WHAT AND WHERE IS A KNYSNA???

Monday, February 22, 2016
Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa
Leaving Cape Town behind us, we ventured forward on what´s known as the Garden Route, a popular driving trip which takes you east along the southern coast of Africa. We were warned that it was a popular tourist destination during the summer months (January and February in this hemisphere!)., and sure enough, it is. But the excellent roads are not particularly congested, and there is plenty of accommodation, albeit at peak season prices. The road takes you through exciting mountain passes, large stretches of yellowed scrub land, and lush forested mountains. The ever-changing scenery is a treat for the eyes, and a joy to drive.. Cruising along on the left lanes seems funny to me, with the slow lane being the one that is leftmost. Speedier cars pass on the right. It all takes some getting used to, but by now, I´ve got the hang of it. The roads here are notorious for the frequent speed limit changes, speed traps, and photo radar, so vigilance is demanded. Thankfully, Bonnie is my second pair of eyes, or for sure I´d have been a scofflaw by now.

Our first destination was a town with an odd sounding name (you encounter many of these here due to the Dutch influence). Oudtshoorn is the ostrich farming capital of the world, and it is quite popular for its rustic atmosphere. Set in the mountains, it´s all about the ostriches, their meat, their leather, their plumes, and their eggs. One egg is equivalent to 24 chicken eggs! We spent two days on an ostrich farm, with Peter and his wife as our immediate neighbors. We stayed in a pretty cottage on the farm, and it was quite fun to commune with our feathered friends. We took a tour of the farm, met and fed the large herd, visited the hatchery, and played with day-old chicks. We saw an ostrich race and Bonnie then tried one on for size. Needless to say, I got some great shots of my cosmopolitan wife atop an ostrich! Of course, we finished the day with a delicious and very juicy ostrich burger, which felt so wrong after befriending them just a few hours previously. Our friends were very tasty indeed! Did you know that ostrich meat has the least fat content of any meat? And by the way, Peter and his wife are a pair of breeding ostriches.  

So, now finally, the answer to the question posed by the title of this entry. KNYSNA is a beautiful community on the Indian Ocean. Pronounced NIZE-NA, it offers spectacular vistas, tons of recreational nature activities, tourist attractions galore, and is a popular area. Everyone we encountered seemed to love Knysna. We spent a wonderful afternoon cruising its lagoon, exploring its paths and scenic mountain views.

Our hosts at our mountaintop B&B were a hospitable married couple, Dieter and Tina who welcomed us with open arms. Their other guests were a mini-UN of nationalities, and we all got along famously. We spent many hours on their deck, just shooting the breeze with everyone and laughing, and this really made our stay in Knysna special.

We now proceed to a beach resort area on the Indian Ocean for a few days of R&R in the surf before the next active part of our trip begins.

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Comments

Melissa Gold
2016-02-22

What an amazing trip! I had NO idea that such things existed in South Africa. It sounds like great fun. And beats the heck out of waiting for the next snow storm, as we are in Toronto. Hugs!

sandy
2016-02-23

Hi Bonnnie and David, i am so sorry to hear about Betty. From what I remember she had a wicked sense of humor and was very funny. Gee remind you of someone. Your trip sounds amazing and so glad you went. our internet service here is beyond lousy so I catch your blog when I can. Stay safe and enjoy your travels. Love you Sandy and Steve

Hope Springman
2016-02-23

Another incredible adventure, and I can't wait to see the photos of you two with your newest furry friends! Knysna sounds like a spectacularly beautiful resort, and you enjoyed all it had to offer. You've met so many interesting people along the way - count Dieter and Tina among your lucky circle of new friends! Are ostriches kosher? Love, Hope

Cecile Lapowich
2016-02-24

Hi Bonnie and David, So good to read your blog and find that as expected, you are really enjoying your trip. It must be so exciting to see such new and wonderful places, animals and enjoy the human hospitality there. I hope you get a chance to swim in the Indian Ocean.
I'm looking forward to your next blog.

Hope Springman
2016-02-25

How wonderful to see at last the beautiful photos from this amazing down-under adventure! The country is so gorgeous, and I love to see you both enjoying the sights and sounds (not to mention the riches, i.e., David and his Benz, of South Africa. The beaches look amazing, and I'm glad you're enjoying some relaxing days in the sun. Love, Hope

Myrna
2016-02-25

To our very favorite cousins,

Loved, loved, loved this blog! I especially enjoyed David sitting on his Benz while Bonie was sittIng on an ostrich!!! Hmmmmm....what's wrong with this picture? Your descriptions continue to paint a most wondrous adventure filled with beautiful sights and meeting such wonderful people along your way! The photos really enhanced your wonderfully written blog....it was nice sharing the sights with you, the countryside is mesmerizing....truly picture postcard perfect!
May you enjoy continued safe and fun adventures.....miss and love you both!!!!

rita
2016-02-29

wow I love to hear of these exciting adventures!

2025-02-11

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