|  | This adventure offers a fascinating insight into the history of the area and and an opportunity to experience the beauty and splendour of pristine indigenous forests and the Knysna estuary.
- Mountain bike trails
- Boat cruise
- Indigenous forests
- Hiking trails
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| Features
Environment
You will stop frequently during the cycle trips, to discuss the geology of the area, fauna & flora. The cycle route includes forests and fynbos and gives the client the opportunity to view the coast line from the cliffs where the cycle route passes along through coastal fynbos. Great effort is taken to ensure that the client is made aware of the sensitive eco system that they are cycling through and the destruction that has taken place over the last two centuries. The emphasis is on preservation through education.
This is an eco experience, not an eco challenge!
During the cruise of the Knysna estuary and all its ecological facets from the Knysna Seahorse through to the Black African Oyster Catcher are pointed out. The early settlers and their impact on the estuary are also discussed, as are the current challenges that face this important waterway. By the end of the day you have a very good feel about the environment and history of the area.
Heritage
The Khoisan habitation of the area and their nomadic lifestyle are discussed. We also bring in the Xhosa history and if interested organise township tours in the area where one can experience traditional Xhosa cuisine. In addition, the history of Knysna from 1795 through to the early 1900's is discussed. | Start: Knysna
| Day 1 Tsitsikamma National Park, Natures Valley
Hiking tour of Garden Route
08h30 Depart Knysna for Storms River Mouth. Arrive 09h45
Hike through indigenous forest to suspension bridge across river.
The hike passes through pristine coastal forest and has excellent views over the sea.
Return to parking area. Total distance 2kms.
11h00 depart for "Big Tree" (Outeniqua Yellowwood 800 years old)
Forest walk through indigenous high forest
Trees are labelled for identification purposes
Total distance 3kms.
12h00 depart for Natures Valley and hike to Salt River via Groot Rivier pass
Hike along the coast to Salt River and ending up on a secluded beach surrounded by indigenous forest.
Bird life in abundance. Both marine & forest birds.
A picnic lunch can be taken on the beach.
Total distance 6kms.
15h00 depart for Keurbooms River for boat trip up the river.
This 5 km trip takes the client into unspoilt riverine forest.
Frequent sightings of baboon, fish eagles and other birds and mammals.
Trip is approximately 2 hours.
17h00 return to accommodation in Knysna
Arrive 17h45
There are many variations of the above example as this is excellent hiking country with many routes available to the client.
Most of the routes are "user friendly" and do not require a high level of fitness.
In all cases there is a vast variety of wildlife to be seen both from a forest and a marine perspective. | Day 2 Knysna
This tour is a combination of cycling through the indigenous forest, lunch and estuary cruising.
09h00 Depart from Knysna for Harkerville Forest
This trip takes a maximum of six clients
All equipment is supplied by Deep South Eco Adventures
Frequent stops are made to inform clients about the forest, geology of the area and fauna and flora.
Two of the routes take in spectacular views of the Indian Ocean
This is an eco experience not an eco challenge!
Cycling usually ends by 12h30 and is route dependant.
Routes vary from 24kms to 12kms.
13h00 arrive in Knysna for lunch.
Clients are hosted by Ian & Olwyn Robertson the owners of Deep South Eco Adventures at their home at Knysna Quays adjacent to the Knysna Waterfront.
Lunch consists of Mediterranean cuisine and is inclusive of wine beer and soft drinks.
14h00 depart for a cruise on the Knysna Estuary.
This informative cruise which includes an overview about the history of the area exposes the client to 18 square kilometres of waterway which forms the Knysna Estuary.
A wide variety of marine birds are to be found on this important ecological wetland area.
The client has the opportunity to swim or just relax in the sun while listening to interesting facts about the area whilst sipping their favourite drink.
The client will obtain a good overview from an ecological point of view as well as the heritage of the area by the end of the tour.
The day ends at 16h30 | End: Knysna
| Group size
Microbus safaris: Minimum: 2 Maximum: 6 |
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