Visit Knysna, Knysna Tourism, Garden Route, South Africa

Author: Keagon Borchards

Pink Loerie™ Mardi Gras and Arts Festival swoops back

Posted on by Keagon Borchards

Contrary to rumours, the iconic Pink Loerie™ Mardi Gras and Arts Festival will once again be painting Knysna myriad shades of pink this year with its 22nd edition.

The ever-popular LGBTQ arts and culture event returns after a two-year COVID-19 break, running from Friday 29 April to Sunday 1 May 2022 (Monday 2 May is a public holiday).

“As we resume a post-COVID normality, we’re excited to once again welcome both visitors and locals alike to the Garden Route’s original and premier pink event,” asserted Festival Director John-Louis O’Neil.

“We are delighted to announce that we have partnered with Men International South Africa and therefore the festival will be known as the Pink Loerie™ Mardi Gras and Arts Festival in association with Men International South Africa,” O’Neil revealed. Men International South Africa assists new up and coming male model talent to reach their full potential.

An annual festival highlight is the Mr Gay Mardi Gras pageant. The winner this year will receive a “golden ticket” that guarantees a spot among the Mr Gay World™ South Africa finalists. O’Neil further teased that an international artist would be flown in to headline the Pink Loerie™, with details to be announced soon.

He invited LGBTQ-friendly businesses that would like to support the festival to email office@pinkloeriefoundation.com. “We are still in need of some auction items as well as accommodation for the artists and committee members,” O’Neil said.

The full Pink Loerie™ Mardi Gras and Arts Festival in association with Men International South Africa programme will be announced on 20 March 2022.

The Pink Loerie™ is an annual celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) culture and identity held in the picturesque town of Knysna. The festival hosts a series of cultural, entertainment and community fundraising events.

For more information, news, and updates, visit www.facebook.com/pinkloerie or www.pinkloerie.co.za.

Big-Hitters Of Modified Saloon Car Category Set To Take On 2022 Simola Hillclimb

Posted on by Keagon Borchards

The Modified Saloon Car category at the annual Simola Hillclimb is renowned for lining up an exhilarating array of the wildest, most powerful and fastest tin-top racing cars in the country. The 12th edition will be no different when these no-limits beasts of King of the Hill are let loose on the challenging 1.9km course on 7 and 8 May 2022.

Simola Hillclimb regular Pieter Zeelie threw a spanner in the works last year when he claimed his first King of the Hill crown in his highly modified 2002 Toyota MR2 Super GT, powered by a turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 Toyota engine. His faultless performance in the all-or-nothing Top 10 Shootout secured a winning time of 40.402 seconds, knocking 2019 champion and pre-event favourite Franco Scribante and his radical multi-winged 2016 Nissan R35 GT-R off the top step of the podium.

The question is, can he do it again? “I am up against competitive machinery and drivers, especially the four-wheel drive Nissans which gain around 1 to 1.5 seconds on us from the start to corner one, and I know Dawie Joubert made some extensive changes to his Lotus,” Zeelie says. “All of these drivers have serious intent on winning, so reaching the Top 10 in 2022 will already be a huge achievement. I will certainly do my best and hope to get a top-three position.”

Zeelie isn’t taking the title fight lightly, with an eye on competing internationally too: “The modifications never stop, and we spent most of our effort on aerodynamic changes to the car. We’re hoping to get some extra downforce and reduce drag, and also managed to get a little bit of extra power from the Toyota engine,” he says. “Some changes were made for my planned endeavours in the FIA International Hillclimb Cup in Europe later this year to make the car FIA-compliant, and we’re shipping it overseas straight after the Simola Hillclimb.”

As for what makes the Simola Hillclimb special, Zeelie highlights the fantastic nature of the event as a whole, as well as an interesting personal affinity with Knysna: “We always make it a social and business event with clients, family and friends joining us from all over South Africa. The adrenaline, together with social side, makes it very special for us, and I’ve always enjoyed hillclimb events.

“The Knysna Forest is where my family originally lived until they were forcefully removed,” Zeelie points out, referencing historical books such as Fiela se Kind, Kringe in die Bos and Toorbos that regale the troubled past. “Our family has a very rich history in the Cape and Knysna since 1648, and I am busy finalising a book about them.”

Whether Zeelie will be able to write his name in the Simola Hillclimb record books for a second time remains to be seen, but he certainly faces a stern challenge – most notably from multiple winner Scribante, behind the wheel of his time-attack inspired Nissan R35 GT-R with its distinctive massive front and rear wings.

In 2021 Scribante set a new official record time for the Modified Saloon Car category of 39.303 seconds in the Class Finals. However, a less-than-perfect run in the Top 10 Shootout saw him cross the line in 40.522 seconds which relegated him to second place for King of the Hill. “Our objective this year is to get the car reliable, as we’ve had numerous issues developing this car,” he says. “We don’t even know yet what the GT-R is capable of because we’ve always had to work around a variety of problems.

“We’ve looked at the gearbox and clutch issues, and for now we’re not aiming to go faster but to be more reliable,” Scribante says. “When we’ve maxed out the reliability then we will take it to the next level in the years to come.” The Scribante name will also be represented by Aldo and Silvio in a pair of highly tuned 2011 Audi S4s – the latter making the switch from a Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo driven last year.

As indicated by Zeelie, Dawie Joubert is sure to be a formidable opponent once again in his twin-turbo Ferrari V8-powered 2001 Lotus Exige, which has been upgraded since its debut last year. Joubert notched up an impressive time of 39.888 seconds during his best qualifying run in 2021, and will be aiming for an even better time when it counts in this year’s Top 10 final. He will be joined by brother Charl in a turbocharged Honda V6-powered Elise, while Craig Czank returns in his Lotus Exige, having opted for a Nissan R35 GT-R twin-turbo V6 engine, with the Simola event being used last year as the initial shakedown test for the car.

The Van Zummeren family always draws a crowd in their loud and wild Nissan GT-Rs, and Martin returns to the fray in his explosive four-wheel drive 2002 R34 after missing the 2021 edition. He will be backed up by his two sons, with Wade stepping back into his rear-wheel drive R34 GT-R after delighting the crowds in dad’s car last year, along with brother Jody in a four-wheel drive 1994 R32 GT-R. Another interesting new rival will be former touring car racer Farouk Dangor, who joins the Nissan GT-R brigade in a 2001 R34 GT.

However, there’s another serious contender that should never be underestimated. With three consecutive King of the Hill titles in the Road and Supercar category (2017-2019), Reghard Roets has taken over the reins of the BB Motorsport Nissan R35 GT-R formerly campaigned by Wilhelm Baard.

Roets certainly knows his way up the 1.9km Simola Hill and has been doing extensive testing in his new steed which powered Baard to victory in 2017 and 2018. If reliability issues with the car don’t hamper his efforts, the popular production car ace is sure to be in the thick of the battle until the final flag drops on Sunday afternoon.

Several other competitors are likely to be slugging it out in the thrilling Top 10 Shootout, including Franco di Matteo who recovered from a crash last year to power his way into the Top 10 final in the NOS-boosted Jaguar XKRR V8 Super Car. Charl Arangies finished third last year in a Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo, but returns this year in a similarly-powered V10 Audi R8 LMS GT3, while Anton Cronje remains another driver to watch in his rapid Subaru Impreza WRX STi after he claimed the sixth-fastest time in 2021.

Whoever emerges as this year’s triumphant King of the Hill, there’s guaranteed to be plenty of excitement and fireworks on the road to victory!

Online ticket sales for the Simola Hillclimb, along with more information on the event, are available on the website: www.simolahillclimb.com

Knysna Art Society breathes life back into historic town centre

Posted on by Keagon Borchards

The #knysnaartproject has been back in action, this time bringing some colour and character to Knysna’s historic CBD with a new mural inspired by local author Dalene Matthee’s novel “Kringe in ‘n Bos”.

The canvas for the latest project was the back of the old Town Hall – a 25metre-long strip of wall that, in recent years, came to be known as the “Covid wall”. It was here that people spent hours queuing for their vaccinations during the pandemic.

Now the works of sixty artists have transformed this bleak space into one of hope and happiness. Created over the ten days of the recent Knysna Oyster Festival, the “Kringe in ‘n Bos” mural is a celebration of all that makes the Greater Knysna area so unique. Artists worked individually but alongside one another on circular artworks (“Kringe”) of their chosen iconically-Knysna subjects. From extreme close-ups of the endemic fauna and flora that can be found in the ancient forests to views of the estuary and all that brings life to its waters, each of the eighty-one artworks is a passion-infused personal tribute to a place that inspires at every turn.

“Dalene Matthee’s forest books illustrate just how enchanted she was by the Knysna forests and the surrounding areas. As artists living in Knysna we too seek much of our inspiration from the natural wonder that surrounds us in this very special place. We feel privileged to live and work here and the mural shows the rest of the world why,” said Helena Gerber, Chairperson of Knysna Arts Society.

The artwork is the latest installment in the #knysnaartproject, an ambitious and exciting collaboration between Visit Knysna (the greater Knysna area’s destination marketing organisation), the Knysna Municipality and the Knysna Arts Society. Five other public outdoor artworks have already been installed across the Greater Knysna area.

As it happens, this time the majority of the contributing artists were women – in fact, only six were men. “The Kringe in ‘n Bos mural was created as a tribute to a great woman who loved Knysna by a group of Knysna’s great women. So we are reminded once again of the powerful role of women in the past, present and future of our town. Wherever I look, I see women working as individuals, in teams, in organisations to create real change and improvement in the world we live in. It’s no wonder we celebrate them with Women’s Month,” said Councilor Sharon Sabbagh, MMC for Finance and Tourism at Knysna Municipality.

Executive Mayor of Knysna Lavael Davis spoke at the official launch on Tuesday 17 August 2022. “The Knysna Art Project has brought the winds of rejuvenation to our town. It’s contagious. Our residents are out on the streets getting involved in projects and initiatives that are having real impact and building back our identity as a destination. But, more importantly, working together we are being reminded of what it feels like to be part of a community with a positive attitude and a common goal.”

Knysna’s lineup of events and natural offerings make it the ultimate destination for a fun filled festive holiday season

Posted on by Keagon Borchards

Knysna’s lineup of events and its spectacular natural offerings has this holiday season all wrapped up with art, sport activities, live music concerts, festive markets, spectacular festive shows and amazing dining experiences.

To keep the whole family entertained this summer, Knysna has a great lineup of events, such as the Summer Splash Festival, which promises 12 days of non-stop fun for the whole family and the opportunity to max out your holiday time. Taking place from 16-28 December in locations across the greater Knysna area, this festival will have visitors spoiled for choice – from sports activities to art, live music, cultural and Christmas holiday themed events.

Better Live has another spectacular line up of events that people can look forward to when they visit Knysna this summer. The organisers promise 13 incredible shows lined up between 9 December 2021 and 4 January 2022, including a few first-time performances in Knysna by the likes of Majozi, Francois Van Coke and the full Bam Bam Brown outfit. Browse all upcoming events here.

Covid-19 protocols apply at all events and this includes restrictions on numbers – booking in advance is strongly recommended. To find out more about these events and to make a booking, click here.

In addition, with its fusion of diverse natural habitats, Knysna is a proverbial gem of a destination renowned for many things, including:

Beaches
Situated along one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines, Knysna is home to an array of ruggedly beautiful shores and pristine beaches, from the remote and mysterious Noetzie, Bollard Bay with its calm lagoon waters to Brenton-on-Sea and Buffalo Bay who received their Blue Flag Beach status earlier this month, and the stretch of five sandy beaches and sandstone cliffs alongside each other in Sedgefield. For places to see, ways to wander, and signature experiences in Knysna, click here.

Rivers, lagoon/estuaries, lakes:
Waterways offer a myriad of adventurous activities for holidaymakers and the opportunity to swim, fish, boat, sail, snorkel and ski, paddle and SUP, kite and wind surf. Explore lots of unique spots to cool off after a busy summer’s day here.

Forests
Bestrewn with forest walks and hiking trails that allow visitors to explore its perimeters – enjoy numerous day trails in the Garden Route National Park, picnic on the grassy banks of a gently flowing, cola-coloured forest stream as well as hikes with waterfalls and swimming spots. Explore attractions in the Knysna forests here.

Dining
Knysna is famous for offering lavish delights for all of the senses. The Garden Route gem offers some excellent restaurants that are particularly unique, as many of them overlook either the Knysna Waterfront, Lagoon or famous Heads. You can find fish & chips parcels and designer sushi at restaurants on the same road. An alternative outing option is to braai at one of many public braaing spots found in the area.

Knysna Executive Mayor, Lavael Davis, commented: “We look forward to welcoming the holiday makers back to Knysna this summer – the town is ready and has a great lineup of events and offerings for the whole family to enjoy.”

“After the past 2 years of challenging times, there is no doubt that everyone is keen to relax, sit back and enjoy some sunshine and summer. The greater Knysna area is centrally located within the Garden Route area that offers something for everyone. Locally, there is such a variety of offerings: from a full moon swim to guided Knysna Seahorse experiences and meandering along the shorelines – even at moonlight; some of South Africa’s top musicians will be performing live, or enjoy a tranquil stroll in our peaceful forests. Stay, play and recharge,” said Visit Knysna’s General Manager, Colleen Durant.

“There is no doubt that after exploring what this beautiful destination has on offer this holiday season, many people will be inspired to visit Knysna again in the future. Guests can look forward to memorable world-class events, an extraordinary set of experiences and the best accommodation options,” concluded Wesgro CEO, Wrenelle Stander.

#VisitKnysna #Knysna #DiscoverKnysna #StayWorkPlay #DiscoverWesternCape

Communities, Commitment and the CCPP Group Lions Karoo to Coast

Posted on by Keagon Borchards

Before Covid turned the world on its head the weather did the same to the most recent edition of the CCPP Group Lions Karoo to Coast. It turned what is usually a challenging but enjoyable race into an odyssey of epic proportions. The next two years saw pandemic enforced postponements, which means that the 2022 edition is eagerly anticipated. 3 600 of a possible 4 000 entries have already been sold, so riders wishing to take part on the 25th of September should enter soon to avoid disappointment.

Absence, as the saying goes, makes the heart grow fonder. Which is certainly true for one of South Africa’s largest point to point mountain bike races. Now in its 22nd year the race from Uniondale to Knysna, along the iconic Prince Alfred’s Pass, is not only one of the country’s oldest mountain bike races but also one of the most well supported.

The last edition, in 2019, was perhaps the most memorable yet. Perfect years blend into one with the course of time; but nobody is forgetting high wind, torrential rain and hail anytime soon. Nor are the riders who were evacuated from the route forgetting the massive effort the communities, of Knysna and Uniondale, went to in order to save the day.

“I for one will never forget 2019,” Zandile Meneses, the CCPP Group Lions Karoo to Coast race director for the past 20 years, noted. “I’ve never experienced anything like that in an event before. We had to call the manager of PEP in Uniondale, to open the shop so we could buy every blanket in the store, as well as the majority of Knysna’s stock too. We then enlisted just about every taxi service in Knysna to help evacuate riders from the course. The sports fields, at the finish, turned into a quagmire and it even hailed briefly at Simola. It was a wild day!”

The successful evacuation of riders off the 96 kilometre course was down to the involvement of the community. Residents and business owners of Uniondale and Knysna have been pivotal from the inaugural edition, but it is in times of difficulty that their input is most keenly felt. The event’s absence from the calendar, for two years, was just as acutely experienced; especially by the Lions Club beneficiaries. Charities like Sightfirst, the South African Guide Dog Association and other urgent needs in the Garden Route and Klein Karoo community rely on the funds raised by the race to help finance their operations.

Although the route is largely the same as it was 22 years ago, for the inaugural edition, the ever-changing surface quality of Prince Alfred’s Pass provides diversity to the challenge. One section which has become significantly easier over the years though is the Ou Wapad. Climbing out of Uniondale used to be a tricky affair, where line choice was key. That changed 5 years ago however, when the wagon trail was graded. Still, it has not helped anyone better the course record which has stood for many years.

Perhaps 2022 is the year that the record falls… though the weather conditions on race day will have a significant say in how quickly the course is completed. Tail winds through the climbs and kloofs of the Outeniqua Mountains would blow the fastest riders home to Knysna at a better pace. While also helping the less competitive members of the field; but as anyone who took part in 2019 knows, it does not pay to bet on the riding conditions too far in advance. The only safe assumption is that it will not be as wild as the last time the race was held.

Another unique aspect of the event is the dinner which the women of Uniondale cook for the 1 600 odd participants who stay in the Klein Karoo town the night before the race. The usually sleepy village comes alive for the CCPP Group Lions Karoo to Coast and nearly half of the riders come together the night before for a locally made supper. It is a brilliant way to reconnect with old friends and riding acquaintances, as well as to get into the spirit of things before race day.

This September that reconnection will be particularly poignant. After three long years and with a memorable last time out to reflect upon the mood in Uniondale is sure to be electric. To join the celebration and the ride by visiting www.karootocoast.com.

Knysna be on the lookout: The 2022 Sasol Solar Challenge is coming to your town!

Posted on by Keagon Borchards

The 2022 Sasol Solar Challenge (SSC) will make its eighth control-stop at Knysna High School ground on the 15th of September, after travelling through 16 towns from Johannesburg.

“Each control-stop has an optional loop of road, which teams can drive their solar cars around as many times as they like, racking up more kilometres, and each loop requires a five minute control-stop before completion,” said Robert Walker, Owner and Director of the Sasol Solar Challenge. “The mandatory 30-minute stop is an opportunity for teams to refresh, swap drivers, do repairs, and strategise. It will also be an opportunity for the community of Knysna to come out and support the teams before the event moves to other communities, and subsequently the finish line.”

The control-stop will incorporate a school activation programme where learners in the community will have an opportunity to engage with the solar car teams and view the solar cars. Some of the learners will be showcasing their sustainable solutions developed to address mobility challenges faced by the community.
“The school activation programme is an experiential platform to influence and inspire scholars across South Africa to pursue careers in STEM. The overall offering of the Sasol Solar Challenge is an extension of Sasol’s investment into the youth of South Africa. Through the Sasol Solar Challenge, Sasol is directly investing in the engineers, scientists and thought leaders of tomorrow,” said Nozipho Mbatha, Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorships at Sasol.

The Sasol Solar Challenge takes place every two years, bringing together university and high school teams, and even private engineers who have manufactured fully functioning, roadworthy cars powered only by the sun. It runs on public roads, sharing space with trucks and regular traffic, and passes through multiple small towns.
Knysna Executive Mayor, Levael Davis said the town is excited and looking forward to hosting the Sasol Solar Challenge.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Sasol Solar Challenge. The event will expose school learners and the entire community of Knysna to new and interesting technologies,” said Davis. “It’s important for our community and the entire country to always look for innovative ways of harnessing the power of our planet in a sustainable and energy efficient way. The Sasol Solar Challenge is encouraging our youth to do just that. The event also stimulates an interest in STEM education amongst our learners, which will open doors to further training in the field of STEM.”

The 2022 route from Johannesburg to Cape Town will include five provinces, 14 towns and more than 20 communities. New towns include Brakpan, Trompsburg, Willowmore, Kirkwood, Jeffreys Bay, Riversdale and Caledon. The event is also bringing new local and international teams including those competing for the first time in South Africa and in a solar challenge.

Spectators are welcome at all stops, and more information on the route and the teams can be found at:
https://www.solarchallenge.org.za/ or on social media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

2023 SIMOLA HILLCLIMB SET DELIVER FAN-FRIENDLY AUTOMOTIVE EXTRAVAGANZA

Posted on by Keagon Borchards

 If the country’s most spectacular and fastest cars are your thing, there’s only one place to be from 4 to 7 May 2023, and that’s at the 13th edition of the Simola Hillclimb in Knysna.

  • Fan Fest, street parades and a chance to see the cars and drivers close-up at official scrutineering add to the excitement and adrenaline-fuelled atmosphere before the Simola Hillclimb even starts
  • Gasoline Alley offers some of the best views of the event with variety of activities, exhibitors, food and beverage vendors to make it a fun-filled family affair
  • Demonstration runs from event partners add to spectacle, including exciting products from Suzuki, BMW, Honda and Volkswagen

This year’s event will be bigger and better on all fronts, and that doesn’t just apply to the extraordinary road and race cars that will be driven in anger up the 1.9 km Simola Hill, or the dazzling list of top-tier local drivers and some high-profile international drivers such as WRC and WRX champion Petter Solberg who will be in the mix.

There is truly something for everyone, with plenty of attractions to get your adrenaline flowing – even before fans make their way to the event itself, with Classic Car Friday taking place on 5 May, followed by King of the Hill on Saturday and Sunday, 6 and 7 May.

“Classic Car Friday and King of the Hill are obviously the main attractions at the Simola Hillclimb, but there is so much more to this event to enthral motoring and motorsport enthusiasts of all ages and interests, including a Fan Fest and the popular street parades,” says Ian Shrosbree, MD of the Knysna Speed Festival which owns the Simola Hillclimb. “This all helps build the atmosphere and excitement leading into the main events and allows all of Knysna’s residents to enjoy a part of the Hillclimb.”

The Fan Fest precinct will include the Knysna High School grounds and surrounding roads on Thursday and Friday (4 and 5 May) from 11h00, with free access to see the wide range of new cars that will be on display along with other motoring-related items and goods for sale.

Eager enthusiasts who would like to see the cars set to compete in the event close-up before the action commences can head to Hedge Street in Knysna for the official scrutineering, which takes place from 09h00 to 14h30 on Thursday 4 May for Classic Car Friday entrants, and the same time the next day for all King of the Hill competitors.

Nothing beats the sights and sounds of these spectacular cars on the move, and the street parades are always among the major event highlights. Be sure to secure your spot along the scenic Waterfront Drive on Thursday 4 May from 14h45 to 15h15 to see the classic cars parading by, and on Friday from 17h15 to 17h45 for the road cars and pure race-bred machines that will compete in King of the Hill.

Enthusiasts who have secured their tickets to South Africa’s premier motoring and motorsport lifestyle event can look forward to plenty of further attractions once through the gates into the Simola Hillclimb. Gasoline Alley is the main public viewing area to see the cars charging up the steep Simola Hill. It has some of the best views of the track and, of course, the scenic Knysna Heads and estuary as a breathtaking backdrop.

A variety of local food vendors, exhibitors and a public bar will be available in Gasoline Alley, along with a jumping castle to keep the young kids under 12 entertained. Older children and adults can get their pulses racing by testing their driving skills on the ATK Esports Racing Simulators, and families are invited to bring along chairs and picnic blankets to enjoy all the Simola Hillclimb has to offer.

In between the practice and qualifying runs spectators will be treated to demonstration runs up the Simola Hill featuring motorcycles and cars, including the latest two-wheeled machines from Suzuki which is a Tier 1 partner.

“We are very excited to be doing lunchtime exhibition runs with our Suzuki motorcycles for the third year running,” says Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager at Suzuki Auto South Africa. “This year we have Jaco Viviers of Suzuki Richards Bay piloting the latest version of the Suzuki GSX-R1000R up the hill. Chris Kuun from Suzuki Auto SA will be riding the recently launched Suzuki DL 1050 DE V-Strom adventure bike which will be another first at the Simola Hillclimb.”

As a Tier 1 partner, BMW will be doing demonstration runs up the Simola Hill with the latest BMW M5 and X6M. Outside of the main event, BMW will also participate in a special parade lap through Knysna in celebration of the company’s 50th Jubilee in South Africa. This will include classic cars from BMW car clubs that will be in attendance.

Honda is a Tier 2 partner and will be doing demonstration runs with the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade superbike and its newly launched Civic Type R, with the Japanese manufacturer also confirming that Deon Joubert will be competing in King of the Hill in this exciting new performance model. Volkswagen is a Tier 2 partner and will reveal a new racing car during lunch time on Saturday.

Monster Energy Drinks will be back in action with its crowd-favourite Mustang drift car smoking its tyres on the hill with Jason Webb at the wheel, while Brent Le Riche will entertain the crowd with his incredible trials bike skills.

Time is running out fast with just one week to go before Knysna comes alive with the most spectacular automotive extravaganza in South Africa – so don’t miss out, get your tickets today!

 

Purchase your tickets online

Tickets can be purchased on the event website (www.simolahillclimb.com), with the prices for General Entry remaining unchanged from last year. Upgrades are available for Pit Access, Turn 2 Grandstand seating and VIP Parking.

For the ultimate VIP experience, the Le Mans Hospitality Lounge provides mouth-watering catering, an unbeatable viewing point overlooking the start line, as well as General Entry and Pit Access.

The 13th edition of the Simola Hillclimb takes place from 4 to 7 May 2023.

 

More information on the Simola Hillclimb is available on the website: www.simolahillclimb.com

Visit Knysna Receives African Excellence Award for Best Tourist Information Centre 2023 by MEA Markets

Posted on by Keagon Borchards

Visit Knysna, a leading destination marketing and tourist information center, is proud to announce its victory in the prestigious African Excellence Awards for 2023. The accolade, awarded by MEA Markets Markets, recognizes Visit Knysna as the Best Tourist Information Centre in the Western Cape for its exceptional commitment, adaptation, and excellence in the field.

The African Excellence Awards, now in its sixth year, celebrates the remarkable accomplishments and influence of businesses across diverse sectors on the African continent. From destination management and international tourism expertise to branding and design, the awards honor exceptional endeavors that contribute to the advancement of various industries.

Awards Coordinator Kaven Cooper expressed his admiration for this year’s remarkable winners: “I am pleased to have worked with such a brilliant assortment of companies that deliver supreme quality on a daily basis. All of our winners offer something unique to the corporate landscape, and I wish them all the best for the future ahead.”

Visit Knysna’s recognition as the Best Tourist Information Centre underscores its commitment to delivering outstanding service to visitors and tourists. As a vital contributor to the tourism landscape, Visit Knysna has consistently provided invaluable information, guidance, and assistance to tourists, thereby enhancing the overall travel experience.

This recognition is a testament to unwavering dedication to providing exceptional services and information to tourists exploring the enchanting destination of Knysna.

For further details about the African Excellence Awards and the accomplished professionals who have been acknowledged, please visit MEA Markets official website. Here, you can access the winners’ supplement and the complete list of this year’s esteemed winners.

Visit Knysna has a jampacked programme in celebration of Tourism Month

Posted on by Keagon Borchards

South Africa commemorates Tourism Month in September to coincide with World Tourism Day on the 27th of September.

Ms. Lungi Goya, Knysna Municipality’s Manager of local Economic & Development and Tourism, said they have a full programme of activities, inspired by the global UNWTO theme Tourism and Green Investments. “We must recognise the significant role of tourism in fostering inclusive economic growth and development. By generating employment opportunities, stimulating local economies, and promoting social inclusion tourism can bring about a positive change in all our communities. “

“Our programme focuses on initiatives that emphasise the significance of investing in the well-being of our planet, our communities, and our future prosperity. “We are collaborating with various partners including SANParks, SANParks Honorary Rangers, Cape Nature, Knysna Basin Project, and the Knysna Municipality Environmental Department to highlight the importance of eco-tourism among the community. School learners are also included in the programme with insightful activities and presentations that we hope will bring a newfound appreciation for preserving our estuaries, beaches, and endangered species.”

“The participating schools – Percy Mdala High School, Concordia High School and Knysna Montessori School – will each send ten learners from their tourism/life science class or eco team to partake in the event.”

WORLD TOURISM DAY
“Eco Awareness will be the main topic of our World Tourism Day event, taking place on the 27th of September at Knysna Hollow. The program includes an enlightening Knysna Seahorse talk by SANParks, a hands-on Knysna litter clean-up led by Knysna Honorary Rangers, an informative session on “The Sea Starts Here” campaign by Knysna Basin Project. Cape Nature will share its eco-tourism plans and strategies, and Knysna Municipality will facilitate a discussion about the Estuary water quality for recreational activities.

The participating high schools will have the opportunity to give a 5-minute presentation and their interpretation of the eco-tourism concept, with a trophy award for the best concept – with a prestigious trophy for the winning concept.”

Get ready to shuck and roll: Knysna Oyster Festival is just around the corner!

Posted on by Keagon Borchards

Hold on to your shucking knives, because the Knysna Oyster Festival is back, and it’s ready to make waves like never before! Celebrating its 40th anniversary, this year’s festival promises to be a pearl of an event. From 30 June to 9 July, locals and oyster aficionados from around the country will descend upon the picturesque shores of Knysna for a feast of fun, food, and festivities.

Amidst the captivating beauty of Knysna, the 40th Knysna Oyster Festival is all set to deliver an epic experience. According to the Executive Mayor of Knysna, Cllr Aubrey Tsengwa, this year’s theme is “Have a whale of a time.” Says Cllr Tsengwa: “The theme was chosen because the festival coincides with the thrilling whale watching season in Knysna, which adds an extra layer of excitement and wonder to the event. Visitors can witness the majestic beauty of these magnificent creatures while immersing themselves in the festivities. But more than that, the ‘whale of a time’ theme signifies the abundance of activities available throughout the festival. From adventure sports to a wine festival, there’s an array of events that promise non-stop entertainment and an unforgettable experience for all attendees.”

The theme also pays homage to the region’s rich natural heritage and serves as a reminder of the breathtaking beauty that surrounds Knysna and enhances the overall festival experience. “It extends beyond the festival itself, highlighting the fact that there’s more to explore and enjoy in the greater Knysna area,” explains the mayor. “Visitors are encouraged to make the most of their time in Knysna by exploring its captivating surroundings, indulging in outdoor adventures, and discovering the local culture and attractions. The theme encourages attendees to embrace all that Knysna has to offer, ensuring a truly fulfilling experience beyond the festival grounds.”

Prepare to be spoiled for choice with an exceptional line-up of headline events that will have you savouring every moment. Whether you’re a foodie, sports enthusiast, or someone who simply wants to immerse themselves in the vibrant spirit of Knysna, there’s something for everyone.

Indulge in the briny delights of an oyster or a dozen! There will be two varieties on offer – the cultivated Pacific Oyster, and the wild oyster, also known as the Knysna Oyster. Cultivated oysters are grown in Gqeberha and Saldanha Bay in submerged cages or intertidal racks, while the wild Knysna Oyster occurs naturally along the Knysna coastline. With an abundance of these delectable gems on offer, you can slurp, savour, and sample to your heart’s content.

Immerse yourself in the adventurous side of Knysna with thrilling outdoor activities. From hiking and cycling through stunning landscapes to kayaking along pristine waters, there’s no shortage of heart-pounding fun for adrenaline junkies.

Embrace your competitive spirit and take part in an array of sporting events. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a weekend warrior, there are challenges and competitions to test your mettle.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! The greater Knysna area offers an abundance of delights for visitors to explore, from awe-inspiring forests and pristine beaches to charming markets and art galleries. So, if you’re planning to attend the festival, make sure to extend your stay and experience the wonders that Knysna has to offer.

The 40th Knysna Oyster Festival is a celebration of four decades of joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories. So, mark your calendars, rally your friends, and get ready for an extravaganza like no other!

For more information about the festival, ticket prices, and the full event schedule, visit www.knysnaoysterfestival.co.za.