Harkerville – Colour Dots

Knysna Elephant adventures

carynkaleido — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 19:58:06 +0000

Knysna Elephant adventures Extraordinary Elephant Encounters. Situated along the N2 between Knysna & Plettenberg Bay. The Knysna Elephant Park (est. 1994) was the first facility in South Africa to house and care for orphaned African elephants. Over the last twenty years, the park has cared for and raised more than forty elephants. These animals include relocated animals, orphaned calves, and elephants rescued from culls. Some have become part of the resident herd, and others have moved onto other reserves and facilities in the Western and Eastern Cape, depending on their personalities, bonds with other animals, and welfare needs. The present KEP herd numbers eight – the largest domesticated matriarchal herd in the country. Our style of management offers guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with our elephants, on elephant terms. Responsible and educational interactions allow guests to appreciate the awe-inspiring presence of these animals, but still give the elephants the space and freedom to choose where they want to move, what they want to eat and who they want to interact with. There are no fences to spoil the close encounter and our environment encourages elephants to exhibit natural behaviour. Farm 428, Harkerville, Plettenberg Bay visit our website Find us on Facebook

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Picnics and hikes in Knysna forest.

carynkaleido — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 18:48:24 +0000

Picnics and hikes in Knysna forest. These are some details of Picnics and hikes in Knysna Forest Grootdraai picnic site Grootdraai means Big Turn. This picnic site is on a big turn on the Kom-se-pad loop hike from Gouna forest towards Diepwalle. The Kom-se-pad loop is a good route to take to see the forest. From Knysna, this is about a 50km round trip. It is also popular with mountain bikers. Most of the route follows gravel roads which are normally well-maintained. The Kom-se-pad section of the road is narrower and undulating but it is still possible to navigate with most sedans. This picnic site has beautiful picnic tables under the trees and there are toilets available. Terblans trail From the Grootdraai picnic site the Terblans trail heads into the forest sharing the path with the Outeniqua overnight trail. Keep right at the fork shortly after the start. Follow the bushpig signs. The path meanders through the forest. It crosses some small forest streams. Further, there is a second junction with the Outeniqua trail, keep to the right here too. The trail approaches a gravel service road, turn right here. The trail continues on the other side just a bit further down the road. Soon after the road crossing, there is a cement dam. Swimming here is allowed. The trail later crosses a service road for the second time. Here the trail skirts the forest along a blue gum tree plantation and later a pine plantation. The trail reaches a service road for the 3rd time. Turn right again. This is Kom-se-pad. Walk along the road to where the path turns off to the left back into the forest and heads back to the picnic site The Terblans Walk is an easy and beautiful walk through the indigenous Knysna forest. It also starts and ends at the Grootdraai picnic site. Ysterhoutrug Picnic Site Take N2 to Plettenberg bay 4km from Knysna. Take R 339 Uniondale, turn left travel Fourteen and a half km and the picnic site will be on your left. There are benches and tables under the trees at this site situated along the R339 There are also braai areas and bush toilet facilities at the site which are managed by SAN parks. There is a small charge for use of the site permits for the hikes are obtainable from the Diepwalle Forestry Station which is close by, about 1 km up the road. Contact Numbers: Thesen Island Office – 044 302 5600 Coordinates: S33 57.755 E23 09.411 Velbroeksdraai picnic sites and trails This is a picnic place you will find along the R339. Here you will be able to see, a 600-year Outeniqua Yellowwood which stands 40m high and has a circumference of 7m. There is a short circular 600m walk you can do from here on a wooden boardwalk, this walk is wheelchair and baby-pram-friendly. The white Elephant Hiking trail passes this spot too. There are in fact three Elephant trails, Red, black and white. In order to do these hikes you must get a permit from Diepwalle Forestry Station. they are great scenic routes passing clear streams which you can explore. The white elephant trail is an 8km circular route that passes a beautiful rock pool where it is safe to take a dip. Coordinates: S33 57.383 E23 09.147 Jubilee Creek picnic site Jubilee Creek is a lovely picnic site. You will find it down in a valley, deep in the forest beside a cool forest stream. There are lots of picnic sites along the stream and in the forest. The stream is safe to swim in. Facilities include Wooden tables and benches, braai facilities, water, and bush toilets. Take the Jubilee Creek and walk towards a waterfall and pool that is good to swim in. This is a 3km return trip You can get permits from the Goudveld entrance gate at Bibby’s Hoek. Coordinates: S33 53.312 E22 57.916 Entrance boom – 044 389 0252. The King Edward VII picnic site The King Edward VII picnic site consists of a few secluded picnic spots with benches, tables and braai facilities. In the middle of this area is one of the biggest and oldest trees in the forest. It is an Outeniqua Yellowood which is over 650 years old. It stands 40m high and has a bole circumference of 7m. There is also a short 450m circular forest walk at this site. There is a wooden boardwalk that is wheelchair and baby-push cart-friendly. The White Elephant Hiking Trail also passes through here if you want to do a longer trail. . Kranshoek picnic site. There are several wooden benches each with its own fireplace. Ablution facilities and running water are available. There are also two hiking trails starting from this picnic spot, the 1km Forest Flora Trail and the 5/9km Kranshoek Trail. The trees are numbered with their National Tree Numbers and many of the other plants are numbered for easy identification. Coordinates: S34 04.702 E23 13.672 The water in the streams and pools are safe, the dark colour is due to the tannins and humic acids from the leaves on the forest floor. Diepwalle site Diepwalle is a popular start overnight point on the Outeniqua Overnight Hiking Trail which is a start/finish to the trail. There is a new campsite at the forest station where you can camp on wooden decks amongst the trees. Elephant trails The Black Elephant trail is a 9km, easy, circular route which starts at the forestry station. This rail passes through both the Ysterhoutrug and King Edward VII picnic sites. The white Elephant trail is a 2. 8km hike from the forest station or 6.5km from the Diepwalle picnic site. This is an easy, circular route. The red Elephant trail is a 7km, fairly easy, circular route that starts at the forestry station. Along this route is the most enticing rock pool where you can rest and even have a dip in summer The elephant trails are marked with coloured elephants on yellow signs on the trees. If you have more

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The Garden Route

carynkaleido — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 09:54:44 +0000

The Garden Route: A Flexible Exploration, Not Just a Route The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s most scenic travel regions, stretching along the south coast of the Western Cape. Known for its beaches, forests, lagoons, and mountain passes, it is a popular road trip for both local and international visitors. It is one of South Africa’s most scenic and ecologically diverse regions. Although often referred to as a “route,” it’s better described as an area to explore rather than a linear journey. Instead of driving straight through, visitors can make the most of their trip by choosing one or two bases and travelling to nearby attractions from there. The Garden Route is about a 5–6-hour drive from Cape Town, depending on your starting point and stops along the way. Interactive map of the Garden Route. Open the map and click on the red dots to open a page of information about the town you selected The route is not just a road trip – it’s an immersive experience in one of the most beautiful and biologically rich regions in the world. The exact boundaries of the Garden Route are subject to variation. Generally, it is understood to stretch from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River on the border of the Eastern Cape. It covers about 300 km. Inland, it reaches as far north as Oudtshoorn and the Swartberg Mountain Range. However, the route can begin as far West as Witsand. The region includes dramatic coastlines, dense forests, winding rivers, rugged mountains, and peaceful beaches. Best stops along the Garden Route Mossel Bay – Great Brak River – Little Brak River – George – Wilderness – Sedgefield – Knysna – Plettenberg Bay – Nature’s Valley – Oudtshoorn – Albertinia – Gouritsmond – Stilbaai – Riversdale – Heidelberg, and Witsand Click each one to find out more about each place, or use the interactive map to see where they are on the route The best time to go The weather is generally mild year-round. Coastal temperatures range between 10˚C and 29˚C, with no fixed rainy season (though June–August may see slightly more rain). The best time to visit is from September to March, when the days are long and warm. Still, it’s wise to pack some warm clothes. The Garden Route offers something for everyone – from families with children to solo adventurers, beach lovers, foodies, and nature enthusiasts. You don’t need a 4WD for the trip. A standard sedan or hatchback will work, and there’s usually a petrol station along the N2 every couple of hours and many in each stop. Petrol/service stations often include restrooms and often have convenience stores attached. Some towns along the Garden Route Mossel Bay is usually considered the starting point of the route. This is where the first European landed in South Africa. Explore the Dias Museum Complex, St. Blaize Lighthouse, and the caves below Pinnacle Point. The coastline is rocky, but there are several great swimming spots and sheltered coves. From Mossel Bay, you can choose to detour and follow Route 12 and The Fragrance Route George is often called the “Gateway to the Garden Route.” It lies between the Outeniqua Mountains and the coast and features historical sites like the Slave Tree, the King Edward VII Library, and the Outeniqua Transport Museum. The Garden Route Botanical Gardens is worth a visit, and keen golfers will know of Fancourt, one of the world’s best courses. Oudtshoorn, inland, marks the northern boundary of the Garden Route. It is on the edge of the Klein Karoo. The area is famous for ostrich farms and the Cango Caves. These caves are massive limestone caverns with ancient formations. The area reflects a shift from coastal fynbos to semi-arid landscapes. Wilderness is a peaceful village on the Touw River Lagoon. The Wilderness National Park protects 2,500 hectares of forest, rivers, and coastline. Visitors can hike to waterfalls or kayak in the rivers. The birdlife is spectacular, and the area is also a great whale-watching location. Between Wilderness and Knysna is Sedgefield, with a slower pace and beautiful beaches and calm waters bordering the Goukamma Nature Reserve. It is a quieter seaside town that is ideal for families. Ghost story A long-standing story linked to the Garden of Eden near Knysna tells of a mysterious woman said to appear briefly inside passing vehicles before vanishing without explanation. The tale is often connected to violent attacks on settlers travelling through the forests during the early 1800s, when several people were reportedly killed or taken captive along the route. Knysna is famous for the lagoon and the indigenous forests. The original Seven Passes Road from George to Knysna is a scenic drive crossing rivers and gorges. Forest trails feature Outeniqua yellowwoods and Cape chestnuts. The town has a strong arts scene and wonderful restaurants. Plettenberg Bay is loved for its long beaches, whale and dolphin watching, and the Robberg Peninsula, which is home to Cape fur seals. Tailor your experience The Garden Route offers incredible flexibility. Whether you’re after wild coastlines and forest hikes, local art and food, or quiet beaches and luxury stays, you can build an itinerary to match your style. Choose a town or two as your base, and from there, take day trips to nearby attractions, parks, and towns. See the listings attached to the “Towns and Suburbs” pages to get some ideas of places to see along the way. Many visitors choose to base themselves in towns like Knysna or Plettenberg Bay. The Western Cape is home to hundreds of bird species. For full identification and seasonal details, see this comprehensive Western Cape bird guide. You may encounter local wildlife along the way. See our Western Cape Wildlife Guide for species commonly found in gardens, mountains and along the coast See Tips for road trips See some other scenic drives and road trips and browse the complete Western Cape guide FAQs about the Garden Route 1. What is the Garden Route?The Garden Route

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