Rheenendal

• Province: Western Cape
• Garden Route
• Coordinates:33°56′49″S 22°55′49″E
• Area:0.52 km2
• Municipality; Knysna

Rheenendal is a rural area situated inland from Knysna along the Garden Route in the Western Cape. It lies about 15 km west of Knysna town and is reached via the Rheenendal Road off the N2. The area spreads across forested hills and farmland between Knysna and the Goukamma Nature Reserve, with nearby localities including Karatara and Buffels Bay. Its position between the coast and the indigenous Knysna forests makes it a quiet residential and small-holding area rather than a coastal suburb.

History of Rheenendal

Pioneering village

In 1920, the Van Rheenen family, who were among the original pioneering families in the Cape Colony, bought a farm in this area. On registration at the deeds office, a farm must have a name. At the time, the deeds office decided the name should be Fescue Meadows. This name had no relevance to the family. Upon getting news of this, they certainly did not approve of the name and that the name should have a connection with the family. Rheenendal was therefore chosen.

The postcode for Rheenendal is 6576

Things to see and do in Rheedendal:

• The 2 Circles in the Forest trails are fairly easy hikes in  Goldfield State Forest, and they start/end at the Krisjan-se-Nek site, where there is a cool forest pool with a waterfall. Hike past huge forest ferns and frog-filled streams over small wooden bridges. The circle trails are 3.1 and 9 km, respectively. Tel: 044 389 0092, Mobile: 084 444 2113,
• Rheenendal ramble: Take this informative guided route and learn about the history and tales of the Knysna forest, the woodcutters, the Millwood Gold rush, and the elephants.
• There are hikes through the forest, overnight hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, and single-track MTB trails through the forest
• Portland Mini Market for local produce 061 968 2490
• Homtini Mountain Bike Trail,19 km circular route starting and ending at Krisjan-se-Nek
• The Knysna Society of Model Engineers has been running miniature trains. Sundays at Totties 044 389 0092
• Guided tours of the mine,
• bee-keeping workshops and birdwatching here are rewarding;
• Look out for the Knysna lourie. Tel: 044 389 0092, Mobile: 084 444 2113,
• Hike down to the Homtini River rock pools at Drupkelders, a steep 2 km descent that requires some agility and fitness

Resources

Practical information for the Western Cape, Regulations, permits and helpful tips. See the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide

WEATHER IN RHEENENDAL TODAY

Browse businesses and places to visit in Rhenendal

Useful Numbers in Rhedendal

Residents and visitors can find important local contact numbers below, including police, medical services, utilities, and community facilities in and around

• Emergency Services

• Police: 044 302 6600/ 02
• Fire: 044 302 8911
• Ambulance: 10177

• Medical

• Closest hospital;Knysna Provincial Hospital-044 302 8400
• Clinic – 044 389 0212
• Pharmacy; Knysna Kem pharmacy apteek-044 382 5600

• Municipal & Utilities

• Municipality – 044 302 6300
• Water: 044 302 6300
• Electricity:044 302 6300

• Transport & Roads

• Traffic Department: George Traffic Department-044 878 2400

• Community & Safety

• NSRI 087 094 9774
• SPCA: Garden Route 44 878 1990 Knysna Animal Welfare-044 384 1603

• Local Contacts and Community Resources 

• Rheenendal Community Hall: 044 302 6327
• Post office;Knysna Post Office-044 382 1211
• Library :(Leisure Isle) 044 302 6311

• Schools in  Rheenendal

• Rheenendal Primary School-044 389 0013