Knysna
KNYSNA (pronounced "Nize-na") The town, 102km east of Mossel
Bay has
moved from
being in a
in gentle
slumber,
for decades
to the hub
of the
Garden
Route.
It's lack
of the surf
and sand is
compensated
by its
hilly
setting
around the
lagoon.
The
lagoon's
narrow
mouth is
guarded by
a pair of
steep rocky
outcrops
called The Heads,
the western
side being
a private
nature
reserve and
the eastern
one an
exclusive
residential
area along
spectacular cliffs above the
Indian Ocean.
Knysna's distinct
ethos and
ambience derives from its small historic core of
Georgian and Victorian buildings.
This gives
Knysna a character
of its own
along the Garden Route.
The City
Knysna
follows the
turns and
bends of
the lagoon.
The oldest part
of Knysna -the town centre
is situated on the northern side
of the
lagoon. Along
the
picturesque eastern shore exclusive suburbs
are linked to
the shore by a narrow causeway.
The Heads
have a network of roads winding
up to the
top overlooking the
rugged coastline
and a rough Indian Ocean.
Main Street
is the hub
of the city
centre
ATTRACTIONS
Craft
Galleries,
street
Traders Coffee
Shops and a modest nightlife add to the attractions, and you may
find yourself tempted to stay
longer.
Craft
Galleries,
street
Traders Coffee
Shops and a modest nightlife add to the attractions, and you may
find yourself tempted to stay longer.
Collection of craft and woodwork shops lining the road.
The Knysna
Museum
(Mon-Fri
9.30am-4.30pm,
Sat
9.30am-noon;
entry by
donation,
includes
Angling
Museum)
South Africa's first Angling Museum
an
extensive
collection
of antique
nets and
rods,
tracing the
changing
technology
of the
activity.
Look out
for the
preserved
coelacanth.
The main reasons to head for Leisure Isle are the excellent swimming in the
lagoon and the views out to sea through the gap between The Heads.
Around Paquitas
restaurant
are
fantastic
views out
to sea;
and along the cliff edge.
FOOD &
DRINK
Knysna Quays
waterfront and yacht basin.This elegant two-storey steel structure with timber
boardwalks resembles a tiny version of Cape Town's V&A Waterfront.
Protea Hotel, some clothes and knickknack shops and a
couple of good eating places, including a stunning deli-style bistro with
outdoor decks, from which you can watch yachts drift past.
Mitchell's Brewery offers
thirty-minute tours (Mon-Fri 10.30am),
and
sample their beers.
SWIMMING
Along the
southern
shore of
the island
Along Bayswater
Drive
The closest sands
from Knysna are 20km
away, around the western edge of the lagoon at Brenton-on-Sea .
Buffels Bay
SEE also Johannesburg,
Pretoria, Cape Town
here...
For maps of the cities, check:
www.brabysmaps.co.za/brabys/
www.easymaps.co.za
