George Airport is about 54kms from Knysna, along a modern stretch of free-way. You will find yourself driving below the speed limit, just so you can take in all the breath taking surrounding you. Thick indigenous forests open up to steep craggy, rock valleys.

The final stretch is the best of the journey, as you are afforded a view to the left side, of people canoeing on the lagoon and the seashore to right. When you stop in town take note of all people dressed in either mountain biking or hiking gear.

The surrounding countryside is a wonderland of nature trails and scenic drives.

A lot of creative people have been drawn to this town over the years. With this creative influx into the area, a plethora of crafts studios and galleries have sprung up.

Take time-out to visit and explore all these little creative hubs.

Sucba divingb in the Knysna area is terrific, with visibility of 15m or more and tepid waters for the better part of the year. There are venues offering classes and who hire out all the equipment that you need.

• The qualified PADI instructors, teach the ropes of this amazing sport at:
  Waterfront Divers & Waterfront Watersports
  Tel: +27 (0)44 384 0831
  Fax: +27 (0)44 384 1240

Follow the picturesque Timber Route out of town all the way to the Timber Village forms part of the. Visitors are given the opportunity to see a variety of woodworkers, and crafters at work on The Timber Route.

• Timber Village
  Contact Details:
  Tel/Fax: +27 44 382 5649
  Mobile: +27 83 627 2464
  Email: timber.knysna@pixie.co.za
  Web: timbervillage.co.za

Take a ferry over the lagoon and visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve. Some ferries take you on exhilarating ride through the Knysna Heads, or if you wish for a more peaceful setting you can always take romantic sunset cruise. Make a note to self to bring your camera along as the views over the lagoon at that time of the day are awesome.

Of all the cruises available the Knysna Paddle Cruiser, really stands out. This amazing old style Mississippi paddle boat makes for a tremendous photo opportunity. Photos of such an incredible boat on an African shore will definitely belong in your album. One could quiet easily imagine the cast of “Gone with the wind” stepping off this boat onto the harbour. The builders have included every detail, right down to the circular life preservers strapped to the side, of this 23 metre long, beautiful boat.

The Paddle Cruiser is not just a pleasure cruiser, it boast a four stars restaurant. You can sip on one there super cocktails, and tuck into a large order fresh Knysna oysters. Remember to ask for some Tabasco sauce to accompany the oysters.

• Paddle Cruiser
  Address:
  Remembrance Lane,
  off Waterfront Drive,
  Knysna,
  Garden Route.

  Telephone: +27 (0)44 382-1693
  Opening hours: Lunch cruise at 12h30 and evening cruise at 18h15.

  The Paddle Cruiser offers both lunch time (12h30 departure) and evening (18h15 departure) cruises.