Knysna - George Herald

Knysna

POLICE
Emergencies (where a crime is involved):
10111.
Emergency rescue (accident, fire, flood,
lost / injured hiker): 10177.
KNYSNA:
Sector 1: 082 379 2351/ 082 522 3190
(incorporates CBD, Upper and lower town,
upper and lower Old Place, Costa Sarda,
Welbedacht, Knysna Heights, Thesen Island,
Paradise, Eastford, Belvidere, Salt River, The
Point, Brenton).
Sector 2: 082 522 1817 (Hornlee, Industrial
area, Hunters Home, Pezula, Leisure Isle,
Rexford).
Sector 3: 082 443 4528/ 079 894 1609
(Khayalethu, Nekkies, Dam-se-Bos, Ou Pad).
Sector 4: 079 894 1607 (Rhobololo, Qolweni,
White Location, Jood se Kamp and Concordia).
Sector 5: 079 894 1608 (Rheenendal, Bibbeyshoek,
Karatara, Ruigtevlei, Kraaibosch,
Eastbrook, Elandskraal, Keurhoek).
Sector 6: 079 894 1616
(Sedgefield, Smutsville).
Knysna Police Station: 044 302 6608/ 9.
Sedgefield Police Station: 044 343 1321.
Plettenberg Bay Police Station:
044 533 2744.
Kwanokuthula Police Station:
044 533 2145.
AMBULANCE
Emergencies: 10177.
Knysna: 044 402 8911/00.
90245-ZJ-HG11-LO
Emergency numbers
Dear reader
Plettenberg Bay: 044 533 5000/ 044 501 3230.
ER24: 084 124.
FIRE
Knysna: 044 302 8991.
Sedgefield: 044 343 1640/ 044 3492900.
Plettenberg Bay: 044 533 5000/
044 501 3230.
NSRI
Plettenberg Bay: 082 990 5975.
Knysna: 044 384 0211/ 082 990 5956.
Sedgefield: 044 384 0211 or 082 990 5956.
National: 082 911.
HOSPITAL
Knysna Provincial: 044 302 8400.
Life Knysna Private Hospital: 044 384 1083.
Plettenberg Bay Provincial: 044 501 3700.
Plett Bay View Hospital: 044 691 3718.
Plett Medi Clinic: 044 501 5100.
MUNICIPALITY
Plettenberg Bay: 044 501 3000.
Knysna: 044 302 6300.
Eden District: 044 803 1300.
Flora and Fauna Crime Stop
Cape Nature Conservation Crime
Stop: Barend le Roux - 082 554 1271;
Paul 082 551 8312.
ANIMAL WELFARE
Knysna Animal Welfare Socfiety:
044 384 1603.
Plett Animal Welfare Services:
083 287 9917.
We have reached the end of a very eventful year. 2011 was a year of change: the
���������������������������������������������������������������������������������
Executive Mayor of the greater Knysna municipal area.
While service delivery remains one of our main priorities, we are also focusing on
economic development and the upgrading and maintenance of infrastructure. We
also know that aside from the impressive natural beauty that surrounds our area,
it is our people who make Knysna the beautiful town that it is. That is why every
resolution taken by Council has your best interests at heart.
Welcome to our visitors, I trust that you will enjoy your break in Knysna. Please
make use of everything our natural playground has to offer, but remember to do
so safely and responsibly. We have also committed to a more earth-friendly way
of life and you can support the Naturally Knysna initiative by collecting your
recycling bags at the municipal building in Clyde Street, buying local and
leaving our natural environment in the same state that you found it.
Our various Departments have been hard at work to ensure that you
������������������������������������������������������������������
roads, but please be patient - our pointsmen are there to help you
reach your destination safely.
I wish you all a very happy festive season and a prosperous new
year. I have a feeling that while 2011 was a year of change,
2012 will be a year that promises opportunity.
Councillor Georlene Wolmarans
Executive Mayor
����������������������������������������������
cinnabar graphic design 044 874 6262
120
knysna
Noetzie’s
The castles of Noetzie have always been
mysterious. They capture the imaginations of
many who want these grand buildings to a silent
relic of a forgotten lifetime.
Today the homes of an elite few, the castles are
not so ancient or shrouded in historical fable as
their facades may suggest.
Noetzie is a fascinating spot to visit, situated
5km from the N2. A parking area is available
from where one can walk down to the castles
which date back to 1932 when Mr HS Henderson,
a Rhodesian, bought several plots from the
original plot holders and built the first of his
Township tours
When the concept of township tours first
entered the tourism arena, many were sceptical
as to why anybody would want to visit devastatingly
poor areas, where the ravages of
apartheid and continued social ills and poverty
are often terribly apparent. However, township
tours have since developed into a flourishing
market, indicating the demand for such experiences.
Since the greatest portion of this
country's people lives in townships, it is fair to
say that townships are where the true South
Africa is reflected.
While some tourists still avoid township tours,
the vast majority of those who have experienced
such a tour come away feeling enlightened,
enriched, inspired and humbled. Online reviews
and public comment about some of the locally
available tours indicate an overwhelmingly
positive response with some tourists from
abroad writing that a local township tour was the
highlight of their entire visit to South Africa.
Besides being excited about being exposed to a
very different culture, usually in an interactive
way, all the tourists made mention of the
openness and spontaneous happiness of local
township folk despite their struggles to survive.
In recent years it has become clear that
township tours, if carefully managed, can be
very beneficial to all parties, the tour operators,
tourists and the township residents who host
them. Since many tourists to townships soon
realise that very little can go a long way toward
improving lives, they are often eager to help. As
a result, all local tour operators have established
stong ties with community upliftment projects or
have themselves established similar projects
very successfully. Visiting such initiatives give
tourists a first-hand idea of what is needed and
what will become of his or her contribution.
take a trip
mystique
castles - the smaller one at the western boundary
of the property.
The sturdy dwelling next to it, with its water
tower, looked rather like a castle so he added
parapets to accentuate the impression. The
Hendersons next built the large stonehouse
which stands above all the other houses with its
straight and severe frontage. This was called
'Pezula' meaning 'high up' in the Shona
language. These castles are private homes and
the public are not allowed on the property. Visit
Noetzie to enjoy a lazy day on its secluded
beach.
SA's heart
Local township tour operators offer interactive
experiences with visits to a variety of places,
including private homes, creches, shebeens
and more, which can weave an intricate
picture of true township life. Guides are
usually township residents who are well
integrated in their community's life. Knysna
also offers a tour to Judah Square, South
Africa's largest Rastafarian community. This
tour is guided by respected residents of this
triving community, and they have a rich knowledge
of the religion and ways of the Rastafarian
people. From tourists' feedback about
township tours throughout the country, it
seems that the worst experiences are those
that make visitors feel like voyeurs and/ or as
if they are obliged to give handouts. From all
accounts, local tour operators are genuine,
warm and involved in the communities they
visit, thus avoiding these pitfalls.
Contact local Tourist Information Centre for
information on a township tour to suit specific
needs, or contact these tour operators:
Emzini Tours - 082 338 6289,
book@emzinitours.co.za,
www.emzinitours.co.za (Knysna).
Eco Africa Tours - 082 558 9104,
bookings@eco-afrika-tours.co.za,
www.eco-afrika-tours.co.za/township.htm
(Knysna).
Rastafarian Township Tour guides -
Brother Maxie on 078 611 2817, Brother
Paul on 073 117 6103, Brother Zebs on
076 649 1034 (Knysna).
Ocean Blue Adventures -
044 533 5083, 083 701 3583,
info@oceanadventures.co.za,
http://oceanadventures.co.za (Plett).

To market, to market . . .
Wild Oats Farmers’ Market in Sedgefield
from 07:30 to 11:30 every Saturday, come
rain or shine. Local farmers and home
industries share their bounty in this openair,
rustic market. The market is brimming
with the choicest locally-produced food,
including free-range meats, dairy and
cheese, fresh vegetables, freshly baked
and bottled goods, as well as a wide variety
of breakfast meals. The market also plants
of the unique Southern Cape floral
kingdom, propagated by local plant specialists.
For information, telephone 082 376
5020.
Scarab Village Saturday Craft Market in
Sedgefield (next to the Engen Garage and
a hop from the Wild Oats Market every
Saturday from 08:30 to 12:30. There are
games and a playground for the kids,
original, handmade craft and clothing and
demonstrations, like wood-turning and
paper-making. For info contact Jean on 082
737 2655.
Island Market is situated on Sedgefield’s
Island, between the Scarab and Wild Oats
markets, just off the N2 at the Engen
garage. It is best described as a flea market
with stalls offering crafts, food, bric-a-brac,
home decor, antiques, clothing and more,
on Saturdays from 08:0 to 13:00. For
information contact Laverne on 083 651
9950.
Thesen Harbour Town Sunday Market from
09:00 until 13:00, undercover if it rains. The
market sells breakfast, coffee, art, jewellery,
clothing and craft. Under cover if it rains. For
more information contact Kevin on 083 962
7202.
Montessori School Friday Supper and Craft
Market (Knysna) takes place every Friday
121
knysna
from 16:00 to 20:30 and offers a variety of
food, crafts, bar, children’s entertainment,
bonfires and live music to suit all.
The market is situated alongside the
Knysna Montessori School in Narnia Lane,
Welbedacht. Follow the scarecrows. For
information: 044 382 5316.
Harvest Time Farmers’ Market is situated in
the Harkerville area on the N2 midway
between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. It is
open every Saturday from 08:00 ‘till 12:00.
This is a market for fresh produce from
surrounding farms and home industries,
offering anything one may need for fine
dining or rustic eating.
One can also enjoy breakfast at the market.
For information: 044 533 9094.
markets
90248-ZJ-HG11-RE

knysna
In search of wood for the Cape, Governor Van
Plettenberg arrived in what is now Plettenberg
Bay in 1778. In 1786 a timber shed was
erected there by Johann Jacob Jerling. Its ruin
is now a national museum and can be found
near Plett’s ski-boat launching beach.
Soon timber was being shipped from Plettenberg
Bay, and not long thereafter large
amounts of wood was shipped from the
Knysna Port of Entry.
For many years Knysna depended only on the
forestry industry.
The forests are now protected and trees are
harvested in a controlled, sustainable manner.
Geo Parkes & Sons. In 1891 George Parkes of
Birmingham visited Knysna and purchased a
forest and a steam-operated sawmill. The
following year Knysna Forest Co was established
in the centre of Knysna. George Parkes
came to Knysna later that year and in 1902 the
name was changed to Geo Parkes and Sons.
The company, now situated at Waenhout
Street in the industrial Area, still supplies wholesale
wood to the public
(www.parkesofknysna.com).
THE KNYSNA TIMBER ROUTE
INCLUDES OTHER WHOLESALE
WOOD SUPPLIERS:
Geelhoutvlei Timbers
(www.geelhoutvlei.co.za).
Goud uit die Knysna Woud.
Goodmans (www.woodmans.co.za).
AJJ Stander.
WOOD AND FURNITURE SUPPLIERS
INCLUDE:
Kluyts & Co (www.kluyts.com).
����������������������������������������������������� Timber Village (www.timbervillage.co.za).
Fechters
122
back to nature
creatures great small
This area offers sanctuary to many animals and birds and several establishments along this beautiful stretch of
coastline offer visitors close encounters with creatures great and small.
KNYSNA ELEPHANT PARK is on the N2 between Knysna (22km) and
Plettenberg Bay (9km). Visitors can get up-close and personal with majestic
elephants. Well-informed guides relate the sad and mystical story of the
Knysna elephants. The gentle giants live in a controlled, free-range environment.
Contact: 044 532 7732, www.knysnaelephantpark.co.za.
RADICAL RAPTORS at the Heath (N2, between Knysna and Plettenberg
Bay) is a rehabilitation centre that aims at community awareness, and the
rescue, rehabilitation and release of birds of prey. The necessary exercising
and training of birds not suitable for release are presented as flying displays,
offering visitors an opportunity to witness the speed, strength and grace of
owls, kites, buzzards, hawks and falcons. The show times are at 11:00, 13:00
and 15:00 (losed on Mondays. except on public holidays and during school
holidays). Contact: Janet at 083 382 2417, info@radicalraptors.co.za,
www.radicalraptors.co.za. To report injured raptors: Dennis at 083 561 0973.
PLETTENBERG BAY GAME RESERVE boasts a diversity of natural
biomes, including fynbos, grasslands and indigenous forests, and the property
is the natural confluence of the Keurbooms and Palmiet Rivers. It boasts over
35 species of game, including lion, rhino, giraffe, hippo, crocodiles, buffalo and
a large variety of antelope and many bird species. The reserve offers facilities
for staying and day-visitors. Contact: 044 535 0000/1, 084 192 8288,
www.plettenbergbaygamereserve.co.za.
BUFFALO HILLS GAME RESERVE and Lodge offers its guests and
day-visitors half-day safaris, safari game drives and guided safari walks. This
private reserve boasts small and big game species including monkeys, duiker,
impala, eland, giraffe, blue wildebeest, bontebok and leopard. The reserve is
situated in Wittedrift, close to Plettenberg Bay. Contact: 044 535 9739, 082 771
9370, buffalohills@mweb.co.za, www.buffalohills.co.za.
MONKEYLAND IN THE CRAGS OUTSIDE PLETTENBERG BAY is
a primate sanctuary where several monkey species roam free in a forested
12-hectare enclosure. Monkeyland is the world's first and currently only primate
sanctuary of its kind. It also boasts Africa's longest suspension bridge.
Pierre Cronje’s enduring craftsmanship now simpli�ed,
inspired by a timeless yet contemporary aesthetic, using only
the �nest timbers
044 382 1291
finefurniture@telkomsa.net
90249-ZJ-HG11-CL
Contact: 044 534 8906, info@monkeyland.co.za, www.monkeyland.co.za.
BIRDS OF EDEN IN THE CRAGS (next to Monkeyland) is the largest
single free-flight aviary in the world, and incorporates an indigenous forest with
waterfalls and elevated walkways. Previously caged birds live here in free flight.
The two-hectare dome creates a safe environment in which to release a large
collection of free-flight African birds, miniature monkeys and the sanctuary also
enables bird owners to apply to release their pet birds into the sanctuary, after
undergoing rehabilitation.
Contact: 044 534 8906, info@monkeyland.co.za, www.birdsofeden.co.za.
THE ELEPHANT SANCTURY IN THE CRAGS (next to Monkeyland)
hosts a unique, guided educational programme that allows visitors (numbers
are limited) to interact with and touch elephants, learning about elephant behaviour
and anatomy while walking with the gentle giants. The sanctuary also
offers short, bare-back elephant rides.
Contact: 044 534 8145, crags@elephantsanctuary.co.za,
www.elephantsanctuary.co.za/cragshome.htm.
TENIKWA AWARENESS CENTRE in The Crags offers several exciting
activities involving wild cats (but not lion). Its guided walking tour affords visitors
an opportunity to experience several indigenous species, including cheetah.
Other activities, like the Meerkat Meander, are popular with young and old.
Tenikwa also offers photographic tours.
At its core, Tenikwa's mission is the rehabilitation of the wild, and education and
awareness regarding wild animals. Its very active Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation
Centre accommodates marine and terrestrial animals as well as birds with
the ultimate aim being their re-release into the wild. Tenikwa is also involved in
several community projects.
Contact: 044 534 8170, 082 486 1515, marketing@tenikwa.co.za,
http://tenikwa.com.
BLUE HILLS BIRD FARM situated along the N2 between Plett and Knysna,
is an active breeding farm for exotic birds like parakeets. It also offers a tea
garden and pet shop and gift shop. Contact: 044 532 7741, www.bluehills.biz.
Introducing the Knysna
With the region’s rich wood-harvesting history, it is only fitting that Knysna
Tourism and Geo Parkes & Sons recently introduced the Knysna Timber
Route. The route includes suppliers, producers, manufactures and crafters
who all share a love for wood.
FURNITURE, GIFT AND CRAFT
TRADERS ON THE KNYSNA TIMBER
ROUTE INCLUDE:
Fine Furniture (044 382 1291).
Ilovani (www.ilovani.co.za).
The Natural Edge
(www.scarabvillage.co.za/
The_Natural_Edge.html).
Full Circle Furniture
(http://fullcirclefurniture.co.za).
Feathers (www.feathersgallery.co.za).
Birds of Africa (www.birdsofafrica.co.za).
Forest walks are also part of the route:
Tony Cook Guides (082 783 8392).
AN INDIGENOUS TREE NURSERY IS
ALSO ON THE ROUTE:
Trees South Africa (www.trees-sa.co.za).
PLACES OF INTEREST ON THE
KNYSNA TIMBER ROUTE INCLUDE:
Millwood House Museum
(Queen Street, Knysna).
Mother Holly Tea Room (Millwood).
Diepwalle Coffee Shop (Diepwalle forest station)
SANParks Big Trees
(www.sanparks.org/parks/garden_route).
Dalene Matthee Memorial (Krisjan-se-Nek).

123
90485-NT-HG11-RE