5 Things You Didn’t Know About The Knysna Heads

The Knysna River Estuary was declared a port in 1817.

However, in spite of its sheltered and convenient location for timbre exports, the river mouth proved difficult to navigate. This feat was overcome, however, and the HMS Podargus became the first commercial ship to safely enter the river mouth in 1818.

The Benn family, including John, Reuben, and Conning Benn, served as key pilots and harbour masters at The Heads for a number of years. (Note the famous John Benn Cruise on the Knysna Lagoon, an excellent activity for first-time visitors!)

By 1959, the Knysna River Estuary was de-proclaimed as an official harbour, but The Heads remain a crucial entry point to the sea to this day – primarily serving recreational craft.

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Station 12 Knysna now plays a key role in ensuring the safety of seafarers and maintaining the estuary’s maritime legacy.

Image Credit: www.knysnamuseums.co.za

Evidence of human habitation in the area surrounding the Knysna Heads dates back as far as 1,5 million years!

A notable discovery in 2017, uncovered by the Knysna Fires, revealed a stone tool workshop on the Western Head, dating to around 300 000 years ago. The site yielded large cutting tools and choppers, crafted when sea levels were much lower than they are today.

Shipwrecks serve as a reminder of more perilous times; back when sailors took to the seas and relied on nothing but their skills and Mother Nature’s favour to safely reach their destination.

The Paquita, a German sailing vessel, ran aground on the rocky Knysna Heads in 1903 and sank on the eastern side of the lagoon. Today its parts, broken up but intact, lie strewn across the channel bed under approximately 12m of water, making this a popular site for divers and snorkelers.

It is claimed by some that The Paquita’s captain, wanting a lighter, more modern vessel, deliberately ran it aground in the hopes of collecting the insurance money. The then-harbour master, John Benn, suspected foul play and rejected any kind of payout that would enable the captain to purchase another ship. The crew, therefore, split up and went their separate ways.

If you’re a maritime fanatic, you can read more about this vessel’s history on the Knysna Museum’s website.

Image Credit: www.knysnamuseums.co.za

While Knysna’s Eastern Head is scattered with residences, developments and an incredibly scenic golf course, the Western Head remains wild and unspoilt – home to the beautiful Featherbed Nature Reserve.

One of the main reasons Featherbed Nature Reserve is so alluring to visitors is that it’s accessed via a ferry at the Knysna Harbour, an exciting element to what will surely amount to a wonderful day out!

Visit the Featherbed Company’s website for all tour information related to visiting this iconic headland!

Image Credit: Instagram | wanderswithnats

When it comes to viewing the Knysna Heads from land, your best bet is doing so from the Eastern Head, which is easily accessible via car.

Make for Leisure Isle and explore onwards from there. You will discover a multitude of café, decks and places to pull over on the road. From these spots, you have a clear view of the Western Head on the other side of the estuary.

One of our personal favourite drives is Cony Glen Road, where you can stop at two different viewpoints, each offering a slightly different aspect of The Heads.

The Turbine Hotel & Spa is a unique 5-star stay on the canals of Thesen Island, offering visitors to Knysna the ultimate luxury escape.

Our central location makes us the ideal choice for those wishing to explore the wider Knysna area, including the Knysna Heads.

If you’d like to stay with us, get in touch with our reservations team at book@turbinehotel.co.za or secure your dates via our online booking platform.

We look forward to being the base for your Garden Route explorations!