BUFFELS BAY Buffels Bay, better known to many as Buffalo Bay, is situated 21.2kms from Knysna and 23.3kms from Sedgefield within the beautiful 2 500 hectare Goukamma Nature Reserve. It is home to the special protected Oyster Catchers, which nests on the expansive white sandy beaches. These beaches are safe for swimming, surfing, kayaking and other water-sports. The beautiful rock pools around this grassy peninsula lends itself perfectly to snorkelling. Buffels Bay has two beaches, one that stretches West to Sedgefield and beyond. The other beach leads to Brentonon-Sea to the East. While walking along these you are bound to see dolphins playing in the surf and, during the season, whales frolicking just beyond the breakers. Hikers can enjoy several walks beginning in Buffels Bay. Several include the experience of crossing the Goukamma River by pont. The magnificent circular bush Pig Trail meanders inland up and along dunes, through pristine coastal forest down to the sea. This trail then doubles back, ending with the pont crossing the Goukamma River.
RHEENENDAL Rheenendal, a short scenic 12km drive West of Knysna, showcases both the magnificent Knysna Estuary and Outeniqua Mountain views. The area is rich with green pastures, indigenous forests, vacated mine shafts, crafters and artists. The area is further known for its wonderful biodiversity of flora and fauna on the many walking trails. Many famous and talented artists have made Rheenendal their home. The recently established Rheenendal Ramble allows visitors to experience art and several home industries established along the route. Experience the nostalgia of yesteryear and stay overnight in one of the renovated Rheenendal Woodcutters Forest Cottages. Exploring the Materolli Museum will certainly take you back to the Millwood Goldfield Gold Rush of 1876. Wander through the ghost town of the Old Millwood Mining Village and see the restored Bendigo mining equipment.
BRENTON-ON-SEA Brenton-on-Sea, 13.8kms from Knysna and 71.7kms from the George Airport derived its name from Sir Jahleel Brenton, who declared Knysna a harbour in 1818. This area is home to the endangered Brenton Blue butterfly. It lies behind the majestic Western Knysna Head and is virtually encircled by the Goukamma Nature Reserve with its fynbos filled slopes. Brenton-on-Sea’s Blue Flag accredited beach enables visitors to safely walk while enjoying the natural beauty of the area. As in Buffels Bay, dolphins can often be seen surfing the waves while whales frolic in the bay. - Credit Fran Kirsten (OUT THERE) 13
