Panorama Lodge - Unterkunft Knysna Accommodation South Africa

Knysna:

population ca. 90.000

Knysna was founded in 1804 by George Rex, the illegitimate son of ...        who came to South Africa in 1797. He owned all the land round Knysna. He made it possible in 1817 for the first ship to arrive safely in the Lagoon. Knysna´s harbour dates from this time, likewise the development of the timber industry.
This charming and colourful town is one of the most popular destinations on the Garden Route. Knysna lies on a large lagoon between hills and extensive forests. A spectacular feature are the Knysna Heads, 2 great sandstone cliffs and is rated as one of the most dangerous entrances to a natural harbour in the world. Loyd's of London won't even insure your yacht if you will be entering through "The Heads", which connect the 18 sq.km lagoon to the Indian Ocean. The lagoon itself is a protected area and falls under the control of South African National Parks.

Knysna has been voted South Africa's favorite town and is the most popular town on the Garden Route. The word Knysna is a Khoisan word which means "town of woods".

There are numerous activities to be done in and around the town. The most popular activity for tourists is to go on a ferry trip from the Knysna Quays to the heads and back. The best trip of the day is the sundower trip. Other activities range from hiking in the woods, quad biking, mountain biking, sailing and shopping. The Knysna area is a heaven for artists and there are loads of shops selling art and curios.

There used to be hundreds of elephants living in the forests of the Southern Cape. Over the last years it was thought that there was only one elephant left in the forest, but every now and then the forest rangers found evidence of elephant activity. Research have now shown that are about 12 positively identified individuals but there may be more. They are extremely elusive with only a couple of glimpses by the rangers and even less photographic proof.