The Knysna National Lake Area, located in the heart of the Garden Route, is a protected estuarine system famous for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. The lake is part of the Knysna Lagoon, which connects to the Indian Ocean through the iconic Knysna Heads, two sandstone cliffs framing the mouth of the estuary. This area is a sanctuary for various marine and bird species, including the rare Knysna seahorse.
The centre of attraction of Knysna National Lake Area is the 15,000 ha Knysna Lagoon, home to the endangered Knysna seahorse and to a wide variety of wetland birdlife, including egrets, spoonbills, gulls, cormorants, ibises, and various waders, such as marsh sandpiper, Greenshank, and Whimbrel.
To the north of Knysna lies the Knysna forest covering over 60 000 ha where massive stinkwoods and yellowwoods tower above the cool moist forest floor below. These forests were once home to the now-extinct Knysna elephant. However numerous smaller mammals can still be found and there is prolific birdlife in the forest and the lagoon.
The surrounding wetlands and salt marshes make the Knysna National Lake Area a hotspot for eco-tourism, offering activities like birdwatching, kayaking, and boat tours. Visitors can also explore the nearby forests and nature reserves, which are home to unique flora and fauna. The lake area plays a vital role in conserving the natural heritage of the Garden Route.
This protected zone is a key part of the region’s environmental efforts, promoting sustainable tourism and conservation. It’s an ideal destination for nature lovers seeking a blend of water-based activities and forest adventures, while enjoying the serene beauty of Knysna's natural landscapes.
Summary of wildlife and flora to be found in the Knysna National Lake Area include:
Marine Life: Knysna seahorse, whales, dolphins, seals, oysters
Mammals: bushpig, bushbuck, blue duiker, honey badger, vervet monkey
Birdlife: Knysna lourie, Narina trogon, Knysna scrub warbler, many other aquatic species
Lagoon Fishing: bass and trout
Marine Fishing: steenbras, grunter and leervis
Villa Leisure is 'n bekoorlike tweeverdieping-selfsorgvilla wat tydlose elegansie met moderne gerief kombineer. Die villa beskik oor drie ruim en suite-slaapkamers en drie badkamers, slaapplek vir 6, wat oorgenoeg privaatheid en gerief verseker. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Ons het 4 selfsorg-suites. Almal is oopplan met en suite-badkamers, volledig toegeruste kombuisies, TV met M-Net en sekere DStv-kanale. Hulle is ideaal vir paartjies, maar 2 suites kan tot 4 mense akkommodeer wat deel... …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Inyathi Guest Lodge bied selfsorgverblyf in Knysna, Tuinroete. Ons volledig toegeruste selfsorg-chalets is in 'n uiters gerieflike sentrale ligging geleë, maar in 'n stil systraat weg van die gewoel... …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Oniro On Thesen bied selfsorgverblyf op Thesen-eiland in Knysna, Tuinroete. Geleë in Thesen-eilande en ontwerp vir ontspanne, maklike binne/buite-leefarea met groot stoep met ononderbroke uitsig oor die Knysna-strandmeer en vleilande. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Bayview Townhouse bied selfsorgverblyf vir 6 mense, geleë in 'n veilige kompleks in die klein kusdorpie Brenton-On-Sea, naby Knysna in die Wes-Kaap se Tuinroete. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Lagoon Breeze is 'n lieflike luukse gastehuis, met manjifieke uitsigte oor die strandmeer en Knysna-koppe en die see daarbuite. Geleë in Knysna op die Wes-Kaap se tuinroete en gerieflik op die N2 langs die Knysna-strandmeer. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Die Beach House Selfsorgwoonstelle is die oorspronklike terrein van die Beach House Hotel wat in 1974 gesloop is om hierdie huis te bou. Dit is sedertdien in die Krause-familie... …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Beacon House is op die Oostelike Kop in Knysna geleë, waar die Indiese Oseaan die Knysna-strandmeer binnegaan deur die sandsteenkoppe bekend as The Heads. Beacon House is aan die kant van 'n steil helling gebou en spog met uitsigte oor die Knysna... …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Lagoon Lodge bied B&B-verblyf en selfsorgverblyf in Knysna, Tuinroete. As jy 'n wegbreek na 'n elegante en romantiese omgewing nodig het, is ons gereed om jou en jou geliefde te trakteer, in ons splinternuwe lodge! …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
36 Ridge Dr Knysna is 'n stylvolle selfsorgvakansiehuis met asemrowende uitsigte oor die Knysna-strandmeer en Knysna-koppe. Geleë teen die heuwel van Paradise/Knysna Heights, is dit net 'n paar minute se ry vanaf die middedorp met sy eindelose... …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.