Category: Knysna Forest

The magnificent Southern Cape forests are part of South Africa’s greatest natural heritage. The Knysna Forest, at some 80 000 ha in size, is the largest indigenous forest in South Africa and is managed according to strict conservation principles.

Outeniqua yellowwood trees draped with Old Man’s Beard lichen present an imposing sight in the Knysna Forest. Apart from the particularly old and big yellowwood at Krisjan-se-Nek by Dalene Matthee’s memorial, another big, old specimen can be seen at Diepwalle forest station. The King Edward VII tree, named in 1924 on a visit by the Empire Parliamentary Association, is an estimated 600 years old; its total height is 39 m, the bole’s circumference is 6 m.

Other common and well-known species in the Knysna Forest include Stinkwood; Real yellowwood; Blackwood; White alder; Ironwood, Hard pear and Cape chestnut. Not forgetting the ferns, creepers and wild flowers which add colour to this endless green collage.

The forest is vast and extremely dense in places making it impenetrable. Whether you do scenic drives, mountain biking or hiking on the various hiking trails, it is possible to explore the mystical aura of the indigenous Knysna Forest. Trails are clearly marked by interpretive boards, with information on forest ecology and management presented in some places.