Everything about Knysna totally explained
Knysna (pronounced
NIZE-nuh or
NACE-nah, probably from a
Khoikhoi word meaning "ferns") is a town in the
Western Cape Province of
South Africa and is part of the
Garden Route. It lies 34 degrees south of the
equator, and is 72
kilometres east from the town of
George on the
N2 highway, and 25 kilometres west of
Plettenberg Bay on the same road.
The town is primarily built on the northern shore of a large warm-water
estuary, fed by the
Knysna River. The estuary opens to the ocean after passing between two large headlands. These are popularly known as the "The Heads", and have become infamous due to the loss of boats and
fishermen passing through their treacherous and unpredictable waters. Near them are
geological formations, known locally as "The Map Stones." To the north of Knysna, Afro-Montane or temperate
rainforest covers the hilly terrain for 20 km until changing to
fynbos or
macchia high up in the
Outeniqua Mountains.
The early development of Knysna as a port was driven by the timber industry, where persons such as
George Rex played a significant role. Being a difficult port to enter, a
harbour pilot was employed to assist large vessels. One of the better-known pilots was
John Benn, originally a
shipwright from
Mossel Bay, appointed as pilot in 1868 and whose name is borne by a double-deck pleasure cruiser currently operating as a tourist attraction on the Knysna lagoon. The port was officially closed in 1954.
The town is a popular destination for both
tourists and
senior citizens entering
retirement, especially among the
British and former expatriates due to the year-round warm climate. Recently the town has also become a preferred destination among golfers, as the town boasts several world class
golf courses. Knysna too is a favourite haunt of artists, restaurateurs and
hippies.
Knysna's other claims to fame are as the end point of the
Outeniqua Choo Tjoe steam railway, and as home to the fabled Knysna
forest elephant.
The city hosts the annual Knysna Forest Marathon every July, an event that attracts large numbers of visitors from far afield.
Further Information
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