|
| |
| |
|
|
Sites of interest: |
The name Knysna is a Khoi word but it's uncertain as to its exact meaning. It
could mean 'place of wood', or it could mean 'fern leaves', but its most
probable meaning is straight down' - an obvious reference to the Heads. Knysna
Heads must be the most striking geological features along the entire southern
African coastline. They flank a deep but potentially treacherous channel
through which the sea pours in to flood the wide and breathtakingly pretty
lagoon at the mouth of the Knysna River.
.Knysna's history began in the year 1804, the year that saw the arrival of
George Rex, rumoured to be the illegitimate son of King George lll. He
purchased the estate known as Melkhoutkraal on the shores of the lagoon and
moved his entire family and considerable entourage down to Knysna to settle.
Knysna is one of the Southern Cape coast's best known holiday destinations,
situated between lush forests and the shores of the peaceful lagoon - it
offers many activities and attractions of a wide variety. The most well known
attraction being the heads - two great sandstone cliffs guarding the mouth of
the lagoon which connects the estuary with the sea. A lookout has been erected
on the Eastern Head, commanding spectacular views of the lagoon, Leisure Isle
and Knysna. The Western Head is a privately owned nature Reserve - Featherbed
Bay. The Knysna Lagoon is one of the few places along the coast and in the
world that supports a oyster hatchery. And the Knysna oysters are reputedly
among the tastiest in the world. Millwood House Museum in Queen Street houses
material relating to the history of the town, and includes artifacts once
owned by George Rex. It was built from yellowwood at the end of the previous
century during the gold rush. From Millwood, it was later moved to Knysna.
Knysna has many attractions in the surrounding area as well, one of the most
spectacular being the Knysna Forest, which is still evident in many places
within the town as well. It is the largest indigenous forest in South Africa
comprising of tall and ancient trees of local and exotic species, including
stinkwood, yellowwood, blackwood, ironwood, white alders and Cape chestnut.
Not forgetting the ferns, creepers and wild flowers which add colour to this
endless green collage. The forest is vast and extremely dense in places making
it impenetrable. Animal life is limited to a few small antelope and a large
variety of birds, such as the famous Knysna Loerie. Home to the once great
herds of Knysna Elephants, it is believed that only one lonely cow remains
today.
Another historical attraction are the Millwood Gold Mines. Alluvial gold was
found here in 1885, which caused a rush to the area. At Jubilee Creek, the
exact spot where gold was found, provides a tranquil and beautiful picnic
area, with many enjoyable forest walks in the area. Buffalo Bay is the closest
beach to knysna, one of the safest for swimming along the coast and enjoyed by
many holiday makers every year. It is very rocky in places, making it a great
angling spot, there is also a small slipway available for small boats.
|
|
| |
|
|
Blue Oyster Bed and Breakfast
Elegance, tranquility and relaxation are what you will discover at the Blue Oyster B&B. We are superbly situated high upon the ridge overlooking the picturesque town of Knysna, with breathtaking 180 degree views of the Knysna lagoon, heads and the beautiful Outeniqua Mountains as a backdrop. And we voted the
semi finalist for the 2007 AA accommodation awards for superior accommodation.
More info ... click here
|
Knysna Forest Tours
Escorted Walking in the Garden Route - Discover the best trails in the Knysna
and Plettenberg Bay area on foot.
More info ... click here
|
Mountain Biking Africa
If you love cycling and have always wanted to come to South Africa - we'll take you for a ride on the wild side!
More info ... click here
|
Accommodation in Wilderness
More info ...
click
here |
Accommodation in Plettenbergbay
More info ... click here |
Holiday Home to rent Knysna
December
2009/10: Click to View
Advertise on this site
Global Wave Internet Marketing specialises in Marketing your company on the Internet.
More info ... click here
|
|
|
