Knysna Heads

Knysna is one of the Southern Cape coast's best known holiday destinations, situated between the Natural forests and shores of the Knysna

The name Knysna is a Khoi word, it's uncertain as to its exact meaning, which could mean 'place of wood', or it could mean 'fern leaves', but its most probable meaning is straight down' in reference to the Knysna Heads a striking geological feature. The heads are two great sandstone cliffs guarding the flank of a deep but potentially treacherous entrance to the mouth of the Knysna lagoon which connects the estuary with the sea.

Knysna's history began in the year 1804, the year that saw the arrival of George Rex, rumored to be the illegitimate son of King George lll. He purchased the estate known as Melkhoutkraal on the shores of the lagoon and moved his entire family and considerable entourage down to Knysna to settle.

The Knysna Lagoon is one of the few places along the coast and in the world that supports an oyster hatchery.