 | |||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||
|
  
Outeniqua Choo Tjoe The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe which runs from Knysna to George and vice versa is one of the area’s most well known attractions. The journey from the George end starts at a former goods warehouse which was converted to house the railway museum’s historic collection. The train is pulled by either a class 24 or class 19 locomotive. (currently unavailable as a result of flooding but this website will keep you updated on any progress made in the negotiations with regards to the restoration of the branch line.) As it is the last daily scheduled steam train in South Africa, there is much emotion involved in the restoration and re-introduction of this historic attraction to Knysna.
Oysters Imported as “spats” from hatcheries in Chile & France, the oysters begin their cultivation for a short period in the waters of Algoa Bay in Port Elizabeth, after which they are transferred to the Knysna Lagoon where they are nurtured according to the “rack” system in intertidal zones in the Lagoon. After returning to Algoa Bay for “fine tuning”, they are harvested and prepared for transport to their final destinations. If you are remotely interested in these gastronomic gastropods, no visit to Knysna would be complete without a plateful of them. Oysters have been the favorites of gourmets and romantics for centuries, and today they are more popular than ever. Rich in protein and vitamins A, B2, B12 & C, and low in calories, they are one of the few delicacies in life that are really healthy and make an ideal hors d’ oevre - arguably Knysna’s favorite delicacy, and best-known export. Some local liquid expertise …………. Bramon Wine estate • The only Wine estate this far east of the Western Cape , Bramon has it’s own vineyards and produces a superior Sauvignon Blanc ‘Cap Classique’ sparkling wine, the first and only to be produced in the country. Vukani Empowerment Wines are a collection of Western Cape wines produced by Graham Beck Estate, having originated from the Bramon Vineyards in Plettenberg Bay. A stunning outing - set in the garden and surrounding vineyards, overlooking the Tsisikamma Mountains – enjoy an afternoon of local wines & cheeses, mezze platters, meats, pates and homemade breads . Mitchells Brewery • Sample the locally brewed beers, Foresters & Mitchell’s Gold, at Mitchell’s Brewery, situated in Knysna’s industrial area. Based in Knysna since 1983, tours are conducted daily except on Sundays. Nyati Distillery • Mampoer – Africa in a bottle – is a potent traditional citrus - based liqueur of old. Today “Nyati” , meaning “buffalo” is produced by Nyati Distillery at Buffalo Hills Game Reserve near Plettenberg Bay, adding a variety of fruits to create Nyati jjj Liqueurs and capture the flavour of Africa.
House Boats Take to the water and hire a fully equipped houseboat. No experience or license required, a unique way to spend some “quality time” together with a loved one. Team building with a difference? Art Knysna has long since been a favorite haunt for artists and is a wonderful place for art retreats and / or workshops. Hidden in this region of dramatic beauty and striking contrasts, are some of South Africa’s most talented and creative artists - an eclectic mix of talent and galleries are available in abundance. Look out for Dale Elliot, Katherine Wood and Jack Lugg to name a few. The area offers something for everyone: fine art, photography, sculpture, ceramics, metal and wood work, as well as a wealth of craftwork that covers almost every form and medium imaginable. One of the many craft villages is that at Scarab Village in Sedgefield, home to the original elephant dung “Scarab” paper. The Knysna Art Gallery, in the Old Gaol Complex originally built to house convicts, is a true art sanctuary and they have an exciting programme lined up which can be viewed on our Upcoming Events page: Indawo and Metamorphosis, both on Knysna Main Street, host a treasure chest of unique African art and will spoil you for choice, and if you venture further out into the country areas, there are more gems to be found. Leisure Isle is another art hotspot where the Leisure Isle Gallery showcases painters, sculptors & bronzes. A number of our local artists have successfully exhibited countrywide, many of whose work finds it’s way to all corners of the globe. Further works of art by local artists can be seen in restored historical buildings that lend Knysna it’s special charm.
| ||||||||||||||
 | |||||||||||||||
Site Map
