South African Garden Route Knysna Town Travel Information
The town of Knysna is along the Garden Route in South Africa, between Mossel Bay and Storms River. The Garden Route runs parallel to a coastline that features lakes, mountains, golden beaches, cliffs, and dense indigenous forests.
The Garden Route has a Mediterranean-Maritime climate, with moderately hot summers and mild to chilly winters. It is one of the wettest areas, with the majority of rain falling during the winter months, brought by humid sea breezes from the Indian Ocean.
This natural wonderland is home to the largest and smallest of creatures, from the Knysna seahorse to the Knysna elephants, rare, delicate butterflies, and the endemic Knysna Loerie, a colourful forest bird. Over 200 species can be found in the abundant fynbos and forest settings. Knysna is also famous for its delectable homegrown oysters, enjoyed with locally brewed beer in quaint pubs and restaurants. An eclectic mix of art galleries showcases the diversity of talent in the area. The area also offers lagoon cruises, forest hikes, golf, and adventure sports. A visit to the Knysna Quays is a must.
Any time of the year is good for visiting the area, depending on whether you enjoy a peaceful retreat during the winter months or a bustling holiday destination during the summer.
The name Knysna is a Khoi word, but its exact meaning is uncertain. 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 feature 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, rumored 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 a considerable entourage down to Knysna to settle.
Knysna is a well-known holiday destination in the Southern Cape, nestled between lush forests and the shores of a tranquil lagoon.It offers many activities and attractions of a wide variety.
The "heads," two massive sandstone cliffs guarding the mouth of the lagoon that connects the estuary to the sea, are the most well-known attraction.
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 called Featherbed Bay. The Knysna Lagoon is one of the few places along the coast and in the world that supports an oyster hatchery. And the Knysna oysters are reputedly among the tastiest in the world.
The Millwood House Museum on 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. It was later relocated from Millwood to Knysna.
Knysna has many attractions in the surrounding area, the most spectacular of which is the Knysna Forest, which can still be seen in many places within the town. It is the largest indigenous forest in South Africa, comprising 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 that 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. It is believed that only one lonely cow remains from the once-vast herds of Knysna elephants.
See more about the Garden Route at http://www.travelinsouthafrica.co.za.