Knysna Forest Day Trip
Knysna, South Africa
Trip Type: Day Trips
Duration: 8 hours
Lose yourself in the breathtaking wilderness of the Knysna forests on this full-day trip. With an expert guide, wander along scenic trails amid age-old yellowwood trees and dense woodland. Hear how the forests were once home to hundreds of elephants and learn how only a handful are said to still roam the area today. Unwind with a stroll along the tranquil Jubilee Creek, and then explore an old gold mining town before recharging with a drink and scone at a tea garden. Numbers limited to 12, ensuring a small-group experience.
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Lose yourself in the breathtaking wilderness of the Knysna forests on this full-day trip. With an expert guide, wander along scenic trails amid age-old yellowwood trees and dense woodland. Hear how the forests were once home to hundreds of elephants and learn how only a handful are said to still roam the area today. Unwind with a stroll along the tranquil Jubilee Creek, and then explore an old gold mining town before recharging with a drink and scone at a tea garden. Numbers limited to 12, ensuring a small-group experience.
Start your day with a pickup from your hotel, or meet your guide at the prearranged meeting point in central Knysna. Then, enjoy a short journey by air-conditioned minivan to the Knysa forests, a wilderness famous for its phantom elephants, ancient yellowwood trees and exotic birdlife.
On arrival, hop out of your minivan, and then set off at a leisurely pace to explore the surrounding woodland with your guide. Walk amid the towering yellowwood, stinkwood and pink-flowered Cape chestnut trees, and hear the rustle of wildlife stirring among the flora.
As you wander, hear how the area was once home to hundreds of elephants, and learn how they were poached near to extinction by mineworkers following the collapse of the Millwood mines after the 19th-century gold rush. Today, it is believed that only a few lone elephants still roam the dense forests.
Pause by a giant 800-year-old yellowwood tree. As you gaze up at its towering canopy, look around for the distinctive white-tipped crests of Knysna loeries, birds found almost exclusively in South Africa. Bird watchers should also search the skies for wood owls, Rameron pigeons and mountain buzzards.
Next, continue on to Jubilee Creek. With your guide leading the way, stroll along the flat trail that runs alongside the stream. As you walk, listen to the soothing sounds of the flowing water, and let the calm wash over you.
After a time, pass by the old miners’ diggings before arriving at the sole remaining building of the gold mining ghost town. As you explore this evocative graveyard with your guide, learn more about the hundreds of fortune hunters who flocked here to dig for gold in the late 1800s. Then, make for the tea garden to enjoy a refreshing cup of tea and a sumptuous scone. Still hungry? Other meals such as a burger with fries are also available (own expense). Alternatively, you're welcome to bring food with you to keep your energy levels up as you explore the forests.
With your appetite sated, return to your minivan and then enjoy the relaxing journey back to Knysna town, where your tour ends back at the original start point.
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