"Joe wishes we had stayed at Pezula" Knysna by TRimer

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

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.

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.

• Pros:Great golf, beautiful scenery
• Cons:Quays are a tourist trap