Knysna is definitely the most beautiful part of the scenic Garden Route in South-Africa. It is here that my brother and I spent 3 lovely days relaxing during our Christmas holiday. At the heart of Knysna is a lagoon protected from the sea by the monolithic sandstone “Heads”. These two large headlands have become infamous due to the loss of boats and fishermen passing through their treacherous and unpredictable waters. We stayed right in town and the lagoon was only a 10min walk from our hotel. It was a lovely stroll through the small town pass quaint little restaurants and shops.

I loved the ferry trip across the beautiful lagoon and got to see a bit more of Knysna and the fauna that surrounds it.

Here in Knysna is Featherbed Nature Reserve, a unique private Nature Reserve that covers the whole of the Western Head of Knysna. It is a stunning piece of paradise accessible only by ferry across the lagoon. Or if you have a private boat you can also use the jetty at the entrance of the reserve. Featherbed is a privately-owned, registered Nature Reserve and a South African Heritage Site. This nature reserve was top of my list of things to see and the first morning in Knysna my brother and I signed up for a tour.

We booked an excursion through the Featherbed Company which included the ferry trip on the Knysna Lagoon to the Western Head, a 4×4 vehicle & trailer drive up the headland onto the Reserve, and a guided hike. In order to protect the splendour of the natural beauty, access to the Reserve is controlled. Numbers are limited and visits are only permitted in the company of the Reserve’s specialist guides.

Once we arrived at the reserve we drove up the “Head” and stopping at some spectacular viewpoints. I could see most of the lagoon and the town of Knysna surrounding it. We also had magnificent views of the “Heads” where the lagoon meets up with the ocean.

Lastly the tour also included a lovely guide who gave us loads of information on the history and fauna & flora while she took us on a guided 2.2km walk through the coastal forest and fynbos back down to the ferry.

Good walking shoes are recommended, unfortunately my brothers shoes broke that morning so we had to stop and buy new ones before the hike. I would not recommend doing a 2km hike with new walking shoes!! He suffered through most of the walk but at least the scenery made it worth while. Unfortunately by the end of the hike his feet were full of blisters and he wasn’t in a very happy mood!

It was lovely being out in nature and having the opportunity to get to learn a bit more about South-Africa. I don’t get to really appreciate South-Africa much as every time I come for a visit I end up visiting friends and family and never actually get to “see” South-Africa. I was very glad that mu brother agreed to play tourist in our own country with me for a couple of days. 

I was very glad that we brought sun hats and had loads of sun block on as it was a very hot day on the coast. I was also very happy that I packed myself a bottle of water, although here at the ens a sweet ice-cold drink would have been great!!

Before we got onto the ferry to take us back to Knysna harbour area we could at least get a cold drink from the little shop at the jetty. There is also a lovely little restaurant on the island but I think you have to book a tour that includes eating there or have your own boat to get her. It would definitely be worth it you would have a spectacular view while eating.