Garden Route National Park - Knysna
The Knysna Forest is world famous for its magical beauty, dark and mystical recesses and giant Outeniqua Yellowwoods, some of which are almost a thousand years old.
It has achieved a mythical and permanent place in South African literature through the works of writer Dalene Matthee who has found inspiration for numerous novels in the heart of the forest.
5 Things To Seek in the Knysna section of the Garden Route National Park:
- Knysna Seahorse - This peculiar fish occurs only in the Knysna, Keurbooms and Swartvlei estuaries and nowhere else in the world. Because of its limited distribution the Knysna Seahorse is listed as endangered on the IUCN's Red List - the first seahorse in the world to be listed as endangered. Hint: Visit the SANParks Thesen Island Office in Knysna to view the Knysna Seahorse up close!
- Big Tree - Also known as the King Edward VII tree, this famous landmark and visitor attraction near Diepwalle Forest Station is another Outeniqua yellowwood worth seeing up close. The tree is 800+ years old.
- The Forest Legends Museum - If you venture into the mysterious Knysna Forest you will find, at its heart, the Forest Legends Museum which houses stories about Woodcutters, Timber merchants, Botanists, Settlers and the elusive Knysna Elephant. The museum reveals some of the forest's best kept secrets and showcases the famous elephant skeleton.
- Knysna Dwarf Chameleon - A species of dwarf chameleon that is endemic to South Africa this forest dweller is the master of camouflage. They climb high into the forest canopy during the day to bask and then sleep in the centre of tree ferns at night, coiling their prehensile tails to look like fern fronds.
- Elephant walks - These three trails are a scenic delight with clear streams and mysterious green beauty. They follow old woodcutter trails in some parts, taking the hiker past some stately old Outeniqua yellowwood trees. Choose between the moderate White Elephant Trail with its enticing rock pools, the easy Black Elephant Trail or the moderate to difficult Red Elephant Trail.
Accommodation
Diepwalle Forest Camp
Set amidst the treetops of the Diepwalle Forest, this elevated camp affords the visitor an opportunity to feel at one with the forest whilst providing that perfect balance of outdoor living and basic amenities which the ardent camper will love.
Diepwalle Forest Camping Decks
These decks accommodate a three-man tent, come with braai and dining areas, and have electric points. Tents and mattresses are available to rent from the Diepwalle Forest Office. Communal ablutions have hot showers. Visitors have access to communal fridge, washing machine and tumble dryer. Firewood is available for purchase at the Forest Office.
Diepwalle Forest Tented Decks
Comes with a fixed tent which houses two beds, each with basic mattress (no bedding) and a bar fridge. Communal ablutions have hot showers. Visitors have access to a washing machine and tumble dryer. Firewood is available for purchase at the Forest Office.
Old Forester's House (Diepwalle)
This historical building was once forester D.E. Hutchins’ house. Rustic finishes add to the age-old charm of the building. An indoor fireplace warms during winter. Sleeps 6 and comes with fully equipped kitchen, lounge, and TV with DSTV (limited channels). Visitors have access to a washing machine and tumble dryer. Firewood provided.
Harkerville Forest Treetop Chalet
This 4-star chalet has two double rooms, each with its own bathroom and sleeps four in comfort. This magical hideaway is tucked away at the head of a wide valley situated in the Harkerville forest. From this vantage point you can bird-watch, botanise, explore the walking trails close by or hop on your bike for an exhilarating cycle through the forest. Fully appointed with indoor and outdoor fireplace, dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer, DSTV, telephone and alarm system.
Overnight visitors have access to all day trails and cycle trails listed above for the duration of their stay.
Activities
Harkerville Coastal Hiking Trail
This two day, 26 km hiking trail, starts and ends at Harkerville Forest Station. Sleep over at two huts; the Harkerville hut and Sinclair hut. Each have basic facilities, including ablutions, single bunks with mattresses, water and fire wood. This is not your conventional two day hiking trail. Hikers need to be quite fit as there are many ups and downs. Sea caves are often visible along the trail and tell of the sheer landscaping power of the Indian Ocean. Stop to rest, snack regularly and enjoy the spectacular views.
Day Walks
The section provides for everyone, from old and youth, to the fit and physically disabled. Stop at Garden of Eden and learn the marked indigenous trees by name as you stroll the forest on a comfortable 800m boardwalk. Picnic, water and ablution facilities are available. The facility is situated between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, on the N2.
Other short walks included the scenic Kranshoek day walk and picnic site, with spectacular views over the Indian Ocean, and transects through Afromontane Forest, Coastal Scrub Forest, low tide pools and Coastal Fynbos. This walk is 9km long and takes you 4 to 5 hours of walking. The Perdekop day walk is also 9km long and provides the hiker with a shady forest walk, ideally for educational and spiritual fulfilment.
Cycling Trails
Harkerville forest is the ideal location for recreational mountain-biking. Four colour-coded routes – ranging from easy family rides to superb single track – meander through coastal fynbos and indigenous forest. All four start and finish at the Garden of Eden, on the N2, where permits must be obtained.
Explore
- The Garden of Eden
- Forest Legends Museum in Diepwalle
- 'Rooted in time' self-drive 4x4 route
- Kranshoek Picnic Area and Viewpoint
- King Edward VII Big Tree
Water Activities
- Kayaking : Kayaks can now be hired directly from the SANParks Thesen Island office.
Contact us for more information and bookings
Follow us on Facebook
