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indwe magazine – June 2005
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Knysna
in July |
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Text: Deidre Theron-Loots
Images: © Ian Flemming & Knysna Tourism |
| Dense forests, dark mountains, white beaches, stark cliff faces, lazy lagoons, and a soft, ever-comforting mist form the perfect setting for a weekend, a week, a month, a year, or a lifetime in Knysna. And then, of course, there are the Knysna oysters... |
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| South Africa’s Favourite Town is not just a well-known holiday resort. There are as many reasons why Knysna has twice been voted Engen Town of the Year, as there are reasons why people visit this place of beauty and mystery... and return year after year. Located on the banks of a tranquil estuary, Knysna is surrounded by a paradise of lush indigenous forests and golden beaches, making it a real natural wonderland. The town is nestled between the impressive Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, with the world-renowned forests encircling it like a protective mantle. At the heart of Knysna is the 21-hectare lagoon, protected from the sea by the monolithic sandstone “Heads” – silent sentinels to the unfolding history of this unique environment down the centuries. The sound of fax machines, cellular phones and afternoon traffic disperse into distant memory as the mystery of Knysna enfolds the visitor in a blanket of comfort. The options are legion – laze away the time in a haze of soul space, go shopping, engage in extreme sport... The choice is truly yours. The Waterfront is abuzz with curio shops, restaurants (known for serving the freshest Knysna oysters), an interesting mix of people, boats and ferries moored at the quay, eagerly waiting for guests to board. Unable to resist, I get onto a ferry for a two-hour ride along the smooth lagoon towards the famous Knysna Heads. It is here that boats and ships are courageously steered through a passage to the Indian. As the water laps gently against the sides of the ferry, the skipper tells us more about the Featherbed Nature Reserve, The Heads and the Knysna forest. To the right is the Featherbed Bay, where guests have the chance to eat and sleep, and perhaps chance upon the Knysna Loerie. To the left is the Eastern Head with magnificent buildings towering above the sea. Among them I spot the Resort Hotel where I will be spending the night – Pezula. Knysna is both well known and loved for its vast spectrum of outdoor activities. From abseiling and paragliding, to fishing and horse riding, there is never a dull moment in Knysna. My idea of a well-spent afternoon includes the beach, sighting a dolphin or two, and a leisurely walk. Buffalo Bay offers exactly that (with free sightings of surfers included), so I head down to this popular spot with my camera and binoculars. I am tempted to keep walking. Many tourists opt for a refreshing seven-kilometre beach hike between Buffalo Bay and Brenton-on-Sea, but I decide to opt for the luxury of Pezula. Pezula Resort Hotel is the pride of Knysna. Stunning views over the lagoon, the forest, and Knysna Heads, combined with exquisite dining and sophisticated accommodation make for a truly unforgettable stay in true five star luxury. With nature at its doorstep, it’s no wonder that Pezula achieved international recognition as the Most Environmentally Aware Development in the world as well as the Best Development in South Africa. One of its prime developments is the Pezula Championship Golf Course, expertly designed to showcase the most breathtaking view over Knysna’s wonders, overlooking the ocean on the one side and the lagoon on the other, with the forest in clear view from virtually every hole. Over the last few years, Knysna, along with the rest of the Garden Route, have emerged as the golfing mecca of South Africa. This year sees the start of what is to become an annual event – the 1st National Festival of Golf, taking place from 11 to 17 July, and Pezula is one of the many golf courses that will be host to the festival. Big names like Gary Player, Retief Goosen and Ernie Els have expressed their dedicated support of the event, and the handpicked golf courses are the best and most beautiful courses in the country. Each course has its own charm and character, with nature acting as the backdrop to the player’s stage. The Knysna Oyster Festival from 1 to 10 July, which has developed into one of South Africa’s most popular and enduring festivals, is a 10-day feast for oyster lovers and a sport and leisure adventure for the whole family. The programme is packed with sporting events that include cycling, running, canoeing, downhill racing and sailing. There is also plenty of entertainment for the not so active and many occasions to toast Knysna’s famous local oysters! Highlights include the Rotary Knysna Cycle Tour – a two-day festival of cycling, the arrival of the South African Navy minesweepers through The Heads, the Knysna Forest Marathon and Half Marathon and the Oyster Cooking and Eating Competitions. This then is my suggestion; take just one week away from work, pack your favourite friend, your youthful spirit and your golf clubs, and head down to Knysna for the Oyster Festival. Join the colourful celebrations of the Oyster Festival until you know the chef or the barman at what is sure to become your favourite restaurant or pub, or both. For a rare treat, take a slow forest walk and experience the mystery that is Knysna. Touch the beautiful forest giants, some of which are hundreds of years old, explore the old Millwood Mine and keep your eyes open for a glimpse of Knysna Elephants or Loeries. In Knysna there is nature wherever you look. Take a walk on the beach and watch the Oystercatchers promenade along the sand; embark on a sunset sail with oysters and champagne across the lagoon to Knysna’s natural heritage site, Featherbed; canoe up the river and listen for the haunting call of a Fish Eagle; experience the power of the Ocean pounding through the Heads; or spend a night on a houseboat and wake to the cry of seagulls, or a seal splashing in the water. Experience the thrill of high-speed mountain biking through indigenous forests or dive the depths of the lagoon. Hire a kayak to tour the winding Knysna River, or raise the heartbeat with an abseil above the ocean’s crashing waves. Quad bike along a dusty path or ride a horse along the water’s edge. 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. And whatever you do, remember to eat plenty of oysters because Knysna is a romantic getaway like no other. You may need the oysters! |