Category Archives: Love Knysna

Archived news, interviews, jokes and tourism about Knysna, the prettiest town in South Africa.

Colonial History of Knysna 1770-1890 (Part 2)

Mike Hampton Posted on by

The History of Knysna – Belvidere, Portland & the village of Newhaven: The next major player to settle in Knysna was Captain Thomas Henry Duthie, late of the 72 Highlanders, who married Caroline Rex and, in 1834, bought the farm Uitzicht from his father-in-law George Rex, which had been re-named Belvidere by Rex, located on the west side of the Knysna Estuary. Here, in 1848, Duthie built a stone farmhouse and raised a family. He was also the driving force behind the building of the little Norman style sandstone church … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Colonial History of Knysna 1770-1890 (Part 1)

Mike Hampton Posted on by

The History of Knysna – Melkhoutkraal Farm & the Village of Melville: Stephanus Ter Blans, the eldest son of Heemraad Ter Blans (Terblanche) of the Reeboksfontein farm near Little Brak River, was the first recorded colonist farmer to settle on the Knysna Estuary, in 1770. The loan farm was registered as de Melkhoute Craal (Melhoutkraal) and was located on the east bank of the Knysna River. The farm stretched from the Indian Ocean to today’s Long Street in town. Ter Blans died in 1794. Ter Blans’ widow, Hester Marx, remained … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

History of the Southern Cape Forests

Mike Hampton Posted on by

Natures Valley, Tsitsikamma – photo public domain Paul Venter How can education exclude one’s home area? Unfortunately, it often does. Ryno Joubert’s history of Southern Cape forests should be taught in schools. The road to regulation, through woodcutters and colonialism, was tough, recognition.. Although Joubert’s research isn’t political, the reader would early note that many modern South African ‘leaders’ emphasis on black versus white’s right to the land is simply rhetoric at harsh expense to truth. The Khoi and San (Khoisan) occupied the Outeniqua region (Garden Route) for thousands of … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Sedgefield: Rocking the Lake 2017

Mike Hampton Posted on by

Let us take you on a tour of the 80’s with Rocking the Lake 80’s Revival Tour! Rocking the Lake 2017 has local favourites, the Wellcast band performing classic 80’s hits like “Don’t Stop Believing” and “A Crazy Little Thing Called Love”. Step back into the 80’s and join Lakeside Lodge & Spa: Date: 4 November 2017 Time: 14h00 -17h00 Venue: 3 Lakeside Drive, Swartvlei, Sedgefield Tickets: R150 for Adults | R100 for Kids Book online at: http://bit.ly/2ttJ3BA  Contact us on: Call: 044 343 1844 Email: info@lakesidelodge.co.za

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The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

The Magical History & Geography of Knysna

Mike Hampton Posted on by

This is the view of the East Head of Knysna, as shot from the West Head, over the watery passage between the estuary and the sea. A reminder of magic history and ever present, wondrous geography. Far below the photographer is a cave where Stone Age people lived 120,000 years ago, occupied by San people 3000 years ago. Beneath the water, lies the 1904 wreck of a German ship called the Paquita. But don’t try swim to it from this side cause when the tide changes, 19-million cubic metres of … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Knysna’s Amazing Phantom Forest Eco Reserve

Mike Hampton Posted on by

The Phantom Forest Eco Reserve is tucked discreetly within a pristine tract of forest that is rooted to the banks of the Knysna Estuary. It is characterized by a human footprint so reverently subtle, that it compliments rather than detracts from the transcendent 137ha setting within which is sits. This reserve’s eco sense and sensitivity has earned them several accolades: “Africa’s Best Eco Tourism Destination” in 2007”, “World’s Leading Green Resort” in 2008, and a 2009 nomination for “Africa’s Leading Green Hotel” from the World Travel Awards. In 2015 Phantom … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

A Knysna Slug Called the Shaggy Sea Hare

Mike Hampton Posted on by

I had my first encounter with a slug called the Shaggy Sea Hare. Actually, there were 4 of them, crawling underwater about 200m up Salt River in Knysna. The river, a mixture of fresh and sea water, means that these Shaggy Sea Hares are living in an estuarine habitat. My first though was wonder at finding these weird ‘snails’. My cellphone’s camera doesn’t show it well but, on top, they were dull green with blobs of pinkish orange. Underneath, they were a bright green colour, like cartoon nuclear. When i … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Help Stop Oil Exploration off Southern Cape Coast (Pletmos Baisin)

Mike Hampton Posted on by

We object to all oil exploration off our Southern Cape coast. Immediately, we object to the latest application for oil/gas exploration rights by Sungu Sungu Petroleum (Pty) Ltd (Ghana) for a 2,500 km² portion of the 11,224 km² area known as the Pletmos Baisin (offshore, between Knysna and Jeffrey’s Bay). In between, there is the famous Tsitsikamma National Park with iconic tourist destinations such as Nature’s Valley and Storms River. Other towns affected include Plettenberg Bay and Cape St Francis. Remember the Kiani Satu. Imagine something far worse happening! SIGN … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!