Indigenous forests between 4 and 25 km from Gansbaai
One of the special features of the flora of the greater Gansbaai area is that it combines vast tracts of pristine fynbos habitats with several remnants of indigenous (Afro-montane) forests. Due to this several bird- and mammal-species can be spotted in this area that normally would not be seen in pure fynbos-areas. As far as we can tell, nobody has seen a leopard, but claw-marks in ancient trees as well as its typical droppings betray the presence of this elegant animal in this area.

Apart from the milkwood forests in places such as Grootbos and Franskraal, a large patch of ancient Afro-montane forest, "Platbos" has been saved through the years on the slopes above the Uilkraals River Valley. Several difficult-to-reach riverine forest-remains can be found hidden in the several deep and steep gorges in the mountains around Baardskeerdersbos and the Uilkraals valley. Platbos is open for the public. Ask the tourism bureau for information.