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Knysna National Lake Area

Activities

Harkerville Forest

Harkerville Forest offers the visitor a wide range of outdoor activities.

4X4 Trails

Hiking and Nature Walks

The Otteniqua 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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