Knysna Archives - TRAVELBUCKET

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Turn tables are interesting objects which not a lot of people know about or what its function is, unless you have a special interest in trains. I grew up around trains, but never knew that the picturesque town of Knysna had a turn table tugged away in its bowels. This is just another hidden gem of the Garden Route. So, what is a turn table all about? Or before we go there, why am I writing about a turn table of all things under the sun? Because I think it is worthwhile to write about it as it is not something often seen in South Africa. I discovered this one by accident in the beautiful town of Knysna, next to the waterfront at an almost forgotten spot next to a parking lot. On your next visit in Knysna head over to this GPS location to see it: S 34° 02.393… Read more >

PARING ELUSIVE FOREST ELEPHANTS AND MYSTICAL PHANTOM GIN

Reading the invite in my mailbox my imagination was immediately triggered. This time around we were not invited to Phantom at the Opera, but to a Phantom ginning night in the mystical Knysna forest. It was time to broaden our horizons and travel to Knysna for the experience. And what an experience it was! The setting at The Cabin at Simola was exquisite with a view over the estuary to the one side and the haunting beauty of the Knysna forest on the other side, while sipping on some handcrafted gin. Life cannot get any better! The story of how the husband and wife team of Karel and Chantal started off in Worcester distilling gin in their living room to where they arrived at the name of Phantom for their gin is truly an inspiring story interlocked with all the mysteries the Knysna forest has to offer. This includes the… Read more >

WHO DID WE MEET AT THE KNYSNA LITERARY FESTIVAL?

So, who DID we meet? We met well-known Australian (or is it New Zealand? 😊) author Tony Park. And what a nice guy he is! The Knysna Literary Festival, hosted by Pam Golding, celebrated its 10th year in 2019. Although living around the corner from Knysna I never even knew this festival existed. So, what do you learn? That you are never too old to discover new things. Sounds a bit like travelling to me; you keep on discovering new things. The two lovely ladies of the Travelbucket team was invited to the event where Tony was speaking at the Knysna Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa on Thesen Island in Knysna. The invite to attend was extended as personal guests of him, even though I only met him the Friday before the event! Apart from being an author who researches his books extensively he is also very concerned about nature… Read more >

ABOUT SMALL TOWNS AND CHURCHES

Every small town has a certain ambiance when you visit it. Some of them immediately speak to me and others, well they do not actually speak to me … and I just observe and pass by. However, there are small towns with tons of history dating back hundreds of years. And then there are churches with unique architecture and some interesting history on the why, what and how it came about. With its rich history and influences from the Dutch, French and English, who all reigned South Africa at some period in the early years, you can just imagine the different church styles that came about. Each church structure tells a story. One can feast on some fascinating stories that at times can be humorous or a bit shocking, this includes that has been set alight by deranged persons and destroyed by fire, and steeples collapsing. Looking up the history… Read more >

SPITSKOP ON PRINCE ALFRED’S PASS

Take a day trip to Spitskop and enjoy the scenery deep in the Knysna Forest. If you follow the Prince Alfred Pass that links Avontuur to Knysna you will pass the turn-off to Spitskop. Take your own refreshments as there are no facilities along the road. It is a slow drive as the gravel road may not be in a good condition and in any way, you should not be in hurry because the road is at times very potholed and maybe, just maybe, you will spot an elusive Knysna elephants. Along the route you will find a couple of picnic spots with the beautiful names like Valley of Ferns, Ysterhoutrug and Diepwalle. In the shade of some indigenous trees at Ysterhoutrug picnic spot you can light a fire for a braai as there are designated areas. This is also a good stop for the children to stretch their legs as… Read more >

5 “LEKKER” PICNIC SPOTS IN THE GARDEN ROUTE

Well let’s first start with the word lekker for those who are not familiar with the Afrikaans language. It can be translated as a lot of things such as great, tasty, nice , scenic, pretty – it all depends in what sentence it is used – but what I mean with lekker is more the use of pleasurable and relaxing with a scenic view. There is not one word in the English language that can describe it quite the same. SPOT #1 : EBB AND FLOW (NORTH) Situated on the northern banks of the Touw river it falls within the Garden Route National Park, but day visitors are welcomed. You will be rewarded with some shade under old wild fig trees, a demarcated fire pit, clean ablution facilities and a Knysna Loerie (Turaco) or two. Need to know: Report to reception and pay your day visitor fee. If you have a… Read more >

RIVIER DECK, BUFFALO BAY (BUFFELSBAAI)

On a Sunday morning, we went for a bit of exploring in our own region and stumbled upon this little gem right next to the N2 at the Buffels Bay turn-off. I have passed this establishment numerous times in the past, but never made the effort to check it out. Hubby and I were looking for a place to have breakfast where we have never been before. So, River Deck it is! I think we were a bit early as we were the first patrons to pay a visit, but the wooden stove with the kettles already simmering radiated its warmth and welcomed us. Nice, as the sun was not out yet and it was still a bit chilly next to the river. Today was not the type of weather for canoes and peddle boats, however as I have observed during the past summer months this is a favourite spot… Read more >

Tag Archive: Knysna