Knysna National Lake Area
All-in-One
Haven to the seahorse...
Knysna nestles on the banks of a beautiful lagoon in the heart of the ‘Garden Route’, South Africa. It is surrounded by a natural paradise of lush indigenous forests, tranquil lakes and golden beaches, making it a real natural wonderland.
The exceptionally beautiful Knysna National Lake Area is home to the endangered Knysna seahorse and a large diversity of marine life. Sandbanks and salt marshes teem with life and in turn provide food to an immeasurable number of organisms. Dominated by the craggy bastions of the twin Knysna Heads, the lagoon has borne witness to centuries of trade in timber, ivory and gold. The Lake Area enjoys a temperate climate and visitors can revel in the warm summer sun.
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Accommodation
Forest Timber Camping Decks
SANParks has recently launched Forest Timber Camping Decks in the heart of Knysna Forest. Set in a landscape of beautiful beaches and rocky headlands, shimmering lakes, green pastures and jagged mountains, the Knysna Forest Camping Decks affords the visitor an opportunity to feel at one with nature.
Forest Timber Camping Decks
Situated in the Diepwalle Forest area, sleep over and enjoy some of the best day walks, mountain cycle routes that take you into the heart of the Knysna Forest, bird watching, picnic sites and scenic view points.
The decks accommodate a three-man tent with braai and dining areas, and have electric points.
You can book a camping deck by e-mailing the park directly or calling +27 (0) 44 3829762.
The Tree-Top Forest Chalet
The Tree Top Forest Chalet
in Knysna Forest
The Tree Top Forest Chalet: situated in Harkeville forest between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, This 4 star chalet is tucked away at the head of a wide valley. The viewing deck offers you comfort of this well appointed self contained fully furnished chalet with DSTV. Read more about the Tree Top Forest Chalet.
You can book by e-mailing the park directly or calling +27 (0) 44 3829762.
The Guest House in Diepwalle Forest
The Guest House in Diepwalle forest: Bring your mountain bikes and ride some of the finest tracks in the country, take a leisurely stroll along the forest trail.
You can book by e-mailing the park directly or calling +27 (0) 44 3829762.
Privately run accommodation in Knysna
For information on privately run accommodation in and around Knysna, please contact:
Knysna Tourism
40 Main Street
Knysna
Garden Route
Western Cape
South Africa
Tel: +27 (0)44 382 5510
Fax: +27 (0)44 382 1646
Knysna Reservations
Tel: +27 (0)44 382 6960
Fax: +27 (0)44 382 1609
E-mail: knysna.tourism@pixie.co.za
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Activities
Harkerville Forest
Harkerville Forest offers the visitor a wide range of outdoor activities.
4X4 Trails
Hiking and Nature Walks
The Outeniqua Trail
Outeniqua Hiking Trail map.
Click on image to expand.
The 108 km long trail starts at Beervlei and ends at Harkeville, running through the Diepwalle and Gouna Forest. Outeniqua Hiking Trail brochure (pdf)
Daleen Mathee Trail
This trail, commemorating writer Dalene Matthee, follows an old mining path along the Forest Creek (This use to be the WoodCutters Trail)
Short Walks and Picnic Spots
Garden of Eden Eco
Walk and picnic spot
- The Garden of Eden in Harkeville Forest offers the visitor a chance to explore the moister forest tree species from the vantage point of a picturesque picnic spot. Short circular walks and an 800 metre trail suitable for the mobility impaired are route-marked.
- Kranshoek Viewpoint and Picnic Site, this is the most beautiful spot on the Southern Cape Coast, it offers the visitor cliff-top views of the coast. Perfect to enjoy Sunset and best venue for Weddings.
- Kranshoek Coastal Day Walk
- Julilee Creek , Milkwood and Krisjan-Se-Nek Picnic Site are all recreational facilities in Goudveld Forest
Camping
Camping in the Forest Timber Decks and bond with nature, some of the decks are wheelchair friendly
Mountain bike routes
Birding
More than 280 species of birds are listed in and around Knysna and many water birds abound Thesen Islands, Steenbok Park and further afield at Groenvlei and Swartvlei Lakes along the Rheendal Ramble. You can read more about Knysna birds and birding here.
Knysna Town
The picturesque town of Knysna provides a wide variety of facilities and curio shops. Fishing, water skiing and pure relaxation are all part of Knysna, where conservation and recreation subtly harmonise. Private enterprises provide water sports such as sailing, angling, boardsailing and power boating in specifically zoned areas.
Shopping
Knysna has a number of shopping centres, which provide for all a shopper's needs. There are supermarkets, boutiques, restaurants, coffee bars, pharmacies and a host of specialised shops. One centre is geared more towards the local arts and crafts and is housed in an up-graded historical building that was once a timber sawmill.
Restaurants
The diner has a wonderful choice of restaurants, dining in elegant surroundings by candlelight or looking out over the Knysna Lagoon. There are intimate bistros or the opportunity to eat "al fresco", a popular activity due to Knysna's gentle climate and warm evenings. A host of coffee bars and pubs offer good wholesome "pub-grub" or South African fare as well as the locally brewed beer Mitchells Brewery, a legend in its own lifetime.
Galleries/Arts & Crafts
As a result of a relaxed lifestyle, Knysna has over the years, attracted a wide variety of art and crafters, creating an artists' paradise. There are numerous galleries where one can enjoy the local arts and crafts and appreciate the talent and work that is produced here
The Knysna Oyster Company
Oysters are cultivated right here in the Knysna Lagoon and served in most of the local restaurants. The Knysna Oyster Company established in 1949, is situated on Thesen Islands and offers daily educational tours, accompanied by fine cuisine.
Other Activities
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Recreational Facilities in Goudveld Forest
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Recreational Facilities in Diepwalle & Gouna Forest
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Diepwalle and Gouna Forest
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Recreational Facilities in Goudveld Forest
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Recreational Facilities in Goudveld Forest
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Tsitsikamma Recreation Facilities
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Vital Information
Climate
A moderate climate: and a fine selection of accommodation, restaurants and enjoyable activities make Knysna the perfect holiday destination.
How to get there
Knysna lies on the scenic Garden Route, some 500 km from Cape Town and approximately 300 km from Port Elizabeth. Rental facilities and a national airport can also be found at George, some 70 km from Knysna. All the major car hire companies have offices at the George Airport and there are specialised companies in Knysna that provide airport transfers. The upgraded road between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth is very good, making road travel along the scenic Garden Route a pleasure.
Contact Information
For enquiries e-mail Knysna National Park or phone us on the following numbers:
Tel: +27 (0)44 382 2095
Fax: +27 (0)44 382 5801
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Birding in Knysna National Lake Area
The tidal lagoon and open estuary of the Knysna River provides an excellent place to view waders in the summer months. Grey Plover, Marsh Sandpiper, Greenshank, Curlew Sandpiper and Whimbrel are prominent. All year, but particularly in winter, the lagoon hosts some non-migratory larger species (egrets, spoonbills, gulls, cormorants, ibises). The threatened African Black Oystercatcher is present all year, but their numbers increase in winter to what is regarded as a globally significant population. Cape Shoveller , Kittlitz’s Plover, PiedAvocet and Black-winged Stilt are also present in good numbers. African Fish Eagle and Osprey should also be watched out for.
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Mammals
African elephant |
Loxodonta africana |
Black clinging bat |
Miniopterus fraterculus |
Blue duiker |
Cephalophus monticola |
Bushbuck |
Tragelaphus scriptus |
Bushpig |
Potamochoerus porcus |
Cape dune molerat |
Bathyergus suillus |
Cape grey mongoose |
Herpestes pulverulentus |
Cape hairy bat |
Myotis tricolor |
Cape horseshoe bat |
Rhinolophus capensis |
Cape molerat |
Georychus capensis |
Cape mouse |
Praomys verreauxi |
Cape porcupine |
Hystrix africaeaustralis |
Cape wild cat |
Felis lybica |
Caracal |
Felis caracal |
Chestnut climbing mouse |
Dendromus mesomelas |
Clawless otter |
Aonyx capensis |
Common molerat |
Cryptomys hottentotus |
Duthie's golden mole |
Chlorotalpa duthiae |
Forest mouse |
Thamnomys dolichurus |
Forest shrew |
Mysorex variatus |
Geoffroy’s horseshoe bat |
Rhinolophus clivosus |
Grey rhebuck |
Pelea capreolus |
Grysbok |
Raphicerus melanotis |
Honey badger |
Mellivora capensis |
Hottentot golden mole |
Amblysomus tottentotus |
Klipspringer |
Oreotragus oreotragus |
Knysna golden mole |
Amblysomus iris |
Kuhl’s bat |
Pipistrellus kuhlii |
Large grey mongoose |
Herpestes ichneumon |
Large-spotted genet |
Genetta tigrina |
Leopard |
Panthera paradus |
Long-eared bat |
Nycteris thebaica |
Long-tailed housebat |
Eptesicus hottentotus |
Red musk shrew |
Crocidura flavescens |
Rock dassie |
Procavia capensis |
Scrub hare |
Lepus saxatilis |
Serval |
Felis serval |
Striped polecat |
Ictonyx striatus |
Vervet monkey |
Cercopithecus pygerythrus |
Vlei rat |
Otomys irroratus |
Water mongoose |
Atilax paludinosus |
Wooly bat |
Kerivoula lanosa |
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People with disabilities
Garden of Eden Eco
Walk and picnic spot
The Garden of Eden in Harkeville Forest offers the mobility impaired visitor a chance to explore the moister forest tree species from an 800 metre trail.
(Please see additional information on Wheelchair Accessibility)
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