Knysna, which lies in the heart of the Garden Route nestled in between the Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, looks like a town to shop in. The sidewalks outside all the boutique-looking stores were crowded and parking limited. Instead I went for scenic overlooks.
I wound my way along the Knysna Lagoon and ended up at the Lower Eastern Head overlook at the mouth of the Knysna River.
Wandered out on the rocks enjoying the sun’s warmth and the crashing waves.
A little path called me…
…for a view of the lagoon and light house.
This deep and narrow channel through which the sea pours in claimed the three-masted barque “Paquita” after her anchors fouled twice in 1903 and now the wreck draws scuba divers.
Next I followed a twisting road up to the top of the sandstone cliff and Upper Eastern Head overlook.
Across the channel on the Western Head is the privately owned Featherbed Bay Nature Reserve. Access is by boat or train to the restaurant and resort with hiking trails to the beach. Looks like a place to carefully watch the tide.
The last fully operational steam train in South Africa, the Choo-Choo, has provided views of the coastline and hidden valleys inaccessible by car as it chugs across the Knysna Lagoon and beyond for 42 miles (68 km) since 1928.
The Knysna Lagoon is home to the world’s only estuarine seahorse species but they’re so tiny you’re unlikely to spot one even diving.
Other adventures called so I continued west along N2…
…to George where I spent the night at The Red House B&B to rest up for the next day’s caving and more. Future post.
