| The town of Knysna is along the Garden Route in | | | | the shores of the lagoon and moved his entire |
| South Africa between Mossel Bay and Storms | | | | family and considerable entourage down to |
| River, the Garden Route runs parallel to a | | | | Knysna to settle. |
| coastline which features lakes, mountains, golden | | | | Knysna is one of the Southern Cape coast's best |
| beaches, cliffs and dense indigenous forests. | | | | known holiday destinations, situated between lush |
| The Garden Route has a Mediterranean Maritime | | | | forests and the shores of the peaceful lagoon - it |
| climate, with moderately hot summers, and mild | | | | offers many activities and attractions of a wide |
| to chilly winters. It is one of the richest rainfall | | | | variety. |
| areas, most of which occurs in the winter | | | | The most well known attraction being the heads - |
| months, brought by the humid sea-winds from | | | | two great sandstone cliffs guarding the mouth of |
| the Indian ocean. | | | | the lagoon which connects the estuary with the |
| This natural wonderland is home to the largest | | | | sea. |
| and smallest of creatures, from the Knysna | | | | A lookout has been erected on the Eastern Head, |
| seahorse to the Knysna elephants, rare delicate | | | | commanding spectacular views of the lagoon, |
| butterflies and the endemic Knysna Loerie, a | | | | Leisure Isle and Knysna. The Western Head is a |
| colourful forest bird. Over 200 species can be | | | | privately owned nature Reserve - Featherbed |
| found in the abundant fynbos and forest settings. | | | | Bay. The Knysna Lagoon is one of the few places |
| Knysna is also famous for its delectable | | | | along the coast and in the world that supports a |
| homegrown oysters, enjoyed with locally brewed | | | | oyster hatchery. And the Knysna oysters are |
| beer in quaint pubs and restaurants. An eclectic | | | | reputedly among the tastiest in the world. |
| mix of art galleries showcases the diversity of | | | | Millwood House Museum in Queen Street houses |
| talent in the area. The area also offers lagoon | | | | material relating to the history of the town, and |
| cruises, forest hikes, golf and adventure sports. A | | | | includes artifacts once owned by George Rex. It |
| visit to the Knysna Quays is a must. | | | | was built from yellowwood at the end of the |
| Any time of the year is good for visiting the area, | | | | previous century during the gold rush. From |
| depending if you enjoy a peaceful retreat during | | | | Millwood, it was later moved to Knysna. |
| the winter months, or a bustling holiday destination | | | | Knysna has many attractions in the surrounding |
| during the summer. | | | | area as well, one of the most spectacular being |
| The name Knysna is a Khoi word but it's uncertain | | | | the Knysna Forest, which is still evident in many |
| as to its exact meaning. It could mean 'place of | | | | places within the town as well. It is the largest |
| wood', or it could mean 'fern leaves', but its most | | | | indigenous forest in South Africa comprising of tall |
| probable meaning is straight down' - an obvious | | | | and ancient trees of local and exotic species, |
| reference to the Heads. Knysna Heads must be | | | | including stinkwood, yellowwood, blackwood, |
| the most striking geological features along the | | | | ironwood, white alders and Cape chestnut. Not |
| entire southern African coastline. They flank a | | | | forgetting the ferns, creepers and wild flowers |
| deep but potentially treacherous channel through | | | | which add colour to this endless green collage. The |
| which the sea pours in to flood the wide and | | | | forest is vast and extremely dense in places |
| breathtakingly pretty lagoon at the mouth of the | | | | making it impenetrable. |
| Knysna River. | | | | Animal life is limited to a few small antelope and a |
| Knysna's history began in the year 1804, the year | | | | large variety of birds, such as the famous Knysna |
| that saw the arrival of George Rex, rumoured to | | | | Loerie. Home to the once great herds of Knysna |
| be the illegitimate son of King George lll. He | | | | Elephants, it is believed that only one lonely cow |
| purchased the estate known as Melkhoutkraal on | | | | remains today. |