|
About
Knysna
History
Knysna
boasts a colourful history of mariners, shipwrecks, wild forest elephants,
woodcutters and gold diggers.
The town was officially founded
in the1820’s by George Rex, an enigmatic figure believed by some to be
the illegitimate son of King George III of England. The Port of Knysna was
established to facilitate the shipping of timber from the surrounding
indigenous forests through The Heads for the British Navy.
Apart from a brief but exciting
flirtation with the discovery of gold in the surrounding mountains in
1876, the timber industry drove the growth of this area prior to its
development as a tourist destination.
Knysna Today
Today Knysna is one of the most
popular holiday destinations in Southern Africa for both local and
international tourists. Nestling
between indigenous, closed canopy forests and the pristine estuary, the
combination of a quaint but vibrant town, a large choice of recreational
and cultural activities and a spectacularly beautiful environment continue
to boost its reputation.
The area harbours no specific
health risks and is supported by a wide range of superior medical
facilities and professional services of all descriptions.
Knysna
is home to the annual Oyster Festival, the Pink Loerie Carnival and the
Knysna Arts Experience. |
