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12

Steam Train Entering Knysna
Knysna 2000 and earlier


WELCOME TO KNYSNA.ORG 

This is a guide to Knysna with Accommodation and activities for your
information 

 

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 is the Millwood Gold Mines. Alluvial gold was
found here in 1885, which caused a rush to the area. 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.

Real Estate


KNYSNA MANOR HOUSE

 * GuestHouse
 * 5 months ago
 * Knysna, Garden Route, Western Cape


Real Estate


ELEPHANT HIDE OF KNYSNA

 * GuestHouse
 * 5 months ago
 * Knysna, Garden Route, Western Cape


Real Estate


AFRICAN BREEZE

 * GuestHouse
 * 5 months ago
 * Knysna, Garden Route, Western Cape


Real Estate


HEADLANDS HOUSE

 * Bed&Breakfast
 * 5 months ago
 * Knysna, Garden Route, Western Cape


Real Estate


HIDE AWAY

 * GuestHouse
 * 5 months ago
 * Knysna, Garden Route, Western Cape


Real Estate


STANNARDS GUEST LODGE

 * Bed&Breakfast
 * 5 months ago
 * Knysna, Garden Route, Western Cape


Real Estate


BLUE OYSTER

 * Bed&Breakfast
 * 5 months ago
 * Knysna, Garden Route, Western Cape


Accommodation


EASTFORD GLEN

 * RealEstate
 * 5 months ago
 * Knysna, Garden Route, Western Cape


Real Estate


GREEN PASTURES

 * RealEstate
 * 5 months ago
 * Knysna, Garden Route, Western Cape


Accommodation


GARDEN GATES RETIREMENT VILLAGE

 * RealEstate
 * 5 months ago
 * Knysna, Garden Route, Western Cape




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