Western Cape Article - South African Vacations

Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve: The reserve covers a 250-ha indigenous forest. The wellknownBushbuck Trail meanders through the reserve and mountain bikers are also cateredfor.KNYSNAKnysna, a very popular holidaydestination, is a small town withdistinctive old-world charm. It also grewfrom the timber trade and was foundedat the beginning of the nineteenthcentury by George Rex, reputed to bethe son of the British King, George III,from his secret marriage to HannahLightfoot. Knysna lies among thewooded hills and encircles the largeKnysna Lagoon and is the perfect basefrom where to explore the wonders ofthe area.ADVENTURE AND SPORTAdventure: One needs never sit still when in Knysna. Horse-riding, abseiling, paragliding,canoeing, diving, great white shark-diving and fishing are all on the adventure menu.Cape St Blaize Cave Hiking Trail: Thecave is the starting point of a hiking trailthat winds its way through a vast areaof great natural beauty and diversity.Forest Walks: The Knysna Forests are awonderland where one can lose oneselfamong the trees and the sounds ofnature. The different walks also haveseveral picnic spots and bikers can alsotravel through the forests.Knysna Yachts: The Knysna Yachting Club issituated at the Knysna Harbour and there are alwaysyachts traversing the lagoon and sailing past thebeautiful, but dangerous, Knysna Heads.Water-sport: The areas of the Knysna Lagoon thatare zoned for nature reserves allow little disturbanceof the natural habitat. Power-boating, water-skiingand sailing are, however, allowed in certain spots.Many types of pleasure craft, such as cabincruisers, sailboards and paddle-skis are for hire.113