Welcome to Forest Song Farm
Best organic fresh produce in the area
Between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, the Harkerville Saturday Market is highly recommended, where locals and visitors do their weekly shopping: organic vegetables, fresh breads, locally produced cheeses, home-cooked meals, fresh meats, jams and preserves…… and much much more.
Enjoy a lazy breakfast under the mighty oak, then load up your basket with fresh produce. Don’t forget the local arts and crafts and speciality products including clothing, ethnic art, indigenous woodwork, jewellery, books, plants, flowers and skincare.
Visitors from all over the world have enjoyed this market since the year 2000, come rain or sunshine!!
Open every Saturday from 08:00-12:00 on the N2 midway between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Ample parking available.
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Piața de sâmbătă Harkerville
Between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, the Harkerville Saturday Market is highly recommended, where locals and visitors do their weekly shopping: organic vegetables, fresh breads, locally produced cheeses, home-cooked meals, fresh meats, jams and preserves…… and much much more.
Enjoy a lazy breakfast under the mighty oak, then load up your basket with fresh produce. Don’t forget the local arts and crafts and speciality products including clothing, ethnic art, indigenous woodwork, jewellery, books, plants, flowers and skincare.
Visitors from all over the world have enjoyed this market since the year 2000, come rain or sunshine!!
Open every Saturday from 08:00-12:00 on the N2 midway between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Ample parking available.
Fresh produce, arts and craft market
Old Nick Village is located near Plettenberg Bay and is well worth a visit with its beautiful nursery and little shops to browse locally made Art, Crafts, Jewellery and Clothes.
Grab a coffee or juice and some delicious food and enjoy the beautiful gardens. There is comfortable seating, green lawns to picnic on and even a play area for the little ones.
Old Nick Village café, shops, nursery and weaving mill are open daily from 09:00-17:00.
The midweek market is a fun outing for all, caters for both young and old, visitors and locals. The market is open from 9am until 2pm, every Wednesday at Old Nick Village on the N2, Plettenberg Bay. There is ample, close parking and the Wednesday Market is easily accessible for wheelchairs and prams.
116 localnici recomandă
Old Nick Village
Old Nick Village is located near Plettenberg Bay and is well worth a visit with its beautiful nursery and little shops to browse locally made Art, Crafts, Jewellery and Clothes.
Grab a coffee or juice and some delicious food and enjoy the beautiful gardens. There is comfortable seating, green lawns to picnic on and even a play area for the little ones.
Old Nick Village café, shops, nursery and weaving mill are open daily from 09:00-17:00.
The midweek market is a fun outing for all, caters for both young and old, visitors and locals. The market is open from 9am until 2pm, every Wednesday at Old Nick Village on the N2, Plettenberg Bay. There is ample, close parking and the Wednesday Market is easily accessible for wheelchairs and prams.
Mungo weaving Mill
Take a drive to Old Nick Village near Plettenberg Bay and peek behind the scenes of Mungo Mill. Every Saturday and Sunday at 11h30 people meet at the mill bridge entrance where the tour begins. You will get to wander between the looms with a knowledgeable guide and engage with the weaving process to experience the age-old art of weaving from pre-industrial revolution to present day. An insightful and interesting experience for all.
No booking required, simply meet at the entrance of the mill. Tours are approximately 40 minutes. You can enjoy some shopping afterwards or a delicious meal at the café.
The only tour of its kind in South Africa, where the public get to see the entire textile journey from yarn to finished item.
If you happen to come on any other day of the week, you will still be able to visit Mungo Mill and have a fascinating self-guided look into the history of weaving and its impressive machinery.
Open daily from 09:00-17:00.
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Mungo Shop & Mill
Take a drive to Old Nick Village near Plettenberg Bay and peek behind the scenes of Mungo Mill. Every Saturday and Sunday at 11h30 people meet at the mill bridge entrance where the tour begins. You will get to wander between the looms with a knowledgeable guide and engage with the weaving process to experience the age-old art of weaving from pre-industrial revolution to present day. An insightful and interesting experience for all.
No booking required, simply meet at the entrance of the mill. Tours are approximately 40 minutes. You can enjoy some shopping afterwards or a delicious meal at the café.
The only tour of its kind in South Africa, where the public get to see the entire textile journey from yarn to finished item.
If you happen to come on any other day of the week, you will still be able to visit Mungo Mill and have a fascinating self-guided look into the history of weaving and its impressive machinery.
Open daily from 09:00-17:00.
Hiking Trail
The Kranshoek Trail is a slightly more challenging but very beautiful trail. It starts at the Kranshoek picnic site at the top of a tall waterfall, then winds its way through the forest down into the gorge through which the waterfall's stream flows. It follows this stream towards the coast and then leads along the coast before going up the slopes to the plateau and back to the picnic site via the Kranshoek viewpoint.
On this trail you'll get to see a bit of everything our beautiful area has to offer, from indigenous forests to fynbos to breathtaking coastal views, the Kranshoek Trail has it all.
For those who find the full trail a bit strenuous there is an optional shortcut up to the Kranshoek viewpoint and back to the picnic spot (about 4km) shortly after reaching the coast.
Distance: 9km, circular.
Difficulty: Challenging.
Route markers: 'Feet' painted on rocks or trees.
Managed by: SANParks
Permits/Costs: Obtain a permit from the small office at the boom. If the boom is unmanned a self issue permit applies, there is a wooden box with permits at the boom. Free for Wild Card members.
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Harkerville Viewpoint
Unnamed RoadThe Kranshoek Trail is a slightly more challenging but very beautiful trail. It starts at the Kranshoek picnic site at the top of a tall waterfall, then winds its way through the forest down into the gorge through which the waterfall's stream flows. It follows this stream towards the coast and then leads along the coast before going up the slopes to the plateau and back to the picnic site via the Kranshoek viewpoint.
On this trail you'll get to see a bit of everything our beautiful area has to offer, from indigenous forests to fynbos to breathtaking coastal views, the Kranshoek Trail has it all.
For those who find the full trail a bit strenuous there is an optional shortcut up to the Kranshoek viewpoint and back to the picnic spot (about 4km) shortly after reaching the coast.
Distance: 9km, circular.
Difficulty: Challenging.
Route markers: 'Feet' painted on rocks or trees.
Managed by: SANParks
Permits/Costs: Obtain a permit from the small office at the boom. If the boom is unmanned a self issue permit applies, there is a wooden box with permits at the boom. Free for Wild Card members.
This spectacular trail through the ancient forests of Outeniqua, between George and Knysna on the Garden Route, can be done as a series of day walks or over a period of seven days.
There are 2 day walks that end in the immediate surroundings of Fisanthoek. Both are highly recommended and an incredible pristine forest experience.
How to book: Bookings are made through SANPARKS
1) Diepwalle to Fisanthoek Hut (+-16km’s)
From an early start deep in the forest, the trail begins to cut across numerous tracks, paths and river streams as the day progresses. Although a relatively easy day, with few steep inclines and declines, and with plenty of sheltered spots to stop, it was worthwhile taking it slow and breathing in the green, letting it fill up the soul.
2) Harkerville to Fisanthoek Hut (12km’s)
This trail gently leads you from the thickets of the Harkerville forest towards Fisanthoek. It is here, that the rare sightings of Knysna Loeries appear in flight – their crimson tipped wings flashing overhead as they seemed to chase and dance with one another in the joy of flight.
After a few kilometres, the silence of the forest is broken by the escalating sounds of man while coming closer to civilization (namely, the N2). Fortunately, the next two thirds of the Trail lead through the depths of the forest, where there is the illusion of being entirely separate from the rat race once again while walking out at Fisanthoek Hut.
Outeniqua Hiking Trail - Diepwalle Hut
This spectacular trail through the ancient forests of Outeniqua, between George and Knysna on the Garden Route, can be done as a series of day walks or over a period of seven days.
There are 2 day walks that end in the immediate surroundings of Fisanthoek. Both are highly recommended and an incredible pristine forest experience.
How to book: Bookings are made through SANPARKS
1) Diepwalle to Fisanthoek Hut (+-16km’s)
From an early start deep in the forest, the trail begins to cut across numerous tracks, paths and river streams as the day progresses. Although a relatively easy day, with few steep inclines and declines, and with plenty of sheltered spots to stop, it was worthwhile taking it slow and breathing in the green, letting it fill up the soul.
2) Harkerville to Fisanthoek Hut (12km’s)
This trail gently leads you from the thickets of the Harkerville forest towards Fisanthoek. It is here, that the rare sightings of Knysna Loeries appear in flight – their crimson tipped wings flashing overhead as they seemed to chase and dance with one another in the joy of flight.
After a few kilometres, the silence of the forest is broken by the escalating sounds of man while coming closer to civilization (namely, the N2). Fortunately, the next two thirds of the Trail lead through the depths of the forest, where there is the illusion of being entirely separate from the rat race once again while walking out at Fisanthoek Hut.
Harkerville Mountain Bike Trails
The Petrus-se-Brand mountain bike trail:
A great ride through the Knysna forest with exhilarating downhills, streams to refill your water and great scenery. It is a one-way trail and can be done from either the Diepwalle Forest Station or Garden of Eden on the N2 between Knysna & Plettenberg Bay.
Diepwalle Forest station is the highest point on the route which means more downhills and thus better suited to the beginner mountain biker, the route markers are also more visible from this side. Starting from Diepwalle, go down the access road to the forests station back to the R339 (Knysna - Uniondale road), follow this road towards Knysna to a point were the trail forks off to the left past a gate, +-2.8km from the start. For about a kilometer the trail follows the contoured bed of the old narrow-gauge forest railway that use to run here. When you reach a T-junction, turn left and from here it is a +-2.5km downhill till you reach the Petrus-se-brand river (a small stream).
This is the start of an easy uphill to where one momentarily leaves the forest at a place called 'Kleineiland'. From here another decent into the Kleineiland river valley and then across a low-water bridge over the Kleineiland river, the lowest point on the route. Upstream from this bridge there are some good swimming holes for a refreshing dip. Then quite a steep climb, rising 190m in 4km. At +-17.6km the trail meets the Fisanthoek road (public road), turn right here.
Alternatively, +-1.2km after reaching the T-junction, there is a turnoff to the left, this about 3.4km of mostly single track and is the most exhilarating part of the course. This also comes out on the N2 between Knysna and Garden of Eden(turn left to Garden of Eden) and continue until you take a left turn into Fisanthoek Rd.
Distance: 22.4km, 2-3hours.
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Permit & Costs: Permits available from Thesen Island Office or the Diepwalle Forestry Station.
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Harkerville Mtb Trail
N2 N2The Petrus-se-Brand mountain bike trail:
A great ride through the Knysna forest with exhilarating downhills, streams to refill your water and great scenery. It is a one-way trail and can be done from either the Diepwalle Forest Station or Garden of Eden on the N2 between Knysna & Plettenberg Bay.
Diepwalle Forest station is the highest point on the route which means more downhills and thus better suited to the beginner mountain biker, the route markers are also more visible from this side. Starting from Diepwalle, go down the access road to the forests station back to the R339 (Knysna - Uniondale road), follow this road towards Knysna to a point were the trail forks off to the left past a gate, +-2.8km from the start. For about a kilometer the trail follows the contoured bed of the old narrow-gauge forest railway that use to run here. When you reach a T-junction, turn left and from here it is a +-2.5km downhill till you reach the Petrus-se-brand river (a small stream).
This is the start of an easy uphill to where one momentarily leaves the forest at a place called 'Kleineiland'. From here another decent into the Kleineiland river valley and then across a low-water bridge over the Kleineiland river, the lowest point on the route. Upstream from this bridge there are some good swimming holes for a refreshing dip. Then quite a steep climb, rising 190m in 4km. At +-17.6km the trail meets the Fisanthoek road (public road), turn right here.
Alternatively, +-1.2km after reaching the T-junction, there is a turnoff to the left, this about 3.4km of mostly single track and is the most exhilarating part of the course. This also comes out on the N2 between Knysna and Garden of Eden(turn left to Garden of Eden) and continue until you take a left turn into Fisanthoek Rd.
Distance: 22.4km, 2-3hours.
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Permit & Costs: Permits available from Thesen Island Office or the Diepwalle Forestry Station.
Sightseeing
The beauty of Robberg Nature Reserve is iconic and if you happen to find yourself in the area of Plettenberg Bay, you absolutely must visit. A World Heritage Site and National Monument, steeped in history, with prehistoric rocks and Stone Age artefacts, Robberg attracts visitors from all over the globe. The picturesque peninsula is home to a wealth of fynbos, flora and ocean life, all of which dazzle the senses.
Choose to hike the different trails, each with its own degree of difficulty, but all with unique beauty and scenery. This experience is unlike any other coastal encounter. The history of this place and the animal kingdom is otherworldly and once you have been, you are likely to return again and again.
The island is filled with lizards soaking up the sun and below, the waves crash against the rocks. The eastern side of the reserve gets the hot sun blazing down upon it, so lots of seals and dassies have made this side their home.
On a clear day you are likely to spot the ‘Robberg Express’, a very large great white shark, slowly making its way around the bay. Robberg is rumored to be one of the only places in the world to view great white sharks, from land, in their natural habitat.
Walk the whole way and you will reach a beautiful sand dune which leads to the western side of the reserve. This is the ‘wild side’ and its beauty is rugged and spectacular.
Take the N2 highway towards Plettenberg Bay. On approaching, take the Piesang Valley turn-off. Follow for 3km until you get to Robberg Road. Continue for 4kms towards the Plettenberg Airport. Turn left at the "Robberg" sign and continue until you reach the entrance gate.
Open from 08:00–17:00
327 localnici recomandă
Rezervația Naturală Robberg
The beauty of Robberg Nature Reserve is iconic and if you happen to find yourself in the area of Plettenberg Bay, you absolutely must visit. A World Heritage Site and National Monument, steeped in history, with prehistoric rocks and Stone Age artefacts, Robberg attracts visitors from all over the globe. The picturesque peninsula is home to a wealth of fynbos, flora and ocean life, all of which dazzle the senses.
Choose to hike the different trails, each with its own degree of difficulty, but all with unique beauty and scenery. This experience is unlike any other coastal encounter. The history of this place and the animal kingdom is otherworldly and once you have been, you are likely to return again and again.
The island is filled with lizards soaking up the sun and below, the waves crash against the rocks. The eastern side of the reserve gets the hot sun blazing down upon it, so lots of seals and dassies have made this side their home.
On a clear day you are likely to spot the ‘Robberg Express’, a very large great white shark, slowly making its way around the bay. Robberg is rumored to be one of the only places in the world to view great white sharks, from land, in their natural habitat.
Walk the whole way and you will reach a beautiful sand dune which leads to the western side of the reserve. This is the ‘wild side’ and its beauty is rugged and spectacular.
Take the N2 highway towards Plettenberg Bay. On approaching, take the Piesang Valley turn-off. Follow for 3km until you get to Robberg Road. Continue for 4kms towards the Plettenberg Airport. Turn left at the "Robberg" sign and continue until you reach the entrance gate.
Open from 08:00–17:00
Natures Valley lies past Plettenberg Bay. Flanked by an escarpment on one side and the Indian ocean on the other side, it forms part of the Tsitsikamma National Park. Natures Valley is situated at the mouth of the Groot River at the bottom of the Groot River pass.
The population in Natures Valley varies dramatically with the seasons, from less than 100 residents that live here during the off-season to an estimated 2000, excluding day visitors, during peak holiday season!
Natures Valley is probably one of the most uniquel areas of the Garden Route, and has one of the most beautiful beaches nestled within the Tsitsikamma National Park coastal forest. It also has the only residential area within a South African National Park.
Southern Cape Bushbuck, Bushpigs, and wild birds can frequently be seen in the gardens of Nature's Valley village. The ecology and natural environment is closely monitored and managed.
The Groot river flows into the Indian ocean and the estuary forms a lovely lagoon popular with holiday makers. Swimming, sailing and canoeing are some activities to be enjoyed.
Scenic walks and trails abound to revitalise your soul in this true "garden" on the Garden route.
Hiking trails and guided walks with the most interesting and beautiful fauna and flora with old indigenous trees and Cape fynbos.
The Tsitsikamma hiking trail starts at Natures Valley and ends at the Storms river bridge.
The famous Otter trail ends here and most hikers seek accommodation in Natures Valley after doing the Otter trail to rest up before moving on.
The Natures Valley Salt river day hike can be followed via the coast route or the Keurpad route and although difficult is exciting and worthwhile. The hike will take between 3 and 6 hours depending on fitness.
75 localnici recomandă
Nature's Valley
Natures Valley lies past Plettenberg Bay. Flanked by an escarpment on one side and the Indian ocean on the other side, it forms part of the Tsitsikamma National Park. Natures Valley is situated at the mouth of the Groot River at the bottom of the Groot River pass.
The population in Natures Valley varies dramatically with the seasons, from less than 100 residents that live here during the off-season to an estimated 2000, excluding day visitors, during peak holiday season!
Natures Valley is probably one of the most uniquel areas of the Garden Route, and has one of the most beautiful beaches nestled within the Tsitsikamma National Park coastal forest. It also has the only residential area within a South African National Park.
Southern Cape Bushbuck, Bushpigs, and wild birds can frequently be seen in the gardens of Nature's Valley village. The ecology and natural environment is closely monitored and managed.
The Groot river flows into the Indian ocean and the estuary forms a lovely lagoon popular with holiday makers. Swimming, sailing and canoeing are some activities to be enjoyed.
Scenic walks and trails abound to revitalise your soul in this true "garden" on the Garden route.
Hiking trails and guided walks with the most interesting and beautiful fauna and flora with old indigenous trees and Cape fynbos.
The Tsitsikamma hiking trail starts at Natures Valley and ends at the Storms river bridge.
The famous Otter trail ends here and most hikers seek accommodation in Natures Valley after doing the Otter trail to rest up before moving on.
The Natures Valley Salt river day hike can be followed via the coast route or the Keurpad route and although difficult is exciting and worthwhile. The hike will take between 3 and 6 hours depending on fitness.
Beautiful Beach and Ocean Experience
Along with safe swimming and SUP conditions, Buffalo Bay is known for its superb surfing conditions. And while you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beach, you can also take on the seven kilometre walk eastwards to Brenton or, if you’re feeling energetic, head to Buffalo Bay’s Wild Side and traverse the 18 or so kilometres westward to Sedgefield.
This coastline offers exceptional angling and some of the country’s best land based whale watching opportunities when Humpbacks and Southern Rights pass by on their annual migration between May and November. Dolphins are also spotted regularly throughout the year.
If you’d prefer to save your legs, paddle up the Goukamma river to discover a whole new world of mysterious black waters and lush, green, overhanging canopies.
Just about halfway between the towns of Knysna and Sedgefield (roughly 10km either way, give or take), Buffalo Bay is a gem well worth discovering as you explore Knysna.
Buffels Bay Beach view Point
52 Sand StreetAlong with safe swimming and SUP conditions, Buffalo Bay is known for its superb surfing conditions. And while you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beach, you can also take on the seven kilometre walk eastwards to Brenton or, if you’re feeling energetic, head to Buffalo Bay’s Wild Side and traverse the 18 or so kilometres westward to Sedgefield.
This coastline offers exceptional angling and some of the country’s best land based whale watching opportunities when Humpbacks and Southern Rights pass by on their annual migration between May and November. Dolphins are also spotted regularly throughout the year.
If you’d prefer to save your legs, paddle up the Goukamma river to discover a whole new world of mysterious black waters and lush, green, overhanging canopies.
Just about halfway between the towns of Knysna and Sedgefield (roughly 10km either way, give or take), Buffalo Bay is a gem well worth discovering as you explore Knysna.