"Fern country" a Knysna Travel Page by Doempie

The name, Knysna, is believed to be of Khoikhoi origin, meaning "ferns". Knysna is situated in the Western Cape Province of South Africa and forms part of the beautiful Garden Route. It is about 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 a lagoon which opens to the ocean after passing between two large headlands, referred to as the "The Heads". It is also surrounded by the most wonderfully thick forests!

Other than the breathtaking beauty of Knysna, the town also recently become a preferred destination among golfers, since the town now boasts with several world class golf courses. There is in no means any lack of restaurants and accommodation and a favourite to eat, is always some of the Knysna (wild or cultivated) oysters. During July every year there is the Knysna Oyster Festival during which time the town becomes incredibly busy and oysters are available everywhere, starting from R5 (less than US$1)!

Knysna is also home of the well known Forest Elephant and the Choo Tjoe train (which has currently been damaged by heavy rainfall, but will hopefully be up and running soon).