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Knysna Travel Information:
Knysna (pronounced NIZE-nuh or NACE-nuh)
is a town in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.
It lies 34 degrees south of the equator, and is 72 kilometres
east from the town of George on the N2 highway.
The town is primarily built on the northern
shore of a large warm-water lagoon, fed by the Knysna
River. The lagoon opens to the ocean after passing through
two natural rock formations. These formations are popularly
known as the "Knysna Heads," and have achieved
infamy due to the deaths of fishermen while passing through
their treacherous and unpredictable waters. Near them
are geological formations, known locally as "The
Map Stones." To the north of Knysna, Afro-Montane
or temperate rainforest covers the hilly terrain for 20km
until changing to Fynbos high up in the Outeniqua Mountains.
The town is a popular destination for both
tourists and senior citizens entering retirement, especially
among the British and former expats due to the year-round
warm climate. Recently the town has also become a preferred
destination among golfers, as the town boasts many world
class golf courses. Knysna too is a favourite haunt of
artists and restaurateurs.
Knysna's other claims to fame are as the
end point of the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe steam railway, and
as home to the fabled Knysna forest elephant.
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