The Magical History & Geography of Knysna

Posted on by August 4, 2017
East Head of Knysna - Magic History Georgraphy

This is the view of the East Head of Knysna, as shot from the West Head, over the watery passage between the estuary and the sea. A reminder of magic history and ever present, wondrous geography. Far below the photographer is a cave where Stone Age people lived 120,000 years ago, occupied by San people 3000 years ago. Beneath the water, lies the 1904 wreck of a German ship called the Paquita. But don’t try swim to it from this side cause when the tide changes, 19-million cubic metres of … Read the full article…

Knysna’s Amazing Phantom Forest Eco Reserve

Posted on by May 7, 2017
View from Phantom Forest Eyrie lounge deck

The Phantom Forest Eco Reserve is tucked discreetly within a pristine tract of forest that is rooted to the banks of the Knysna Estuary. It is characterized by a human footprint so reverently subtle, that it compliments rather than detracts from the transcendent 137ha setting within which is sits. This reserve’s eco sense and sensitivity has earned them several accolades: “Africa’s Best Eco Tourism Destination” in 2007”, “World’s Leading Green Resort” in 2008, and a 2009 nomination for “Africa’s Leading Green Hotel” from the World Travel Awards. In 2015 Phantom … Read the full article…

A Knysna Slug Called the Shaggy Sea Hare

Posted on by May 5, 2017
shaggy sea hare slug knysna - protective ball

I had my first encounter with a slug called the Shaggy Sea Hare. Actually, there were 4 of them, crawling underwater about 200m up Salt River in Knysna. The river, a mixture of fresh and sea water, means that these Shaggy Sea Hares are living in an estuarine habitat. My first though was wonder at finding these weird ‘snails’. My cellphone’s camera doesn’t show it well but, on top, they were dull green with blobs of pinkish orange. Underneath, they were a bright green colour, like cartoon nuclear. When i … Read the full article…

Help Stop Oil Exploration off Southern Cape Coast (Pletmos Baisin)

Posted on by May 4, 2017
Sungu Sungu Pletmos Seismic 3d run

We object to all oil exploration off our Southern Cape coast. Immediately, we object to the latest application for oil/gas exploration rights by Sungu Sungu Petroleum (Pty) Ltd (Ghana) for a 2,500 km² portion of the 11,224 km² area known as the Pletmos Baisin (offshore, between Knysna and Jeffrey’s Bay). In between, there is the famous Tsitsikamma National Park with iconic tourist destinations such as Nature’s Valley and Storms River. Other towns affected include Plettenberg Bay and Cape St Francis. Remember the Kiani Satu. Imagine something far worse happening! SIGN … Read the full article…