Knysna

[Opsboi]

I know lots of you know Sith Ifrigar well - my nephew is getting married in Knysna in October
I'm keen, but Mrs opsboi is a bit apprehensive about safety and security in SA
I'm guessing Knysna shouldn't be a problem on that score - any advice?

Oh, and how do you pronounce it?

[Woody]

Oh, and how do you pronounce it?

Silent K

Been there a few times and it’s a pretty major tourist destination, never had any problems, only real problems in ZA, actually are load shedding and fires, but October is spring, so should okay. Actually we’re just about to go into load shedding, there’s inevitably an app that you can download which is pretty useful.

[TheGreenAnger]

Kynsna, George and the Wilderness have managed to avoid municipal dominance by the ANC and thus have retained some local authority competence and things tend still to work in these areas. The area is tourist friendly and I am sure you would have a very good time.

https://www.knysna.gov.za/government/co ... of-office/

The abovementioned areas are part of the Garden Route and are very picturesque and well worth a visit. If you do decide to go don't forget to make the relatively short trip inland to Oudtshoorn to go and see the Cango Caves.... A trip further up the coast up to Storm's River and Nature's Valley is also recommended.

I would be delighted to personally recommend places to stay if you do decide to go.

Located on South Africa’s famous Garden Route, Knysna (pronounced as ‘nyz nah’ >> changed by me), is one of the country’s most famous locations. It is a natural paradise of lush, indigenous forests, tranquil lakes, wildlife and golden beaches. The breathtakingly pretty lagoon is now a protected marine reserve that is home to the extraordinary sea horse and over 200 species of fish.

The scene of many happy family holidays and visits (last one last year) to visit friends.

[unifoxos]

Another "for" vote here, I'd go back tomorrow if I had somebody to go with.

[Woody]

On the safety aspect MrsWoody is happy visiting on her own, although you will see some extreme poverty with the informal settlements at the roadside.
The main question is how long are you planning to stay for, good example fly into CPT and hire a car, it’s a 5/6 hour drive to Knysna and you’ll still be in Western Cape Province, nearest airport is George, flights available from JNB and CPT, probably still need a car if you want to travel along the Garden Route.

MrsWoody loves Knysna Elephant Park, where you can walk with the herd or even stay overnight in the same building as the Ellies, although when we stayed the Elephants complained about my snoring

[Opsboi]

Thanks all, very helpful

[Woody]

Forgot to mention that the way that the Rand is heading at the moment, it’s incredibly cheap

[izod tester]

If you do drive to Knysna be careful to observe the speed limit going down the steep hill just before the lagoon bridge. There are often police speed traps there. Think hand held radar gun held by toned down police person hiding in a bush.

[Woody]

If you win the lottery between now and your trip, this is a great place

https://gondwanagr.co.za/

[llondel]

If you do drive to Knysna be careful to observe the speed limit going down the steep hill just before the lagoon bridge. There are often police speed traps there. Think hand held radar gun held by toned down police person hiding in a bush.

I've encountered a few places like that. Top of Blunsdon Hill on the A419 just outside Swindon, got to the top of that the first time and decided it was such an obvious place for a speed trap that I wasn't going to floor it down the hill.

[Woody]

Bit more info

https://www.capetownetc.com/things-to-d ... w4vqov2imn

[TheGreenAnger]

Bit more info

https://www.capetownetc.com/things-to-d ... w4vqov2imn

One could also go and pay homage at P W Botha's grave in George. I was actually in Knysna on the day he died.

[izod tester]

When we stayed there, this Laurie would come down to the breakfast table and steal fruit from the fruit salad bowl

[TheGreenAnger]

When we stayed there, this Laurie would come down to the breakfast table and steal fruit from the fruit salad bowl

Cheeky buggers. Most amusing though!


Another Laurie Bird

Worth watching Two-Lane Blacktop.

[Woody]

Just be careful who you meet

[TheGreenAnger]

Just be careful who you meet

Good grief!

[TheGreenAnger]

Bit more info

https://www.capetownetc.com/things-to-d ... w4vqov2imn

One could also go and pay homage at P W Botha's grave in George. I was actually in Knysna on the day he died.

Weird, I summoned PW's spirit out of the blue... My ex-wife, unbidden, sent me this in some form of bizarre serendipity after my post here today. Oh my gosh, is she stalking me here?

Despite my current centre-left political leanings I have always supported the right to free speech and thus signed up to support Botha's address to my then residence when I was at UCT for which I was soundly vilified. The previous year we had invited Ted Heath who actually bought us all a beer whereas Botha didn't, miserable old bugger!

I wrote an article supporting Botha's visit and had no issues with listening to his point of view at the dinner. We lived in interesting times in SA then...

Botha.JPG (54.96 KiB) Viewed 531 times

[TheGreenAnger]

Just be careful who you meet

Good grief!

Do you realise that you and I have, fine specimens of manhood that we are, both outlived poor old Johan, old friend and super fit ex-SADF Special Forces guy, that you met that day. He died late last year (RIP Johan).

[TheGreenAnger]

If you win the lottery between now and your trip, this is a great place

https://gondwanagr.co.za/

Drive up from Knysna to Plettenberg Bay and charter a Cessna 210 Centurion (fly yourself, after a checkout if you want) to Shamwari!

Highly recommended by me.

https://www.shamwari.com/