It’s one of the jewels of South Africa’s Garden Route, it offers a multitude of activities and is famous for its oysters… There’s no doubting Knysna’s list of accomplishments.
Or its pulling power for both international and local visitors.
For a start its location is unique, situated between coastal forests and a beautiful estuarine lagoon that meets the sea between two towering cliffs of sandstone – the Knysna Heads.
The Knysna lagoon is the largest estuary of its kind in the southern Cape and is rich in plant, marine and bird life. This is the home of the Knysna seahorse, a rare creature only found in this lagoon. Nicknamed the “chameleon of the estuary” because of its ability to change colour, as well as being able to move its eyes independently in its search for prey, the Knysna seahorse is a fitting mascot for this colourful seaside town.
The coast around Knysna offers visitors endless opportunities to explore its natural beauty. Neighbouring towns such as Brenton-on-Sea, Buffalo Bay, Bollard Bay on Leisure Isle and the beach and estuary at Noetzie are prime spots for walking, swimming, fishing, surfing, boardsailing, beach games or lazy sunbathing.
But it is perhaps the magnificent southern Cape forests, themselves one of South Africa’s greatest natural heritages, which help to make Knysna truly special.
Part of the overflow of the world-renowned Tsitsikamma National Park, the forests surround the town, offering visitors the chance to explore their narrow pathways, often intersected by clear streams that meander silently through the cool undergrowth.
This haven of peace and tranquillity is home to massive Outeniqua yellowwoods (some estimated to be more than 800 years old), and was once the home of huge herds of forest elephant.
The Knysna forest covers an area of about 80 000ha and, besides the yellowwood, contains a huge variety of fauna and flora. The forest is also home to an area of fynbos – evergreen heath-type shrubland, which contributes an amazing 8 000 species to the fynbos floral kingdom.
Knysna itself is packed with things to do, with some marvelous restaurants, excellent shopping and great accommodation options. And in July celebrates its 25th annual Oyster Festival, when the town will be host to a jam-packed programme of sport, entertainment and more than 200 000 oysters.
The tasty molluscs, which have helped put the town on the map, will be the stars of the show at “hotspots” throughout the town – locations sponsored by chilli sauce-maker Tabasco in and around Knysna where visitors can enjoy the local delicacy prepared in more than 30 different ways.
Included in the festival is the Oyster and Wine Mardi Gras, a celebration of cooked oysters and wine and the popular oyster eating and oyster opening (shucking) competitions. For the more energetic there are cycling tours and marathons, as well as bowls, soccer, golf, basketball and adventure activities.
The Oyster Festival is not just about partying, with many of the events hosted by the locals with the aim of raising important funds for a variety of charities.
In 1984 the South African Navy became involved in the festival, with the then chief of the navy, Vice-Admiral AP Putter visiting the town with a minesweeper and crew.
In 1988 the freedom of entry into the municipality of Knysna was conferred on the navy and this year the tradition continues, with a visit to the festival by two minesweepers, which will be berthed at Thesen Island Jetty.
The first Oyster Festival took place in 1983 and was the brainchild of the late Dick Ginsberg, a local businessman. The purpose of the festival is to attract people to Knysna during the quiet winter period.
But whether you choose to visit Knysna during the festival, or in quieter times, it is the perfect base from which to explore the rest of the Garden Route.
The Lowdown:
Where to stay: Try Lightleys Holiday Houseboats for size. They offer a range of “floating caravan” type houseboats sleeping either two, four or six. You just need groceries, clothing, cleaning materials and towels – they supply the rest. Rates start at R895 a night in the low season (May to September) excluding Oyster Festival time. For more info go to www.houseboats.co.za