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Knysna National Park

Location
Western Cape > Knysna

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Description

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.

Areas of Special Interest
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

Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe
One of the last single gauge operational steam trains in the world travels between Knysna and George. Re-live travel of the years past and enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Garden Route.

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.

Activities
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.

Birdlife
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.

Forest Walks
The nearby forests provide ample opportunity for leisurely walks or picnics, short hikes or, for the serious hiker, more strenuous day walks; plus a number of biking trails for cyclists.

For more information visit www.sanparks.org

©2001-2007 South African National Parks™ All rights reserved

Back to South African National Parks
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.

Areas of Special Interest
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

Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe
One of the last single gauge operational steam trains in the world travels between Knysna and George. Re-live travel of the years past and enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Garden Route.

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.

Activities
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.

Birdlife
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.

Forest Walks
The nearby forests provide ample opportunity for leisurely walks or picnics, short hikes or, for the serious hiker, more strenuous day walks; plus a number of biking trails for cyclists.

For more information visit www.sanparks.org

©2001-2007 South African National Parks™ All rights reserved

Back to South African National Parks
Contact / ReservationsKnysna National Park


Alternatively contact the TOURISM call centre on +27 (0) 41 585 8884

Type :
Game Reserve, National Parks

MAP

Latitude : -34° 1' 49.92" S | Longitude : 23° 9' 3.02" E

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