| What To Do Media Release |
 |
 |
 |
|
The
Knysna Visitor Visitors to Knysna are spoilt for choice and we decided to follow in the footsteps of some of our visitors. THE WATER BABIES Swimming, surfing, canoeing, yachting, jet-skiing, boating, ferry rides, fishing, walking, guided beach explorations under the stars - Knysna offers a wide variety of water excursions - something for everyone no matter your age or preference. With more than eight beaches to choose from and as many lakes, you can do a different water activity every day of your stay. Even if it is just sipping your favourite drink watching the sun set at a quayside café! THE FOREST FAIRIES The wonderful town of Knysna is encircled by rich forest. From fabled fairies to elephant ghosts, they hold mysteries and secrets far beyond the endemic flora and rare, endangered fauna found there. It's about 80 000ha and makes up a part of the spectacular Knysna Forest Biome - South Africa's smallest biome by area, but an extremely unique one. The forest most famous inhabitants are the Knysna elephants. Though the big herds of forest elephants have disappeared, their ghosts do not roam the forests alone. A few of the original elephants still stalk the forests. Experts disagree on exactly how many great behemoths are left, but consensus hovers around four. Although quite big themselves, the elephants can just not compete in age and size with the trees in the forest. Although not everyone sees the forest for the trees, there are plenty - massive yellowwoods, ironwoods and stinkwoods dominate the forest canopy, including the majestic King Edward VII tree, a 600-year old Outeniqua Yellowwood in Diepwalle. The forests are also alive with smaller animals. If you believe the story about kissing frogs to find a prince, the Knysna forest has plenty of candidates: treefrogs, the southern ghost frog and plain rain frog all added their voices to the songs of the forest. Endemic to Knysna forest is the Knysna dwarf chameleon which occurs only in this area and is characterized by its gregarious nature and distinctive throat crest, and the fact that it gives birth to live young rather than eggs. THE JAMES BOND IMPERSONATORS Surrounded as it is by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, an 18 square kilometer estuary, mountains and indigenous forests, Knysna offers a variety of activities for those of us who prefer a more active holiday. Experience the thrill of mountain biking or horse riding through indigenous forests or dive the depths of the lagoon. Hire a kayak to tour the winding Knysna River, or raise the heartbeat soaring through the forest canopy. Take a hike along beautiful coastlines and deep into the forest, tracking signs of the indigenous elephants on your way. Try fly fishing, rock-and-surf angling or deep-sea fishing. Or, for the daring, dune-surf down sandy waves, kite surf on the waters of the lagoon or paraglide over the hills and lakes. There are many businesses in Knysna specializing in eco-friendly adventure tourism. Activities range from the adrenalin rush to tranquil and scenic trips up the river in canoes. Experienced guides are familiar with local conditions and are able to assist visitors with all the necessary equipment for every adventure possible. They will also lead visitors through the forests where mountain bike trails are coded according to the degree of difficulty, or through the surf to watch dolphins or whales from the perfect vantage point. THE TIGERS Knysna is one of South Africa's top golfing destinations and boasts some world class golf courses. Pezula Championship Golf Course adjacent to Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa is a sweeping spectacle of fairways and greens rolling through the pristine Southern Cape landscape. The breathtaking, award-winning 18-hole course which was designed by David Dale and Ronald Fream of GolfPlan USA, rates amongst the best and the most scenic golf courses in the world. Keeping your head down at Simola Golf Estate can be a challenge; simply because the views around the course are awe-inspiring, and with this, it is clear to see why Simola takes its place as one of South Africa's premier golfing destinations. It's also the first Jack Nicklaus Signature course on the Garden Route, reflecting the maestro's philosophy of attuning the layout and design to the natural lie of the land. Both Simola and Pezula are complemented by top 5 star hotel and spa establishments. The Knysna Golf course might not have the views of its luxurious neighbours, but is a testing challenge among water hazards and tree-lined fairways, close to the Knysna estuary. An easy walk, it's a pleasant club with excellent club house facilities. THE LEONARDO DA VINCI'S The area has a rich historical inheritance and visitors can visit the many sites that are telling the stories of the past, like the Millwood Goldmines, the grave of mysterious enigma George Rex and the San Ambroso Church in Gouna. The art and crafts lover is spoilt for choice with a variety of "art rambles & meanders" to choose from. The Tortoise Meander in Sedgefield includes 9 local artists producing a variety of unique products. There are the wood turner Dave Stepehnson, Anthony Auty the clockmaker from Owl House Crafts, sculptor Mark can der Merwe and a host of other artists, including beading and embroidery. Sedgefield may soon be the mosaic capital of the Western Cape! The Masithandane Mosaic Project was launched early this year by local pottery and mosaic enthusiast Di Young. She started training unemployed residents in this relatively inexpensive craft in the hope that they would be able to earn a living from the sale of finished products. What started as a job creation project has evolved into a town buying into a mosaic project that will transform the village in one huge mosaic project, involving businesses and residents alike. One of the project's most attractive merits is the involvement of the all sections of the community. Next time you drive through the area, look out for mosaic shop fronts, entrance floors, business logos and residential numbers - Sedgefield will soon be known as the beautiful seaside mosaic village! Other interesting routes include the Rheenendal Meander, the Brenton Blue Meander and the Timber Route to choose from. In addition the art galleries display art of a wide variety of artists and Knysna is proud to host a branch of the famous Read Galleries. Here you will find the work of some of South Africa's top artists on display. THE EXPLORERS "Culture" is a learned aspect of a community and includes music, language, art, culinary tradition and its traits. In Knysna we do not call a quick drive through the township a cultural experience, we believe you have to participate and not just be a spectator. Here you can dance the "Hotnot Riel" around the fire and listen to the storytelling of the "Outa" (an old man), sit and sample the "Mielies & Bone" (corn and beans) and fresh "Roosterkoek" (a type of bread made on an open fire) with "Moskonfyt" (a local delicacy), and truly live with the people for a day or two. Further your experience with a cultural tour conducted by a guide with authentic Griqua Ancestors. Visit the burial place of their beloved Paramount Chief A.A.S. Le Fleur and learn more about this psychic leader's accurate prophecies about their ancestral farm "Jackals Kraal" and why it was called the "Pantry of the Griekwa Nation". The Judah Square Rastafarian Community is situated in the heart of Knysna. This is the largest organised community of its kind in South Africa - 30 families live together in a close-knit organised community. What makes this community special is that the "brothers and sista's" are the creators of a unique eco-tourism experience. You can visit the community as part of an organised tour and go on a community experience where you will be informed about the customs and rites of the Rastafarian religion and how this religion found its way from Ethiopia to other parts of the world. Spend the night with a Rastafarian family - share a meal, a story and leave as a friend. This community is working closely with the local South African National Parks Board and have established a lovely forest walk that meanders along the Kayalethu River basin (adjacent to the community). Visitors can also stay in one of our local home stays in the community. Knysna Home stays offers a truly holistic experience revealing a different aspect of the usual scenery, the local culture and the people. Enjoy the abundant natural resources of the region and meet local people while directly supporting the poorer communities and contributing to their livelihoods. You will meet amazing women, hear their stories and share their skills. Feast on local, wholesome foods, enjoy a donkey cart ride and purchase local crafts as a reminder of your stay. Meet the people - from the Woodcutters in Karatara, to the Italians in Gouna, the Khoi and San Tribes like the Griqua and the Xhosa Speaking people. Experience the Rainbow Nation at its best. Discover a wonderfully different Knysna, see her colourful townships and experience her essence. Take this opportunity to explore cultures different to your own and absorb the true spirit of "Living Local". Your outlook on life will be changed forever! THE FOODIES Besides The Heads, Loerie, forests and lagoon there's another thing Knysna is famous for. Its restaurants. With a few falling into the South African "Top 10"you will be hard pressed to find better elsewhere. Zachary's, the gourmet restaurant at Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa was named as one of the country's Top 10 Deluxe eateries in the 2008 Dine Awards. At the helm is New York-born executive chef Geoffrey Murray who describes his cuisine ethic as "local produce with a global influence". Knysna's île de pain is famous for serving delectable dishes combined with the freshest, local ingredients and hand-shaped, wholesome sourdough loaves made from stone-ground flour and baked in a wood-fired oven. Named as one of South Africa's Top 10 everyday restaurants in the 2008 Dine Awards, it is run by team baker / chef Marcus Fabringer and Liezie Mulder. Marcus Farbinger, owner-bake rchocolatier is ever-perfecting his bread and chocolate creations while Liezie Mulder, owner-chef, elicits oohs and aahs for her delicious dishes inspired by the seasons. The big crusty loaves have regulars lined up at the local markets every Saturday. Always focusing on the raw ingredients, slow fermentation and methods long forgotten by modern baking; and the mighty wood fired oven which burns for 12 hours each day before baking commences in the early morning hours. Most dishes on the menu include île de païn bread in some shape or form and offer a wide variety of textures and delicate flavours. "We make everything that we use here and use fresh, local ingredients as much as possible", explains Liezie, "one exception is the "Grand Cru" chocolate that is used for the most luxurious hot chocolate you will ever taste. It is also used in the chocolate mousse for after lunch or in the chocolate chip cookies which can be taken out as a pick-me-up". A team effort by these and other chefs in the area brought about the annual food festival Gastronomica at the end of September (this year from 24 -28 September). Gastronomica is an eclectic mix of food, wine, beer, dance, music, passion, food theatre and performing arts. The Festival places an exciting focus on the area's growing reputation as a forward-looking culinary and tourism centre and promotes the use of locally produced ingredients and creating "food with integrity." Organiser Pat Mulder said they believe the area has much to show, but that one should never stop learning. "We want to celebrate local personalities, culture and talent, showcase Knysna and the Garden Route and also provide hands-on education for both the public and professionals alike." Another feather in the area's hat is The Wild Oats Community Farmer's Market in Sedgefield. This Saturday market was named the "Best outdoor market in South Africa" last year. Anyone looking to support farming & low food-mile shopping while simultaneously taking in the vibey, social, town-meets-country atmosphere is promised a stunning variety of breakfasts, confectionery, fruit, meat & vegetables, take-home meals, flowers, indigenous plants & more! Other markets also well worth a visit is the Friday Market in Knysna and the Harvest Time Saturday Farmer's Market in Harkerville. From the colonial tea-n-scones to unique African dining experiences, from floating restaurants to rustic forested affairs, the town offers and incredible diversity when it comes to food. This is undoubtedly one of the best places in the world to sip on your favourite drink as the sun set over the water. Be prepared though - best to pack a well sized appetite as well! A KALEIDOSCOPE Within its idyllic natural setting, the small picturesque town of Knysna emerges as a vibrant mini-metropolis, offering a kaleidoscope of unforgettable experiences. From leisurely relaxation to high energy adventure, from sporting activities to shopping, from cappuccino to haute cuisine, from the famous Knysna oyster or a taste of the locally brewed beer, Knysna reflects the finer things of life, a synthesis of discerning sophistication and nature's abundance. Alive and pulsing, the buzz of international trends mixes with the beat of Africa and creates an unmistakable sense of real wonder not to be found anywhere else. From upmarket waterfront shops to grassroots community living, Knysna offers the best of South Africa's varied cultures. |
media menu
| Media Home |
| Gallery Application |
Media Login
Affiliate Websites
Knysna Living Local Be welcomed into colorful, vibrant and friendly communities and experience true Knysna.click here |
Knysna Tourism Membership Business, legal and practical resources for our members and online membership applications.click here |
Tripadvisor
- TripAdvisor travelers voted Knysna a top World destination