Epic views from Knysna Town on Africa's south coast

Greetings and welcome to another travel hot spot on the southernmost shores of the African continent. This little town called Knysna (pronounced with a silent K) is at the centre of the most idyllic region called the Garden Route.

The Waterfront and quayside at Knysna lagoon, with apartments and restaurants right on the water’s edge

The Waterfront and quayside at Knysna lagoon, with apartments and restaurants right on the water's edge

Numerous lakes are dotted all along this coastline in this region and the town of Knysna is located on one of the larger lakes. It became a valuable part of the original trade route here because it's the only lake with access for boats coming in and going out to the Indian Ocean, via the Heads.

Tourist mecca and hidden gem, with hardly any visitors since it’s a lesser known location on the global map

Tourist mecca and hidden gem, with hardly any visitors since it's a lesser known location on the global map

Traditionally this region was surrounded by vast masses of indigenous Forest which included massive old Yellow wood trees, hundreds of years old. Thus it became a timber region where sailing ships would come for repairs. Later other uses for the timber, like construction and furniture resulted in the evisceration of 97% of the original forest over the past few hundred years. However you can still explore the remaining forest at your leisure.

Beautiful canals for residents to float right up to their apartments. Restaurant on the right of the image

This is a popular holiday destination for locals and this few fortunate international travelers who stumble across this hidden gem. The indigenous forests were once home to vast herds of elephant. A few still remain and you can visit them in the nearby elephant sanctuary.

View of the Knysna lagoon with the heads in the distance through which boats can sail out to the Indian Ocean.

If you enjoy nature exploration and boating experiences then this little town will be one for you to discover. You could wake up to this view in the mornings from your guest house or AirBnB.

Another angle from the house with the best view, right on the lakeside. The main highway runs right along the lake, as you see, though is relatively quiet during the day, with almost no traffic at night.

You will love this quiet and idyllic hideaway location so much that once you discover it, you might wish to stay longer. The exchange rate is very favorable for international travelers from the global north. And the climate is mild all year long.

A glimpse of the Knysna lagoon through some of the indigenous trees in this lush first region, with the Heads just visible in the distance, leading out to the Indian Ocean. Sunny South Africa uses a lot of solar power to supplement the less than optimal national electricity grid

If you need a beautiful place for your retreat sanctuary from the challenging Northern Hemisphere, then this little gem of a tourist town on the far south coast of Africa is just the place for you. You'll find it offers healing for body, mind and soul. Be sure to add it to your travel itinerary. You won't be disappointed.

Photos my own. Written and published on my mobile via the Travelfeed App on to the Hive blockchain.

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