Dalene Matthee has made such a significant contibution to putting Knysna on the map that it is only fair to give her all the recognition and praise that she and her literary works deserve. Should you wish to retrace her steps and those of her characters then follow these guidelines ....
Famous Dalene Matthee books on the Knysna Forest
- Kringe in ‘n Bos by Dalene Matthee or the english version Circles in a Forest/li>
- Fiela se kind by Dalene Matthee or the English version Fiela’s Child
- Moerbeibos by Dalene Matthee or the English version The Mulberry Forest
- Toorbos by Dalene Matthee or the English version Dreamforest (Above books are available from local and national book stores)
1. The Dalene Matthee Memorial - Krisjan se Nek Picnic Site & Big Tree - drive to Rheenedal and then continue north towards Millwood (Bendigo Mine, Materolli Museum & Millwood Tea Garden). You will find the picnic site en-route on the left hand side.
2. Bendigo Mine, Materolli Museum & Millwood Tea Garden - The Materolli museum is a quaint little spot which has preserved some of the memorabilia of the Millwood goldrush in Knynsa. Yes, the very first gold was discovered in the Karatara streams.
3. San Ambrosio Church - follow the Old Cape Road past Simola Country Club, Hotel & Spa and take the winding gravel road towards the Gouna Forest Station. You will have to turn left onto the Gouna road and the turnoff is signposted. The San Ambrosio Catholic Church was built in 1891 by Rev. Rooney, for the Italian silk spinning immigrants. There is a whole section on Dalene Matthee and the history of how she did the research for her book, Moerbeibos, and the history of the immigrants in Gouna. Well worth a visit!
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