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The Ultimate Guide to Knysna Forests, a Land with a Golden Past
Do you ever get tired of the city’s buzz and hustle culture? Me too! That’s why I always take the time to unwind and take in the beauty of nature, like the Knysna Forests. Its bountiful tree groves and soothing birdsongs are always welcoming.
It’s a great escape for the entire family. Plus, it’s a perfect reason to get the kids off their phones and enjoy nature.
If you want to hike scenic trails or enjoy a lazy afternoon picnic with the entire family, then this forest is a must-visit. Make your getaway worthwhile with these fun-filled activities!
Where are the Knysna Forests?
The Knysna Forests are located near the southern Cape coastline of South Africa and within the Garden Route National Park. It’s also just 5 kilometers away from the Knysna City center.
Entrance Fees
You have to buy a permit to enter the Garden Route National Park where the Knysna Forests is. Pay at the Diepwalle Forest entrance.
| Citizenship | Adults (12+ years) | Children (2 – 11 years) |
| South African Citizens and Residents | ZAR 47 | ZAR 23 |
| Southern African Development Community (SADC) Nationals | ZAR 93 | ZAR 47 |
| International (non-South African) Citizens | ZAR 186 | ZAR 93 |
How to Get to the Knysna Forests
- Car:
- Diepwalle Entrance: You can park your car at the designated parking area near the Diepwalle Forest Station.
- Goudveld Entrance: You can park your car at the Millwood mining town ruins.
- Guided tours: There are fun tour services available for the Knysna Forests, such as the Knysna Scootour and Wildlife Safari. This is the ideal option if you’re not familiar with the city.
History
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Long before colonization, the Knysna Forests were home to the Indigenous Khoisan people who lived off the land. But when the European settlers came around the 18th century, the forest became a prime location for premium yellowwood timber.
Aside from timber, the forest was also popular for its abundant elephant herds. However, relentless hunting for ivory and pleasure caused their decline in numbers over the years. The elephants became scarce and efforts to restore their population were futile.
Around 1878, the African Gold Rush started after the discovery of gold in the Karatara River. Fortune hunters, both locals and foreigners, gathered in the forest to dig for treasure, but the yield was poor. By 1890, mining companies had collapsed and solo gold miners also stopped searching for the expensive metal.
The forests are now part of a protected area called the Garden Route National Park.
Things to Do
Admire the wildlife
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The forest is full of life! Whenever I visit with my kids, we spot an animal in its natural habitat (like the common caracal and the clawless otter) and study them from afar. It’s a great way to introduce the kids to nature, but just ensure you’re far enough to keep the animals and your family safe.
One of the popular (and the most elusive) species in the forest is the Knysna turaco, sometimes known as the Knysna loerie, which has become iconic because of its unique features and vibrant green feathers combination. Definitely keep an eye out for this beautiful fowl!
| Pro tip: I highly recommend wearing airy long sleeves to keep the sun’s rays and mosquitos at bay. The trees might be generous with their shade, but the mosquitos aren’t so forgiving! |
Go on a hike
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Wear your hiking shoes and take on one of the many trails in Knysna Forests! If you’re a newbie, however, I highly recommend Jubilee Creek trail, as it only has slight elevations and it’s the most scenic trail in the forest. It’s 3 kilometers long and will take you around 45 minutes to an hour to complete it.
If you’re looking for something more challenging, Red Elephant Trail is your best bet. It’s 6 kilometers long and takes around 2 hours and a half to complete. It’s a long trek, but the views are worth it!
| Pro tip: Most trails in Knysna Forests don’t allow dogs, so I suggest leaving your furry best friend at home if you plan to hike. |
Check out the Millwood Goldfields
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Knysna Forests was the location for the first-ever African Gold Rush, and Millwood Goldfields was the star of the show. Old mining equipment and remnants of the mining village still stand in the area, showing the lifestyle of miners in that era. You also get to teach your kids and learn a bit of history as well.
You can check out the Millwood Goldfields by walking through the Goudveld Mines trail (also called the Knysna Forests and Millwood Goldfields route) which is 3 miles long. It’s a peaceful place, which is a contrast to its hectic past.
| Pro tip: There are smaller mine caves along the route, so make sure you pack a flashlight or a headlamp to check them out. The rocks are slippery, so be careful! |
Tour the forest by car
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If you want to explore more of the park in the confines of your car, then a self-guided car tour called ‘Rooted in Time’ might be your cup of tea. The dirt roads in Knysna Forests are maintained to accommodate sedans and trucks. The entire trail also has ten sign boards showing a brief history and highlights on certain areas.
I tried this self-guided tour once because I was visiting with younger children and elderly family members. We rolled down the windows and admired the forest’s views and wildlife without the tedious hike.
| Pro tip: You can learn more about the self-guided tour in detail through the Garden Route National Parks offices on Knysna. |
Enjoy a scenic picnic
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Make your weekend lunches special by going on a picnic with the entire family in one of the picnic areas in Knysna Forests. One of the popular ones is the Garden of Eden, which is located in the Harkerville part.
My kids love the Jubilee Creek picnic area since they like dipping their feet in the water during a hot day. Whenever we go on a picnic there, we pick a grassy area to roll a mat on and spread our feast. Make sure you clean up after you’re done with your snacking though!
| Pro tip: For wheelchair users, I suggest going to the Garden of Eden, as it has wooden boardwalks and bridges across streams. |
Bike through the Homtini Cycling Trail
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Take in the view and the breeze while riding at full speed on your bicycle! The forest has cycling-friendly trails, and the most popular one is the Homtini Cycling Trail. It’s an 18-kilometer loop, and it took me 40 minutes to finish the entire thing (mainly because I kept taking photos and chatting with friends on the way).
It’s a moderately challenging trail with a good amount of downhills and climbs as well as a mix of single and double tracks for trucks. It’s definitely a workout if you’re looking to work up a sweat rather than go on a leisurely ride, but the views you see are worth every pedal!
| Pro tip: Never attempt this trail while there’s a drizzle or if it rained the day before your visit, as some areas will be too slippery. |
Take in the view from Spitskop Viewpoint
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Want to feel like you’re on top of the world without the hike? The Spitskop Viewpoint is your place. It’s accessible by a 4×4 truck, and the view is breathtaking, especially during sunrise!
From there, you can see most of the Garden Route National Park, such as the nearby Prince Albert Pass and the Outeniqua Mountains, since it’s the highest accessible peak in the area.
When my friends and I go there, we always pack an insulated tumbler of coffee and breakfast treats.
There are no facilities in the area, and there’s a space by the road that serves as a parking area.
| Pro tip: To get there directly, you have to drive to the Diepwalle entrance and keep taking the R339 route until you see the signage for the viewpoint. |
Take a dip in the river
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One of the many hidden secrets of the forest is the refreshing Knysna River, which has small waterfalls and shallow pools perfect for a dip with the whole family. There are parts of the river that are well-covered with trees with solid smooth rocks to laze on, so even if you don’t want to waddle in the water, you can still enjoy the view.
After swimming, there are shaded grassy spots where you can lay a small picnic for a quick break from the water.
| Pro tip: There are natural rocks and algae that can make waddling through the river a hard time. I recommend wearing swim shoes or any sandals with a good grip since the terrain can be slippery and dangerous. |
Do yoga
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There’s nothing more soothing than emptying your mind with yoga in the middle of a forest. I highly recommend doing this near the creeks, Millwood Creek and Jubilee Creek, to achieve peak mindfulness. There are grassy fields nearby that are perfect for those yoga stretches.
The rush of the water adds another layer of serenity and calmness, which is the perfect music to empty your mind. It’s even better if done before sunrise, as the birdsong and the lack of chatter make it feel like you’re in a sacred space.
| Pro tip: While yoga is good to do barefoot, I don’t recommend it, as the rocks are slippery and it might cause a nasty accident. |
