Knysna

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View over the town of Knysna with the famous Knysna Heads in the backround

Knysna (pronounced NIZE-nuh or NACE-nah, probably from a Hottentot word meaning "ferns")^[1] is a town in the Western Cape Province of South Africa and is part of the Garden Route. It lies 34 degrees south of the equator, and is 72 kilometres east from the town of George on the N2 highway.

The town is primarily built on the northern shore of a large warm-water estuary, fed by the Knysna River. The estuary opens to the ocean after passing between two large headlands. These are popularly known as the "Knysna Heads," and have become infamous due to the loss of boats and fishermen passing through their treacherous and unpredictable waters. Near them are geological formations, known locally as "The Map Stones." To the north of Knysna, Afro-Montane or temperate rainforest covers the hilly terrain for 20 km until changing to fynbos or macchia high up in the Outeniqua Mountains.

The early development of Knysna as a port was driven by the timber industry, where persons such as George Rex played a significant role. Being a difficult port to enter, a harbour pilot was employed to assist large vessels. One of the better-known pilots was John Benn, originally a shipwright from Mossel Bay, appointed as pilot in 1868 and whose name is borne by a luxury double-deck pleasure cruiser currently operating as a tourist attraction on the Knysna lagoon. The port was officially closed in 1954.

The town, and its surrounding areas, became the site of a massive search after young University of Cape Town student, Rosalind Ballingall, went missing on 12 August, 1969. It is believed she had lost her way in the deep, dense Knysna forests. Over the many following years, rumours surfaced about her background: her involvement with cults and hippies however most proved to be insubstantial. No clues to aid in her search or to uncover her whereabouts were discovered. She was never found and was officially declared dead in 1986.

The town is a popular destination for both tourists and senior citizens entering retirement, especially among the British and former expatriates due to the year-round warm climate. Recently the town has also become a preferred destination among golfers, as the town boasts many world class golf courses. Knysna too is a favourite haunt of artists, restaurateurs and hippies.

Knysna's other claims to fame are as the end point of the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe steam railway, and as home to the fabled Knysna forest elephant. Unfortunately, due to recent heavy flooding in the area, the railway line has been damaged. It has been rescheduled to run between George and Hartenbos [1] until further notice.