Western Cape Article - South African Vacations

Whales: The southern right whale is a welcome and frequent visitor to the Knysna shores.One never tires of watching them make their graceful progress through the surf and do theoccasional high dive.HISTORY AND ARCHITECTUREMillwood House: When gold wasdiscovered in the Knysna Forest in 1876,prospectors flocked here from all over theworld. Millwood House, originally erectedin the gold-rush town of Millwood, wasdismantled and re-erected in Knysnaafter the gold rush ended. It is now afascinating museum depicting the earlydays of Knysna.NATURAL WONDERSKnysna Lagoon: Two distinctivesandstone cliffs called The Heads markthe spot where the Knysna Lagoon meetsthe sea. These huge, brightly colouredcliffs are considered to be one of themost striking geological features alongthe South African coast. The view fromthe top of The Heads, over the lagoonand with Knysna town in the background,is spectacular. Footpaths on The Headslead to secluded caves and an encounterwith the turbulent waves.Noetzie Beach: The drive to secluded Noetzie Beach guarantees some beautiful views. Oncethere, visitors will need to navigate a steep path down to the isolated beach and lagoon. Theamazing scenery is enhanced by five private castle-like homes built on the beach.MOSSEL BAYThe Portuguese navigatorBartholomeu Diaz made hisfirst African landing at MosselBay in 1488. He was the firstknown European to land onSouth African soil and thefirst meeting betweenEuropeans and Africansoccurred at Mossel Bay whenDiaz encountered the ancientKhoisan people. The firsttrading between Europeansand Africans occurred atMossel Bay when Vasco daGama traded successfullywith the Khoisan in 1497.115