Our trip to the Featherbed Nature Reserve

On the list of ‘must-do-when-in-Knysna’ the trip to the Featherbed Nature Reserve should not be left out.  We were very fortunate for the day we choose was a magnificent, sunny, almost windless day. Good old ”Three Legs” was waiting for us, docked outside Cruise Café just off Waterfront Drive, to take us on the Featherbed Eco Experience, as it is officially called.

As we sat waiting to head toward the famous Knysna Heads it was wonderful to listen to all the different languages that surrounded us. Our guide, Helen Persello, was exceptional, and very knowledgeable. Her light-heartened banter was setting the tone for the joyful day ahead.

The trip across the lagoon is in itself a great experience.  Upon arrival at the Western Head is a change from the sea faring transport to a 4×4 Unimog with chair holding trailer which takes you to the top of the Western Head.  We advise visitors often to go to Brenton-on-Sea or the Eastern Head to look at the view of Knysna. The views  from this view point is the opposite and absolutely breathtaking! Clicking cameras soak up all the glory.

This was the starting point of the optional 2,2 km guided walk down into the leafy-canopy forest, the majestic caves and along the tranquil seashore. The forest is rich in diversity of plant species, and the bush is thick and primitive, so thick that a Knysna Elephant could have been meters away and we wouldn’t have even noticed.

The cave is an incredible rock shelter with amazing concealment of rock with openings in which it invites the ocean waves to enter. The cave is most definitely worth walking down 120 steps in order to reach this beautiful cavern.  Just remember you need to get back up again as well!

The last leg of the walk is along the shoreline of the lagoon, where soft waves glide over the pebbles and you look across to the Eastern Head and the entrance out to the sea.

Lunch – included in the price – was a glorious buffet with something for everyone.  The food is most appetizing and delicious and caused our taste buds to dance a little “jig”. There were smiles all around when we found out that there was a range of traditional South African desserts like Malva Pudding, Milk-Tart and the good old ice cream and chocolate sauce.

This is truly a “must do” of Knysna. You are experiencing all that Knysna has to offer – lagoon, sea, forest,  hiking, exercise to name but a few.  Thanks Featherbed Company, for a great day out!

For further company info and rates: www.featherbed.co.za