Walking the Knysna Forest in South Africa. By Tony Maniscalco At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

There are plenty of places that you can go walking in South Africa but for somewhere completely different, why not visit the Knysna forest for scenery that is like nowhere else on earth?

Knysna is located on South Africa’s scenic Garden Route and contains the smallest eco-region in the country. This unique eco-structure has made it a popular haven for wildlife - leopards, baboons and rock hyraxes all make their home in the dense forest vegetation. Knysna forest was once home to over 300 separate herds of elephants and, after rumours that there was one remaining female Cape Bush elephant living in the forest, a herd of three was recently brought in from Kruger National Park. Although sightings are rare, if you’re lucky you may be able to spot the herd walking in South Africa’s Knysna Forest.

The area is popular with visitors on South Africa walking holidays as it contains a number of different routes and trails. The Kranshoek Coastal Trail is one that is moderately graded, which takes in spectacular coastal scenery and beautiful rocky beaches. During the winter to spring months of July to September it is even possible to see whales beaching, which is an incredible experience. Visitors to this area can also see the Cape clawless otter that scour the beaches hunting for freshly washed up mullet. The most popular tour for those walking in South Africa is the elephant tour, which can be taken in light or moderate sections. This South African hiking trail is popular with those who have visited the forest in the hope of catching a glimpse of the elusive elephant herd but, although sightings are rare, there is also plenty to see and do on this trail. It leads into the Diepwalle Forest, which was once home to a group of woodcutters, whose quaint cottages are still located in the depths of the dense woodland.

Many different species of fungi now line the route to the trail, making it popular with foragers during the autumn months. Whilst on this trail you may also want to visit the Big Tree. Whilst it is slightly smaller than the Big Tree of Tsitsikamma, it is still worth visiting on your South Africa walking holidays. The Big Tree of Tsitsikamma is also worth making the journey for, and this giant yellowwood tree is believed to be over 800 years old. The tree stands at 36.6 metres high and is located near to the Paul Sauer Bridge. The Paul Sauer Bridge is also located close to Storms River Village and you may be tempted to take a break from your South African walking trip and try your hand at black-water tubing or abseiling.

However, if you aren’t tempted by any of these activities then why not continue to the Featherbed Nature Reserve, which is located alongside a lagoon, where five rivers flow from the surrounding Outeniqua Mountains? This reserve is the perfect place to spend a few days relaxing and recuperating after your South Africa walking trip. You can spend some time off relaxing on a yacht or a paddleboat in the middle of the lagoon and treat yourself to a sundowner, while watching the savannah sun rise high over the African sky.

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