|
Ideally, a minimum of 4 or 5 days should be allowed for
the drive between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth with,
perhaps, stop-overs in the Swellendam/Oudtshoorn area
followed by a sightseeing base on the coast between
George and Storms River.
|
|
OYSTERS
To many South African, Knysna means Oysters, cultivated
and harvested in the lagoon. A plateful, of these
succulent fruits of the sea can be washed down with a
fine, dry sparkling South African wine or a glass of
local Mitchelles beer.
|
Protecting the tranquil lagoon from the swell
of
the Indian Ocean are The Heads
Enjoy fine sea food at one of the many
restaurants – locally farmed oysters are a speciality
Running across the lagoon is the railway
causeway
which takes the line towards George
The waterfront complex offers a choice of
cafes, restaurants, craft & souvenir shops and an hotel
A view over Knysna towards The Heads
Looking inland across the lagoon to the
Outeniqua Mountains
Oudtshoorn makes an interesting full day
excursions from the coast resorts
|
Along The Garden Route
ICHIBI LODGE
Located just inland between Wilderness and Sedgefield, this Zen
style lodge is set in 30 acres of old plantation where you may see
buck foraging or perhaps a troop of vervet monkeys in the trees.
With its 3 luxurious suites and ancient oriental art it offers unique atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. From the wide
terrace, ideal for sundowners, and swimming pool there are views
looking out over Langvlei Lake which is home to the fish eagle and
otter. There is a heated swimming pool and activities include
a small gym, walking trails in the surrounding forest and mountain
biking. The beaches at Goukamma and Wilderness are about 10
minutes away by car. Dinner can be arranged on request.
TONQUANI LODGE AND SPA
Set on the western outskirts of Knysna, the lodge consists of
11 well appointed, air conditioned chalets ranging in style from
family suites to chalets with splash pools and an executive chalet
with its own private spa.
All have a private patio area with a fully equipped barbeque and
most have a fireplace for those colder nights. For relaxation there
is a swimming pool, sun loungers and a croquet lawn set in the
tranquil gardens. The spa has an indoor heated Jacuzzi and the
highly trained therapists offer aromatherapy massage, reiki, qigong
facials and reflexology as well as orthodox beauty treatments.
Arrangements are on a ‘room and breakfast’ basis with complimentary
tea and cake being served in the afternoon.
PEZULA RESORT HOTEL & SPA
The setting could not be more stunning with breathtaking
views of the Indian Ocean, the Knysna Lagoon and the Outeniqua
Mountains. The complex is set
on a headland just outside of Knysna and comprises of a 78 suite
hotel, an 18- hole championship golf course, offers numerous
leisure activities. The suites are located in two tiered villas
(four to a villa) and accessed from the main complex by foot or
battery operated golf cart. Features include a private balcony or
patio, real log fireplace and under floor heating in the en suite
bathroom. There is a fully equipped gym, full spa facilities, tennis
courts, swimming pool, library, boutique, business centre and games
room. Nearby are stables, nature trails and canoe trips on the Noetzie River.
THE ST JAMES OF KNYSA
On
the edge of the lagoon, this 5-star owner-managed hotel is set in 3
acres
of gardens with 3 swimming pools, floodlit tennis courts and angling
from its private jetty. There is a superb dining room offer a la
carte dining, a well stocked wine cellar, bar with lagoon facing
patio and charming lounges. There are various categories of
exceptionally well appointed bedrooms in the Courtyard and the Manor
House and most of the 15 rooms have uninterrupted views of the
Lagoon and beautiful gardens. Each has direct dial telephone,
satellite TV, room safe and mini bar. Within the vicinity are
numerous golf courses including the challenging world class Pezula
Golf Course.
LAKE PLEASANT
 Overlooking the fresh-water lake between Wilderness and Knysna, this resort
complex has one bedroom en suite apartments with a fully fitted
kitchenette, guest bathroom, lounge/dining area leading onto a
patio or balcony overlooking the lake. There are also 2 bedroom
apartments with similar facilities. If you do not wish to self cater
then there is a bistro and bar. The Mantis Collection Spa offers an
extensive range of body and beauty treatments together with sauna,
steam rooms, gym and relaxation
pool. Nearby is the Gouramma Nature Reserve and tours can be taken
by open vehicle. The beach, a few minutes away by car, is part of
the Marine Park with miles and miles of golden sandy beach.
BELVEDERE MANOR
 Situated
on the shores of Knysna Lagoon about 10 minutes drive from the
town, the estate dates back to 1849. In the gracious Georgian manor
house is the dining room serving excellent a la carte dinners, the
drawing-room which once served as the Post Office for the area and
the Bell Tavern, Knysna’s smallest pub. Light meals are served here
throughout the day and the tavern also features a wine cellar viewed
through a glass panel in the floor. Guests are accommodated in their
own single or double storey white washed cottage located in the
colourful gardens and all have a view of the lagoon or garden. Each
has a living room, fully equipped kitchen, well appointed bedroom
and private balcony or verandah.
LEISURE ISLE LODGE
The
appeal of the Leisure Isle Lodge lies in the warm hospitality from
the owners and its location, only minutes from the centre of Knysna,
yet right on the lagoon’s beach. The eleven spacious bedrooms and
suites are individually decorated and have ceiling fans, mini bar,
tea and coffee making facilities and satellite TV. The suites have
lagoon views whilst standard bedrooms look over the pool and
gardens. There is a hospitality bar, lounge with an open fireplace
for chilly winter evenings and a highly acclaimed restaurant plus a
solarium by the swimming pool. There are also two excellent
championship golf courses nearby
KANONKOP GUEST HOUSE
This
elegant bed and breakfast guest house sits high on Kanonkop hill
about 5 minutes drive from the thriving centre of Knysna. Its
position is stunning and there are uninterrupted views over the
Lagoon to the Indian Ocean at The Heads. The 3 suites are furnished
to the highest standards, with the Paradise Suite, as its name
implies, being quite outstanding. From the lounge, doors lead out to
the garden with its salt water swimming pool. Activities
include cycling, fishing and for a special occasion a romantic
sunset cruise on their luxury speed boat. Corporate golf membership
of Sparrebosch, Fancourt Country Club and Simola golf courses is
held so that guests can play on these superb courses at
special rates. |