South Africa Travel Guide

Knysna

The town of Knysna, clustered around a vast tidal lagoon which opens to the sea through a narrow inlet guarded by two sandstone cliffs known as 'The Heads', is the holiday hub of the Garden Route, drawing more visitors than it can cope with, particularly during the peak summer holiday season.

The town has an interesting history, having started as a point of export for timber cut from the surrounding dense forests (which have been badly denuded as a result). In the early 19th century the town was almost solely owned by the enigmatic character George Rex, who was believed to be the illegitimate son of King George III of England. Rex fathered 13 children and is a legend in the Knysna area.

The town features some quaint Victorian houses, a modern commercial waterfront development, a lovely sandy beach at Leisure Isle on the east side of the lagoon, and some good shopping for local arts and crafts in the crowded town center. There are some lovely scenic drives through the remaining indigenous forests in the area, and sampling Knysna oysters and locally-brewed Mitchell's beer while on vacation here is highly recommended. The best time to visit Knysna is during its annual Oyster Festival, held every July, which includes music, food, sporting events, and of course oysters!

Plettenberg Bay

The upmarket vacation town of Plettenberg Bay, about 380 miles (600km) from Cape Town and 125 miles (200km) from Port Elizabeth, was originally called 'Bahia Formosa' (Beautiful Bay) by the early Portuguese explorers, and it is still possible to see why, despite explosive development of luxury homes, hotels and a thriving town center.

The town - familiarly known as 'Plett' - is a favorite vacation destination for South Africans and foreigners alike with its unspoiled golden beaches, year-round Mediterranean climate, dramatic rocky Robberg Peninsula, and vibrant nightlife. The bay is a nursery for the endangered Southern Right Whales, which arrive each winter and spring to calve.

St. Francis Bay

St. Francis Bay is a picturesque holiday village lying at the gateway to the Garden Route, one of South Africa's premier vacation destinations and an hour's drive from the city of Port Elizabeth. First sighted in 1575 by a Portuguese sailor, he named the area St. Francis after the Patron Saint of Sailors. The climate is temperate with warm summers and mild winters.

The Kromme River borders the one side of St. Francis Bay, and is navigable for 6 miles (10km) upstream from the river mouth. The River and River Mouth is popular with fishermen, boaters, canoeists, windsurfers, kite surfers and marine creatures which shelter in its waters. Linked to the river is a magnificent marina lined with white walled thatched homes, some of which offer bed an breakfast accommodation. Canal cruises at sunset are popular here or else one can enjoy drinks or a meal at a Restaurant overlooking the canals.

Port St. Francis, a small harbor resort village, lies in a sheltered nook of the bay and provides a colorful setting and safe anchorage for calamari boats, pleasure craft, and ocean going yachts.

Cape St. Francis, a rustic fishing village, sits adjacent to St. Francis Bay. Popular for surfing at Seal Point, its beautiful stretch of beach and historic lighthouse built in 1878. Walking trails wind along the rocky coast, through the Irma Booysen Floral Reserve, and along the Cape St. Francis Point, linking it to the village of St. Francis Bay.

Coffee Bay

In the heart of the Wild Coast is Coffee Bay, a small inlet near Mthata with only a grocery store, post office, and a few B&Bs and backpackers to its name. The destination largely appeals to students and the young at heart, and the nightlife consists of drumming circles and the occasional trance parties. What Coffee Bay boasts of, however, is some of the best surfing in South Africa along with spearfishing, scuba diving, and swimming, on an unspoiled stretch of coastline. There is fishing to be done, and you'll likely spot dolphins, whales, and the occasional Cape Clawless Otter. The area is a paradise for hiking, horseback riding and golf. Although distinctive landmarks are few, don't miss the iconic Hole-in-the-Wall, a remarkable rock that has had a giant tunnel carved into it by the sea.

Knysna

The town of Knysna, clustered around a vast tidal lagoon which opens to the sea through a narrow inlet guarded by two sandstone cliffs known as 'The Heads', is the holiday hub of the Garden Route, drawing more visitors than it can cope with, particularly during the peak summer holiday season.

The town has an interesting history, having started as a point of export for timber cut from the surrounding dense forests (which have been badly denuded as a result). In the early 19th century the town was almost solely owned by the enigmatic character George Rex, who was believed to be the illegitimate son of King George III of England. Rex fathered 13 children and is a legend in the Knysna area.

The town features some quaint Victorian houses, a modern commercial waterfront development, a lovely sandy beach at Leisure Isle on the east side of the lagoon, and some good shopping for local arts and crafts in the crowded town center. There are some lovely scenic drives through the remaining indigenous forests in the area, and sampling Knysna oysters and locally-brewed Mitchell's beer while on vacation here is highly recommended. The best time to visit Knysna is during its annual Oyster Festival, held every July, which includes music, food, sporting events, and of course oysters!

Plettenberg Bay

The upmarket vacation town of Plettenberg Bay, about 380 miles (600km) from Cape Town and 125 miles (200km) from Port Elizabeth, was originally called 'Bahia Formosa' (Beautiful Bay) by the early Portuguese explorers, and it is still possible to see why, despite explosive development of luxury homes, hotels and a thriving town center.

The town - familiarly known as 'Plett' - is a favorite vacation destination for South Africans and foreigners alike with its unspoiled golden beaches, year-round Mediterranean climate, dramatic rocky Robberg Peninsula, and vibrant nightlife. The bay is a nursery for the endangered Southern Right Whales, which arrive each winter and spring to calve.

St. Francis Bay

St. Francis Bay is a picturesque holiday village lying at the gateway to the Garden Route, one of South Africa's premier vacation destinations and an hour's drive from the city of Port Elizabeth. First sighted in 1575 by a Portuguese sailor, he named the area St. Francis after the Patron Saint of Sailors. The climate is temperate with warm summers and mild winters.

The Kromme River borders the one side of St. Francis Bay, and is navigable for 6 miles (10km) upstream from the river mouth. The River and River Mouth is popular with fishermen, boaters, canoeists, windsurfers, kite surfers and marine creatures which shelter in its waters. Linked to the river is a magnificent marina lined with white walled thatched homes, some of which offer bed an breakfast accommodation. Canal cruises at sunset are popular here or else one can enjoy drinks or a meal at a Restaurant overlooking the canals.

Port St. Francis, a small harbor resort village, lies in a sheltered nook of the bay and provides a colorful setting and safe anchorage for calamari boats, pleasure craft, and ocean going yachts.

Cape St. Francis, a rustic fishing village, sits adjacent to St. Francis Bay. Popular for surfing at Seal Point, its beautiful stretch of beach and historic lighthouse built in 1878. Walking trails wind along the rocky coast, through the Irma Booysen Floral Reserve, and along the Cape St. Francis Point, linking it to the village of St. Francis Bay.

Coffee Bay

In the heart of the Wild Coast is Coffee Bay, a small inlet near Mthata with only a grocery store, post office, and a few B&Bs and backpackers to its name. The destination largely appeals to students and the young at heart, and the nightlife consists of drumming circles and the occasional trance parties. What Coffee Bay boasts of, however, is some of the best surfing in South Africa along with spearfishing, scuba diving, and swimming, on an unspoiled stretch of coastline. There is fishing to be done, and you'll likely spot dolphins, whales, and the occasional Cape Clawless Otter. The area is a paradise for hiking, horseback riding and golf. Although distinctive landmarks are few, don't miss the iconic Hole-in-the-Wall, a remarkable rock that has had a giant tunnel carved into it by the sea.

Knysna

The town of Knysna, clustered around a vast tidal lagoon which opens to the sea through a narrow inlet guarded by two sandstone cliffs known as 'The Heads', is the holiday hub of the Garden Route, drawing more visitors than it can cope with, particularly during the peak summer holiday season.

The town has an interesting history, having started as a point of export for timber cut from the surrounding dense forests (which have been badly denuded as a result). In the early 19th century the town was almost solely owned by the enigmatic character George Rex, who was believed to be the illegitimate son of King George III of England. Rex fathered 13 children and is a legend in the Knysna area.

The town features some quaint Victorian houses, a modern commercial waterfront development, a lovely sandy beach at Leisure Isle on the east side of the lagoon, and some good shopping for local arts and crafts in the crowded town center. There are some lovely scenic drives through the remaining indigenous forests in the area, and sampling Knysna oysters and locally-brewed Mitchell's beer while on vacation here is highly recommended. The best time to visit Knysna is during its annual Oyster Festival, held every July, which includes music, food, sporting events, and of course oysters!

Plettenberg Bay

The upmarket vacation town of Plettenberg Bay, about 380 miles (600km) from Cape Town and 125 miles (200km) from Port Elizabeth, was originally called 'Bahia Formosa' (Beautiful Bay) by the early Portuguese explorers, and it is still possible to see why, despite explosive development of luxury homes, hotels and a thriving town center.

The town - familiarly known as 'Plett' - is a favorite vacation destination for South Africans and foreigners alike with its unspoiled golden beaches, year-round Mediterranean climate, dramatic rocky Robberg Peninsula, and vibrant nightlife. The bay is a nursery for the endangered Southern Right Whales, which arrive each winter and spring to calve.

St. Francis Bay

St. Francis Bay is a picturesque holiday village lying at the gateway to the Garden Route, one of South Africa's premier vacation destinations and an hour's drive from the city of Port Elizabeth. First sighted in 1575 by a Portuguese sailor, he named the area St. Francis after the Patron Saint of Sailors. The climate is temperate with warm summers and mild winters.

The Kromme River borders the one side of St. Francis Bay, and is navigable for 6 miles (10km) upstream from the river mouth. The River and River Mouth is popular with fishermen, boaters, canoeists, windsurfers, kite surfers and marine creatures which shelter in its waters. Linked to the river is a magnificent marina lined with white walled thatched homes, some of which offer bed an breakfast accommodation. Canal cruises at sunset are popular here or else one can enjoy drinks or a meal at a Restaurant overlooking the canals.

Port St. Francis, a small harbor resort village, lies in a sheltered nook of the bay and provides a colorful setting and safe anchorage for calamari boats, pleasure craft, and ocean going yachts.

Cape St. Francis, a rustic fishing village, sits adjacent to St. Francis Bay. Popular for surfing at Seal Point, its beautiful stretch of beach and historic lighthouse built in 1878. Walking trails wind along the rocky coast, through the Irma Booysen Floral Reserve, and along the Cape St. Francis Point, linking it to the village of St. Francis Bay.

Coffee Bay

In the heart of the Wild Coast is Coffee Bay, a small inlet near Mthata with only a grocery store, post office, and a few B&Bs and backpackers to its name. The destination largely appeals to students and the young at heart, and the nightlife consists of drumming circles and the occasional trance parties. What Coffee Bay boasts of, however, is some of the best surfing in South Africa along with spearfishing, scuba diving, and swimming, on an unspoiled stretch of coastline. There is fishing to be done, and you'll likely spot dolphins, whales, and the occasional Cape Clawless Otter. The area is a paradise for hiking, horseback riding and golf. Although distinctive landmarks are few, don't miss the iconic Hole-in-the-Wall, a remarkable rock that has had a giant tunnel carved into it by the sea.

Knysna

The town of Knysna, clustered around a vast tidal lagoon which opens to the sea through a narrow inlet guarded by two sandstone cliffs known as 'The Heads', is the holiday hub of the Garden Route, drawing more visitors than it can cope with, particularly during the peak summer holiday season.

The town has an interesting history, having started as a point of export for timber cut from the surrounding dense forests (which have been badly denuded as a result). In the early 19th century the town was almost solely owned by the enigmatic character George Rex, who was believed to be the illegitimate son of King George III of England. Rex fathered 13 children and is a legend in the Knysna area.

The town features some quaint Victorian houses, a modern commercial waterfront development, a lovely sandy beach at Leisure Isle on the east side of the lagoon, and some good shopping for local arts and crafts in the crowded town center. There are some lovely scenic drives through the remaining indigenous forests in the area, and sampling Knysna oysters and locally-brewed Mitchell's beer while on vacation here is highly recommended. The best time to visit Knysna is during its annual Oyster Festival, held every July, which includes music, food, sporting events, and of course oysters!

Plettenberg Bay

The upmarket vacation town of Plettenberg Bay, about 380 miles (600km) from Cape Town and 125 miles (200km) from Port Elizabeth, was originally called 'Bahia Formosa' (Beautiful Bay) by the early Portuguese explorers, and it is still possible to see why, despite explosive development of luxury homes, hotels and a thriving town center.

The town - familiarly known as 'Plett' - is a favorite vacation destination for South Africans and foreigners alike with its unspoiled golden beaches, year-round Mediterranean climate, dramatic rocky Robberg Peninsula, and vibrant nightlife. The bay is a nursery for the endangered Southern Right Whales, which arrive each winter and spring to calve.

St. Francis Bay

St. Francis Bay is a picturesque holiday village lying at the gateway to the Garden Route, one of South Africa's premier vacation destinations and an hour's drive from the city of Port Elizabeth. First sighted in 1575 by a Portuguese sailor, he named the area St. Francis after the Patron Saint of Sailors. The climate is temperate with warm summers and mild winters.

The Kromme River borders the one side of St. Francis Bay, and is navigable for 6 miles (10km) upstream from the river mouth. The River and River Mouth is popular with fishermen, boaters, canoeists, windsurfers, kite surfers and marine creatures which shelter in its waters. Linked to the river is a magnificent marina lined with white walled thatched homes, some of which offer bed an breakfast accommodation. Canal cruises at sunset are popular here or else one can enjoy drinks or a meal at a Restaurant overlooking the canals.

Port St. Francis, a small harbor resort village, lies in a sheltered nook of the bay and provides a colorful setting and safe anchorage for calamari boats, pleasure craft, and ocean going yachts.

Cape St. Francis, a rustic fishing village, sits adjacent to St. Francis Bay. Popular for surfing at Seal Point, its beautiful stretch of beach and historic lighthouse built in 1878. Walking trails wind along the rocky coast, through the Irma Booysen Floral Reserve, and along the Cape St. Francis Point, linking it to the village of St. Francis Bay.

Coffee Bay

In the heart of the Wild Coast is Coffee Bay, a small inlet near Mthata with only a grocery store, post office, and a few B&Bs and backpackers to its name. The destination largely appeals to students and the young at heart, and the nightlife consists of drumming circles and the occasional trance parties. What Coffee Bay boasts of, however, is some of the best surfing in South Africa along with spearfishing, scuba diving, and swimming, on an unspoiled stretch of coastline. There is fishing to be done, and you'll likely spot dolphins, whales, and the occasional Cape Clawless Otter. The area is a paradise for hiking, horseback riding and golf. Although distinctive landmarks are few, don't miss the iconic Hole-in-the-Wall, a remarkable rock that has had a giant tunnel carved into it by the sea.