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The name Knysna is a Khoi word but it's uncertain as to
its exact meaning. It could mean 'place of wood', or it could
mean 'fern leaves', but its most probable meaning is 'straight
down' - an obvious reference to the Heads. Knysna Heads must
be the most striking geological feature along the entire
southern African coastline. They flank a deep but potentially
treacherous channel through which the sea pours in to flood
the wide and breathtakingly beautiful lagoon at the mouth
of the Knysna River.
HISTORY
Knysna's history began in the year 1804, the year that saw
the arrival of George Rex, rumoured to be the illegitimate
son of King George lll. He purchased the estate known as
Melkhoutkraal on the shores of the lagoon and moved his entire
family and considerable entourage down to Knysna to settle.
HOLIDAY DESTINATION
Knysna is one of the Southern Cape coast's best known holiday
destinations, situated between lush forests and the shores
of the peaceful lagoon - it offers many activities and attractions
of a wide variety. The most well known attraction being the
Heads - two great sandstone cliffs guarding the mouth of
the lagoon that connects the estuary with the sea. A lookout
has been erected on the Eastern Head, commanding spectacular
views of the lagoon, Leisure Isle and Knysna. The Western
Head is a privately owned nature Reserve - Featherbed Bay.
The Knysna Lagoon is one of the few places along the coast
and in the world that supports an oyster hatchery and the
Knysna oysters are reputedly among the tastiest in the world.
Millwood House Museum in Queen Street houses material relating
to the history of the town and includes artifacts once owned
by George Rex. It was built from yellowwood at the end of
the previous century during the gold rush. From Millwood,
it was later moved to Knysna.
ATTRACTIONS
Knysna has many attractions in the surrounding area as well,
one of the most spectacular being the Knysna Forest, which
is still evident in many places within the town as well.
It is the largest indigenous forest in South Africa comprising
of tall and ancient trees of local and exotic species, including
stinkwood, yellowwood, blackwood, ironwood, white alders
and Cape chestnut. Not forgetting the ferns, creepers and
wild flowers which add colour to this endless green collage.
The forest is vast and extremely dense in places making it
impenetrable. Animal life is limited to a few small antelope
and a large variety of birds, such as the famous Knysna Loerie.
Home to the once great herds of Knysna Elephants, it is believed
that only one lonely cow remains today.
Another historical attraction are the Millwood Gold Mines.
Alluvial gold was found here in 1885, which caused a rush
to the area. At Jubilee Creek, the exact spot where gold
was found, provides a tranquil and beautiful picnic area,
with many enjoyable forest walks in the area. Buffalo Bay
is the closest beach to knysna, one of the safest for swimming
along the coast and enjoyed by many holiday makers every
year. It is very rocky in places, making it a great angling
spot, there is also a small slipway available for small boats. |
