly enjoyed the massage treatment that was part of our package, and the canoe outing with packed lunch that was also part of the deal. The food was excellent, and the menu changed every day we were there. I would recommend it most highly.

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — Food, the view from our room (Cheesewood)
    • Disliked — The bubble bath wasn't very warm and you have to turn it on yourself an hour before!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
AppleDapple's Summary
Date of Stay: March 2007
Traveled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Honeymoon
Age group: 25-34
Member since: September 28, 2007
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
    • 2 of 5 stars Business service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Older travelers, Pet owners, Families with young children, Families with teenagers
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Outdoor / Adventure, Great food / Wine
Was this review helpful? Yes No
“Overpriced for average accomodation”

The Phantom Forest Eco-Reserve

Mar 28, 2007
4/4 found this review helpful

We stayed at Phantom Eco-Reserve in February, and to be honest, found it a little disappointing. The food was fabulous and the staff were lovely, but we felt the place was rather tired and in need of a re-vamp. Certainly the glossy brochure does not really depict the pool area. We also heard the traffic from the main road which wasn't particularly relaxing.
Overall pretty pricey for rather average accomodation.

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — Food was great
    • Disliked — accomodation needed updating
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
brady72's Summary
Date of Stay: February 2007
Traveled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Quality time with family
Age group: 25-34
Member since: March 28, 2007
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 2 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
probably not
I recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Older travelers, Great pool scene, Pet owners, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun, Outdoor / Adventure, Great food / Wine, Spa
Was this review helpful? Yes No

Reviews of The Phantom Forest Eco-Reserve

( 5-9 of 11 )
Travelers Who Viewed This Property Also Viewed
Location: Knysna, Western Cape
$55*
Location: Knysna, Western Cape
$519*
Check Rates
No photo provided
Location: Knysna, Western Cape
Price not available
*Average price
Write Your Own Hotel Review
Been to The Phantom Forest Eco-Reserve? Share your experiences!

Do You Own The Phantom Forest Eco-Reserve?

The Phantom Forest Eco-Reserve Address

Off Phantom Pass, Knysna 6570, South Africa