The St. James of Knysna

SCHOOLS

by PEE-WEE

There are good Government Primary and Senior Schools in Knysna and a Private School. There is also a Montessori School as well as several nursery schools, play schools and after school care centres.

Good View with Oysters

by TRimer about Knysna Oyster Company Tavern

Basically the restaurant/tavern consists of a bunch of picnic tables out on the water (the heads). Great for sunsets- but a little chilly the day we visited. The other feature is a shop selling t-shirts. Serving every type of oyster (wild and cultivated) imaginable. Too bad I don't like seafood. Other big attraction is Mitchell’s & Castle draught on tap.

Big Tree

by hebaemam

you wont believe how big it is till u see it your eyes, 800 years old and 33 m long....if you are near dont miss it... its awsome
Woodville Big Tree, over 800 years old, creates shaded areas with its massive branches, making it a great picnic spot. Take a stroll along the boardwalk (also wheelchair-friendly) which is part of the Pied Kingfisher Trail and home to a wide variety of birds

Joe wishes we had stayed at Pezula

by TRimer

Knysna which is pronounced NIZE-nuh or NACE-nah was named from a Hottentot word meaning "ferns".

"The Heads"

One of Knysna's best known attractions is the heads - two great sandstone cliffs guarding the mouth of the lagoon which 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 a oyster hatchery.

"And a forest"

Another popular Knysna attraction is the Knysna Forest. 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. Animal life in the forest is limited to a few small antelope and a large variety of birds, such as the famous Knysna Loerie. Once home to elephants, it is believed that only one lonely cow remains today.