Knysna Forest 
Knysna is surrounded by a wide expanse of forest country. Between George to the west and Humansdorp to the east extends the largest area of forest in South Africa (80,000ha/200,000ac): only 1% of the country's area consists of forest, compared with 25% in the United States. Much of the area is planted forest (pines and eucalyptus), but there are still some stretches of natural "primeval" forest with giant yellowwood trees, some of them between 400 and 800 years old, as well as stinkwoods and the pink-flowered Cape chestnut.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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There are no longer any of the larger game animals in this area, and the fauna consists mainly of some species of antelopes and large numbers of birds. There are only four surviving elephants, which are rarely sighted. At the end of the 19th C there were around 400-500 elephants in the area; by 1962 the number had fallen to ten. This decline in numbers is due not only to hunting but also to the fact that the planted forests do not form an ideal habitat.
There are numerous hiking trails through the forest, but it can also be seen by car. One attractive trip, for example, is on R 339 to King Edward's Tree (20km/12.5mi northeast of Knysna), returning on a road which runs past the Gouna forest station. There are numerous picnic spots on the road.
There are numerous hiking trails through the forest, but it can also be seen by car. One attractive trip, for example, is on R 339 to King Edward's Tree (20km/12.5mi northeast of Knysna), returning on a road which runs past the Gouna forest station. There are numerous picnic spots on the road.
Related Attractions
Elephant Walk
The Elephant Walk is a very attractive hiking trail (20km/12.5mi), though the chances of seeing one of the forest's four elephants are slim. The trail (waymarked) starts at the Diepwalle forest station (20km/12.5mi from Knysna on R 339, signposted to Uniondale; maps available at forest station). Experienced walkers can do the Elephant Walk in a day, but it can also be split into three shorter walks. It runs past King Edward's Tree, a 40m/130ft high yellowwood tree which is believed to be at least 600 years old.
Harkerville Trail
The Harkerville Trail, a two-day walk (for fit and experienced walkers only) starting from Harkerville forest station, runs through a beautiful coastal region. Overnight accommodation is available in a hut.
Kranshoek Walk
The Kranshoek Walk starts at the Kranshoek picnic area (27km/17mi east of Knysna), comes in 2km/1.25mi to the coast of the Indian Ocean and continues parallel to the coast in the direction of Plettenberg Bay; then in 5km/3mi turns inland to return to its starting-point (total distance 9km/5.5mi).
Millwood Walk
This trail leads to the scanty remains of the little gold-diggers' settlement of Millwood. After gold was discovered in Knysna Forest in 1876 prospectors flocked to the scene and a town rapidly came into being, complete with post office, law court, three newspapers, numerous shops and six hotels. The gold seam, however, was quickly worked out and Millwood became a ghost town which in 1893 had a population of only 70. All that now remains of Millwood is a few traces of gold workings and the cemetery. A small museum containing mementos of the settlement is the starting-point of a 5.5km/3.mi walk to the surviving remains. The museum is reached by taking N 2, going west from Knysna, and turning off into the Rheenendal road.
Terblans Walk
This trail (6.5km/4mi) is named after a species of tree found only in this area. The starting-point is the old Gouna forest station, 17km/10.5mi north of Knysna. The trail, waymarked with a wild pig symbol, runs past several giant yellowwood trees.
