Visitors' Guide to Cape Town & Western Cape

Groenvlei (Lake Pleasant) is the only fresh water lake in the area and is popular angling spot.

Knysna is one of the main tourist destinations in the Garden Route. This attractive town, situated on the magnificent Knysna Lagoon, grew from the timber trade, started in 1804 by George Rex, who was said to be the illegitimate son of King George III. The Holy Trinity Church, St George's Church, Matteroli-Knysna House and the Angling Museum are also worth visiting.

Gold was discovered in the Knysna forest in 1876, and numerous prospectors arrived from all over the world. The 'gold rush' was short lived and the remains of the town of Millwood may still be viewed in the forest.

Items made from indigenous woods, plentiful in the area, are internationally renown. There are many talented artists and crafters in Knysna and they display their work at street markets as well as in the many shops around town.

The 18 km2 Knysna Lagoon is a protected marine reserve whose gateway to the sea is through sandstone cliffs called The Heads. The view from the top of The Heads over the lagoon with Knysna town in the distance is spectacular.

The lagoon is the breeding ground for the renowned Knysna oyster and home to the threatened "seahorse" which breeds in the lagoon.

Bird watching is extremely popular in the area due to the varied and contrasting type of habitat found around the lagoon.

Just 30 minutes drive from Knysna is Plettenberg Bay, one of the most scenically beautiful destinations on the African continent.

First named "Bahia Formosa" (Beautiful Bay) by the Portuguese, the name Plettenberg Bay was bestowed by Joachim van Plettenberg, Governor of the Cape, who in 1778 erected a stone pillar to mark possession by the Dutch East India Company.

Experience the magic of Plett and the Garden Route in the comfort of a tastefully furnished condominium graced with spectacular sea and mountain views with direct access to the lagoon.

Explore the magnificent Robberg Peninsula where you will find archeological sites in caves once used by the early 'Strandlopers' who once inhabited the area. The Nelson's Bay Cave is world renowned for the discovery of a skeleton dating back to 700 BC.

A trip up the Keurbooms River by motor boat or canoe, is recommended. Around the corner from the river mouth is the turnoff to Keurboomstrand, a magnificent unspoilt beach and camping area popular with anglers and hikers.

Natures Valley lies at the bottom of the Groot River Pass next to the heavily wooded Tsitsikamma Forest. The entire village is a nature reserve and is the end point of the Otter Trail and the starting point of the Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail.

The Tsitsikamma National Park covers some 100 km of coastal area from Natures Valley to the Eerste River. Tsitsikamma, from the Khoi word, means "Place of Many Waters".