Brendon’s Guidebook
Sightseeing
The Garden Route is known for its amazing views of mountains, rivers and oceans. There are various places to visit and enjoy the spectacular views this part of the country has to offer.
The Knysna Heads are both the eastern and western peninsula ends that embrace the waters of the Knysna Estuary. The eastern head has a visitor friendly view point looking down on the entrance of the estuary meeting the sea. Many ships transporting wood have gone under due to a sharp rock formation which cannot be seen. The infamous Paquita is still there, making it an attractive sight amongst divers.
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The Heads
1 View PointThe Knysna Heads are both the eastern and western peninsula ends that embrace the waters of the Knysna Estuary. The eastern head has a visitor friendly view point looking down on the entrance of the estuary meeting the sea. Many ships transporting wood have gone under due to a sharp rock formation which cannot be seen. The infamous Paquita is still there, making it an attractive sight amongst divers.
This nature reserve is not just famous for its 3 different scenic hiking trails, but is also a national monument and World Heritage Site. The highest navigational light on the South African coastline, at the Cape Seal Lighthouse, can be found here. Rocks from this area date back to 120 million years and later, Stone Age habitation. The views are spectacular and marine life such as whales, sharks and seals among other wildlife can be found here. This is one of the best hikes along the Garden Route and not to be missed by any tourist passing by.
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Robberg náttúruverndarsvæði
This nature reserve is not just famous for its 3 different scenic hiking trails, but is also a national monument and World Heritage Site. The highest navigational light on the South African coastline, at the Cape Seal Lighthouse, can be found here. Rocks from this area date back to 120 million years and later, Stone Age habitation. The views are spectacular and marine life such as whales, sharks and seals among other wildlife can be found here. This is one of the best hikes along the Garden Route and not to be missed by any tourist passing by.
Wildlife Parks
The Garden Route offers a variety of wildlife parks, sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers that can be visited. Most of these places originated from rescue centers looking after orphaned, injured or abused animals. In the case where they cannot be released back into the wild, the animals are cared for in free-roaming spaces as close to their natural habitat as possible. These parks now serves the purpose of educating the public about the animals and the importance of nature reservation.
The Knysna Elephant Park is home to a matriarchal herd of 10 elephants. Visitors get to experience these majestic animals up close, safely guided by each elephants' ranger. All of the animals are free-roaming and live in an area replicating their natural habitat. This is an extremely unique and special opportunity that exceeds every visitors expectation.
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Knysna Elephant Park
The Knysna Elephant Park is home to a matriarchal herd of 10 elephants. Visitors get to experience these majestic animals up close, safely guided by each elephants' ranger. All of the animals are free-roaming and live in an area replicating their natural habitat. This is an extremely unique and special opportunity that exceeds every visitors expectation.
Jukani hosts some of the worlds most fascinating big cats such as lions, cheetahs, jaguars, tigers, puma and leopards. The guided tours are very informative while you capture images of these animals in a habitat created to the needs of each individual. As a sustainable wildlife sanctuary, emphasis is placed on educating the public about the top apex predators and touches on subjects such as canned hunting.
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Jukani Villtafriðland
N2Jukani hosts some of the worlds most fascinating big cats such as lions, cheetahs, jaguars, tigers, puma and leopards. The guided tours are very informative while you capture images of these animals in a habitat created to the needs of each individual. As a sustainable wildlife sanctuary, emphasis is placed on educating the public about the top apex predators and touches on subjects such as canned hunting.
Situated next to each other, both this primate sanctuary and aviary are the worlds first free-roaming centers. More than 550 species of birds and and a large variety of primates can be seen in their natural habitat. The sanctuaries are family friendly with lots of places for the kids to play while the family enjoys a light lunch at the pizza restaurant close by.
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Monkeyland and Birds of Eden
Situated next to each other, both this primate sanctuary and aviary are the worlds first free-roaming centers. More than 550 species of birds and and a large variety of primates can be seen in their natural habitat. The sanctuaries are family friendly with lots of places for the kids to play while the family enjoys a light lunch at the pizza restaurant close by.
The Garden Route Wolf Sanctuary is one of the most popular places to visit between Knysna and Plettenbergbay. Guided tours offers fascinating information about the rehabilitation of new wolves into a pack, habits to establish ranking and breeding. You can meet some of the wolf dogs and huskies as well as feed the various farm animals such as goats, pigs, geese and rabbits.
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Garden Route Wolf Sanctuary
The Garden Route Wolf Sanctuary is one of the most popular places to visit between Knysna and Plettenbergbay. Guided tours offers fascinating information about the rehabilitation of new wolves into a pack, habits to establish ranking and breeding. You can meet some of the wolf dogs and huskies as well as feed the various farm animals such as goats, pigs, geese and rabbits.
This rehabilitation center focuses on the importance of birds of prey in nature. They are mainly focused on rescuing animals in need due to the impact of urbanization, hunting or poisoning. They have flight tours 3 times a day providing information while visitors see these birds in flight.
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Raptor Rescue Plett
This rehabilitation center focuses on the importance of birds of prey in nature. They are mainly focused on rescuing animals in need due to the impact of urbanization, hunting or poisoning. They have flight tours 3 times a day providing information while visitors see these birds in flight.
The Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary showcases the most common snakes indigenous to the Garden Route such as the Boomslang (meaning tree snake), Puffadders, Cape Cobras and Rinkhals. Live demonstrations are fascinating but might also send a shiver down your spine. Snakes from other regions in South Africa are also discussed. Once again the emphasis is on educating the public about snakes, doing away with myths, wrong identification and mostly the killing of these critters when found in residential areas. Visitors who wish, could interact with some of the non-venomous snakes under careful supervision.
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Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary
2 the cragsThe Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary showcases the most common snakes indigenous to the Garden Route such as the Boomslang (meaning tree snake), Puffadders, Cape Cobras and Rinkhals. Live demonstrations are fascinating but might also send a shiver down your spine. Snakes from other regions in South Africa are also discussed. Once again the emphasis is on educating the public about snakes, doing away with myths, wrong identification and mostly the killing of these critters when found in residential areas. Visitors who wish, could interact with some of the non-venomous snakes under careful supervision.
Activities
In 1870 the Thesen family arrived in Knysna on their way to New Zealand. Having great commercial and sailing experience they decided to stay on and soon started a sawmill and small boat-building company. Charles Thesen bought a piece of land closer to the water, moved his businesses and renamed what was then called Paarden Island to Thesen Island. An environmental engineer proposed to turn Thesen Island into a residential marina and the work started in June 2000. Thesen Harbour Town has a great variety of restaurants, shops and boutiques and is the start-off point for a lot of the water activities around the lagoon.
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Thesen Island
In 1870 the Thesen family arrived in Knysna on their way to New Zealand. Having great commercial and sailing experience they decided to stay on and soon started a sawmill and small boat-building company. Charles Thesen bought a piece of land closer to the water, moved his businesses and renamed what was then called Paarden Island to Thesen Island. An environmental engineer proposed to turn Thesen Island into a residential marina and the work started in June 2000. Thesen Harbour Town has a great variety of restaurants, shops and boutiques and is the start-off point for a lot of the water activities around the lagoon.
Wood waste from the timber mill on Thesen Island was used to start a power station which generated electricity from turbines. It supplied electricity to Knysna and Plettenberg Bay until its closure in 2001. The Turbine Hotel was built around some of the fully restored equipment. The Turbine Water Club rents out boats and canoes to visitors who wish to explore the lagoon on their own.
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The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa
36 Sawtooth LnWood waste from the timber mill on Thesen Island was used to start a power station which generated electricity from turbines. It supplied electricity to Knysna and Plettenberg Bay until its closure in 2001. The Turbine Hotel was built around some of the fully restored equipment. The Turbine Water Club rents out boats and canoes to visitors who wish to explore the lagoon on their own.
Ocean Odessey is the only close encounter whale watching permit holder for the greater Knysna area, which extends from the western side of the Robberg Peninsula to Gericke’s Point in Sedgefield. The permit gives permission to approach marine mammals within 50m, and if whales approach, permission to stay and observe. Searching for these animals on their migratory journey, visitors can expect sightings of Humpback and Southern Right Whales. Their eco-tours takes you on a journey past the coastline, discovering cliffs and caves only to be seen from the ocean to unexpectedvisitors such as seals and dolphins. This is an experience unlike any other!
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Ocean Odyssey Whale Watching Knysna
TH22 Long StOcean Odessey is the only close encounter whale watching permit holder for the greater Knysna area, which extends from the western side of the Robberg Peninsula to Gericke’s Point in Sedgefield. The permit gives permission to approach marine mammals within 50m, and if whales approach, permission to stay and observe. Searching for these animals on their migratory journey, visitors can expect sightings of Humpback and Southern Right Whales. Their eco-tours takes you on a journey past the coastline, discovering cliffs and caves only to be seen from the ocean to unexpectedvisitors such as seals and dolphins. This is an experience unlike any other!
Scootours provides visitors the opportunity to ride through the inidgenous forests close to Knysna on a mountain scooter-bike. This is a quick and easy way to experience the magic of the million year old forests if a hike on foot is not for you! Each scooter permits one adult and one child to make this fun activity for the whole family.
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Scootours Knysna
23 Sawtooth LaneScootours provides visitors the opportunity to ride through the inidgenous forests close to Knysna on a mountain scooter-bike. This is a quick and easy way to experience the magic of the million year old forests if a hike on foot is not for you! Each scooter permits one adult and one child to make this fun activity for the whole family.
Simola Golf & Country Estate was conceived as one of South Africa’s most desirable golfing destinations. Attractions on the estate include the Simola Hotel, Country Club & Spa; our 18-hole signature golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus himself. This is a must for golfing enthusiasts!
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Simola Golf & Country Estate
Oldcate RoadSimola Golf & Country Estate was conceived as one of South Africa’s most desirable golfing destinations. Attractions on the estate include the Simola Hotel, Country Club & Spa; our 18-hole signature golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus himself. This is a must for golfing enthusiasts!
If you would enjoy experiencing the surrounding forest on a machine driven horse, quad bike rides is the way to go! Located only 2km up the dirt road from the guesthouse, these rides are done on an accompanied guided trail. This is the perfect activity for teenagers (+15 years) and adults as the trails can be challenging at times. Although Quad rides are done any time of the day it is better to make a booking.
Southern Comfort Quad Bikes
Garden RouteIf you would enjoy experiencing the surrounding forest on a machine driven horse, quad bike rides is the way to go! Located only 2km up the dirt road from the guesthouse, these rides are done on an accompanied guided trail. This is the perfect activity for teenagers (+15 years) and adults as the trails can be challenging at times. Although Quad rides are done any time of the day it is better to make a booking.
Hog Hollow Horse Trails offers visitors the opportunity to experience a variety of activities on horseback. From scenic trails on horseback through magnificent natural beauty to attractions in the area, including wine farms, Animal Sanctuaries and a picnic spot on the spectacular Kurland Estate. All of the horses were rescued from abuse or neglect and lovingly rehabilitated and cared for in their new home. Horse drawn carriage tours are also available and is based at Kay and Monty Wine Estate on Redford Road, and offer trails in a vintage horse drawn carriage between two boutique wine estates to enjoy wine tastings, cellar tours and an optional tappas style lunch. The perfect way to spend a romantic getaway!
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Hog Hollow Horse & Carriage Trails
Kurland ParkHog Hollow Horse Trails offers visitors the opportunity to experience a variety of activities on horseback. From scenic trails on horseback through magnificent natural beauty to attractions in the area, including wine farms, Animal Sanctuaries and a picnic spot on the spectacular Kurland Estate. All of the horses were rescued from abuse or neglect and lovingly rehabilitated and cared for in their new home. Horse drawn carriage tours are also available and is based at Kay and Monty Wine Estate on Redford Road, and offer trails in a vintage horse drawn carriage between two boutique wine estates to enjoy wine tastings, cellar tours and an optional tappas style lunch. The perfect way to spend a romantic getaway!
Adventure Land is a maize of super tubes, water slides and swimming pools. This is a great way to soak up the sun and keep the whole family entertained. They offer a variety of slides for young and old or you can splash around in the swimming pools to take a break from the excitement!
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Adventure Land
Adventure Land is a maize of super tubes, water slides and swimming pools. This is a great way to soak up the sun and keep the whole family entertained. They offer a variety of slides for young and old or you can splash around in the swimming pools to take a break from the excitement!
Awesome Wine, Food & Culture
The Garden Route has some of the best food and wine South-Africa has to offer. The big emphasis on local production and sourcing in the nearby surrounds of each area contributes greatly to the quality and variety of the food. Local organic produce and dairy such as cheese, cream and milk can be bought straight from the farm. The local Wine Estates brings flair and flavor to compliment all the colorful dishes which is influenced by the truly South-African culture.
South Africa and especially the Western Cape are well known for its fantastic wines. Visiting a wine farm is one of the best ways to explore all of the wayseq4twert
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Packwood Wine and Country Estate (Pty) Ltd
South Africa and especially the Western Cape are well known for its fantastic wines. Visiting a wine farm is one of the best ways to explore all of the wayseq4twert
Zinzi Restaurant ticks all the boxes of a beautiful restaurant experience! From architecture with natural building material to the African inspired decor showcasing wood and metal sculptures from India and soft traditional materials. The chefs come from different backgrounds, each adding their inspiration which resulted in the interesting menu options. They have a great variety of vegetarian options and has a kiddies menu for the young ones!
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Zinzi Restaurant
Zinzi Restaurant ticks all the boxes of a beautiful restaurant experience! From architecture with natural building material to the African inspired decor showcasing wood and metal sculptures from India and soft traditional materials. The chefs come from different backgrounds, each adding their inspiration which resulted in the interesting menu options. They have a great variety of vegetarian options and has a kiddies menu for the young ones!
Muse Fusion Food is a hidden gem just off of the N2 in Knysna. This restaurant has a welcoming atmosphere, quirky decor and serves some of the best wood fired pizza in Knysna. The term "Fusion Food" refers to traditional dishes such as Nachos or Thai Red Curry with a twist of inspiration and love! The fireplace in front of the restaurant is a big attraction and has seen many nights of good conversation between strangers over a glass of wine. Muse is a big favorite under the locals and a way of experiencing the magic of Knysna and its people!
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MUSE Fusion Food
152A Old Cape RdMuse Fusion Food is a hidden gem just off of the N2 in Knysna. This restaurant has a welcoming atmosphere, quirky decor and serves some of the best wood fired pizza in Knysna. The term "Fusion Food" refers to traditional dishes such as Nachos or Thai Red Curry with a twist of inspiration and love! The fireplace in front of the restaurant is a big attraction and has seen many nights of good conversation between strangers over a glass of wine. Muse is a big favorite under the locals and a way of experiencing the magic of Knysna and its people!
Bramon Wine Estate is the first Estate to pioneer vineyards in the Plettenberg Bay area. The previously family-run estate pushed the boundaries of wine-making with their award-winning, non-traditional and traditional Méthode Cap Classique bubblies and still wines, collecting national and international awards. Enjoy wine-tasting or lunch accompanied by your favorite at the estate’s restaurant set in the vineyards which overlook the Tsitsikamma Mountains.
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Bramon Wines Restaurant & Wine Tasting
N2Bramon Wine Estate is the first Estate to pioneer vineyards in the Plettenberg Bay area. The previously family-run estate pushed the boundaries of wine-making with their award-winning, non-traditional and traditional Méthode Cap Classique bubblies and still wines, collecting national and international awards. Enjoy wine-tasting or lunch accompanied by your favorite at the estate’s restaurant set in the vineyards which overlook the Tsitsikamma Mountains.
The Harkerville Saturday Market offers some of the best local food, arts and crafts. With plenty of stalls selling local, organic and home made food and confectionery to truly South-African arts and crafts. This is a great place to buy souvenirs and gifts for friends and family.
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Harkerville laugardagsmarkaður
The Harkerville Saturday Market offers some of the best local food, arts and crafts. With plenty of stalls selling local, organic and home made food and confectionery to truly South-African arts and crafts. This is a great place to buy souvenirs and gifts for friends and family.
This quaint Italian restaurant is situated on the edge of the water at the Knysna Waterfront. This family-owned restaurant brings the best of Italian cuisine to the Garden Route. The menu has plenty to offer, not forgetting the perfect Espresso to end a great meal!
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Caffe Mario
17 Hedge StThis quaint Italian restaurant is situated on the edge of the water at the Knysna Waterfront. This family-owned restaurant brings the best of Italian cuisine to the Garden Route. The menu has plenty to offer, not forgetting the perfect Espresso to end a great meal!
This infamous seafood restaurant is situated near the Plettenberg Bay Main Beach and brings perfection to everything the sea has to offer. Serving everything from a Burmese Seafood Curry to a traditional plate of mouthwatering Hake and Chips, they cater to all needs. This restaurant is perfect for a great seafood dining experience for the whole family.
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The Fat Fish
22 Hopwood StThis infamous seafood restaurant is situated near the Plettenberg Bay Main Beach and brings perfection to everything the sea has to offer. Serving everything from a Burmese Seafood Curry to a traditional plate of mouthwatering Hake and Chips, they cater to all needs. This restaurant is perfect for a great seafood dining experience for the whole family.