Apart from seaside diversions, Knysna has oodles to offer lovers of the great outdoors, and the Knysna Forest is one of the most spectacular ways to get your fix of fauna and flora in the area. Towering examples of stinkwood, yellowwood, blackwood, ironwood, white alders and Cape chestnut trees make up this habitat, which is among the largest forests in South Africa.
Birds are abundant, especially the Knysna Loerie, and you may even be lucky enough to spot one or two of the shy antelope which dwell in the forest, or tell-tale signs of the legendary Knysna elephant. Nobody knows how many, if any, of these mysterious creatures still survive.
You can traverse these leafy paths either on foot or mountain bike with Knysna Forest Tours.
Escorted walking trails will take you along the most popular routes, even collecting you from your accommodation and transporting you to the start of your journey. The organisers take care of all the details, and all you need to do is put one foot in front of the other and enjoy this amazing experience. These walks vary in length and intensity and include day walks, short walks and overnight walking tours. Depending on your choice of tour, you will get to see massive ancient trees, towering tree ferns, gulley’s, streams, Arum Lilies, fungi, porcupines, animal tracks, mountains, fynbos, jagged ravines and breath-taking views of the coastline.
Guided mountain bike trips are available for all levels of riders and once again, everything is provided including bikes, helmets, water bottles, the necessary permits and refreshments. You don’t even have to show up – you will be collected from and returned to your accommodation before and after your biking adventure. The only thing you will miss is some of the scenery, as you go whizzing down the exhilarating down-hills and winding single-tracks on these tours.
For added adventure, you can even combine your hiking or biking adventure with a canoe excursion
