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Packing for your Garden Route Holiday

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Packing for your Garden Route Holiday

Planning on visiting us soon? Let us help you pack for your Garden Route Holiday

Forest Edge Nature Lover’s Retreat is located between Knysna and Sedgefield in the Garden Route South Africa.

There is just so much to do, and see one visit will never be enough, as listed in our previous blog.

One is never sure what to pack and often overpack for your holiday when you don’t know what to expect. With the rising fuel costs and the extra weight and money spent during your travels Forest Edge Nature Lover’s Retreat try and help our visitors take the load off packing.

Packing for your Garden Route Holiday

If you’re staying with us, you can rest assured that packing will be a breeze. People who travel a lot always pack way too much, as they never know what to expect for the first time when visiting new places. Nothing worse than travelling to your destination especially isolated areas for hours and wanting to settle in and putting your feet up and realizing that you are missing something preventing you from settling in.

Forest edge cottages are fully equipped cottages with everything you would expect from an establishment, including some special touches, and things you normally do not expect to see.

Here are a few items that can help put your mind at ease while packing that are available at Forest Edge:

Packing for your Garden Route Holiday
  • Torches and Loadshedding Lamps
  • Playing Cards and Colouring books to keep kids busy indoors
  • Umbrellas so you can still enjoy the great outdoors no matter what the weather is doing
  • Egg Cups and All crockery and storage containers
  • Icetrays and Water bottles
  • Sosatie Stics
  • Picnic Blankets and baskets ( We can pack one for you by prior arrangement)
  • Hot water bottles/Electric blankets – cuddle up to a cosy hot water bottle in the winter
  • Fans for those hot summer days
  • Braai grids, brushes and tongs
  • Hammock and cushions – nothing like enjoying a cuppa or reading a book in a hammock in our surroundings.
  • DVD’s and books – we have a selection of DVDs for the kiddies and adults to enjoy. We even have some of Daleen Matthee’s stories on DVD and books for those who want to learn more about the forest and the early woodcutters.
  • If you love riding mountain bikes, you don’t even need to bring yours with as you can hire them locally
Packing for your Garden Route Holiday

Some other items which you may want to include in your packing:

  • Sunscreen / Sunglasses and Swimming Towels
  • Bug spray
  • Hat/Banana
  • Comfortable Walking shoes and hiking sticks there are so many easy walks one can do without hiking
  • Fresh Produce, meat and groceries if you are wanting to stay at the Cabin and not drive into town. We have Fridges in all our Cabins
  • Some outdoor games for the kids, we have lush green lawns the kids can play on right outside your Cabin
  • Toys for the beach for the kids

We hope that this will help you get a better idea of how well-equipped our establishment is and how we try and make our visitor’s experience an easier one. If you have any other questions about what we do or don’t have for our visitors, feel free to contact us at any time. www.forestedge.co.za

We look forward to making your stay a hassle-free and relaxing one.

Hope to see you soon

Forest Greetings

Why a Forest holiday is good for your health

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Why a Forest holiday is good for your health

A forest is a magical place. It’s dark and mysterious, quiet and peaceful. You can lose yourself in it, or you can find yourself there.

In fact, research shows that spending time in nature helps us to relax and feel happier – which makes sense when you consider how many of us spend our days working indoors with limited natural light!

So if you’re looking for something different this summer, here are five great reasons why a holiday in the forest is good for your health:

Your lungs will thank you.

In a forest, you’re breathing fresh air that’s full of oxygen. This means your lungs will thank you in the long run.

Walking is an aerobic exercise that increases lung capacity and has been linked to improved mood and reduced stress, among other health benefits. If you’re not used to exercising regularly, start slowly and increase your time gradually over time—even just 10 minutes every day can make a difference! Walking also helps improve circulation throughout the body, which may improve overall well-being by increasing blood flow as well as reducing stress levels—all good things when it comes to feeling better on holiday!

Breath in the forest, Forest Edge Blog, Forest is good for your health

It’s good for your mental health.

Forest holidays are a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Spending time in nature is refreshing for your mind and body, helping you relax and unwind. It’s also a great way to focus on the present moment, clear your mind, or feel more positive about yourself.

If you’re feeling stressed or anxious about work, family or money problems then taking time out to be alone in nature can help you sort things out. You don’t have to solve anything while you’re there but being at one with nature can put everything into perspective and make you realise how much better off we all are than many other people around us who live without access to clean water, electricity etc.

When we’re outside we breathe in fresh air which gets rid of toxins from our body making us feel healthier too!

It’s a great way to connect with nature and the world outside.

The simple act of being in a forest is good for your mental health. Being surrounded by nature can reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Consider this: the average person spends more time indoors than outdoors. If you’re feeling stressed out or anxious, spending time in a natural environment can help reduce these feelings.

You may think that taking a break from technology would make you feel even more stressed out, but studies have actually shown that people who spend time away from their devices feel happier with their lives. That’s because they are able to focus on other things besides work and social media!

Into the forest, Forest Edge, Forest is good for your health, Knysna Forest

It’s an easy and fun way to get your family outside.

Getting your family outside is a great way to boost their health and happiness. It’s also an easy way to spend time together, which can be especially important if you live in a small apartment or house, or seldom get out in nature.

Get everyone involved in the activity and make it fun. Here are a few tips that will help make it worthwhile and get them to look forward to the forest holiday:

  • Make sure everyone knows what they’re doing before they leave and where you heading off to, if they don’t look forward to it, mention a reward at the end.
  • Bring snacks! Nothing says “fun time” like snacks, Forest Edge can also supply you with a picnic basket for your hike our nature outing ( Bookings only)
Family in the woods, Family activities in the Knysna woods, its good for your health

On a holiday in Knysna, you can easily find forest trails for walking, hiking, biking and running.

The forest trails of Knysna are well-marked and easy to follow. Whether you’re looking for a pleasant walk in the woods or a more strenuous hike, there are trails for every level of fitness.

You can also explore some of the paths that cut through the forest. These paths may take a while to find as they aren’t always clearly visible but they are worth exploring as they offer a unique view into how people lived in times past. There’s also plenty of opportunity here for mountain biking but this activity is best enjoyed with an experienced guide who knows where all the hazards are hidden!

If you’re looking for a holiday that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, try exploring the forests near Knysna. There are so many options to choose from – whether you want something that’s challenging or relaxing, long or short. There’s no better way to get your fix of fresh air and exercise than by taking a walk in the woods, this is why a Forest holiday will be good for your health.

We look forward to welcoming you

Forest Greetings

Bush to Beach the Garden Route

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Bush to Beach the Garden Route

Your typical idea of a bush to beach break would be going to a Big 5 Game Reserve and then to your typical pristine holiday beach destination.

Accommodation in Knysna. Forest Edge Nature Lovers Retreat

We the Garden Route offer that all and so much more. From our Blue Flag Status beaches,  Natures Valley, Singing Kettle, the Waves, the Dunes, the Lookout beach, Robberg 5 (Bitou area), Buffalo Bay, Brenton on Sea (Knysna area), De Bakke, Little Brak, Hartenbos, Santos (Mossel Bay area), and the Lappiesbaai, etc to our beautiful Subtropical Forests and have several Big 5 Reserves.

This gives visitors from all over the world the opportunity to experience 3 in one holiday all along the Garden Route, each town you pass through has its own magic and special experiences. You can enjoy the Beach, the Forest and the Bush, what more can one ask for your perfect Bush to Beach experience?

Accommodation in Knysna. Forest Edge Nature Lovers Retreat

There are so many things to do for Kids, Pensioners, Adventurists, and just about anyone. Whether you want to be out and about and explore the town, or if you just want a break in nature and enjoy what the Garden Route has to offer.

Accommodation in Knysna. Forest Edge Nature Lovers Retreat

Our establishment Forest Edge is in Rheenendal which is between Sedgefield and Knysna and offers any visitor to the Garden Route the perfect opportunity to explore it all. We are close enough for you to explore all the towns and take part in all the adventures along the way and enjoy nature. We are situated on the edge of the Knysna Forest and have the most amazing hiking trail that leaves from right outside the gate into the forest ending at the most beautiful rock pool. You would need at least a month along the Garden Route to even get close to exploring all the hidden gems, which makes people come back for more.

If you are wanting to come to explore, don’t forget to check our website for special offers and packages. www.forestedge.co.za

Forest Greetings

The 4 Seasons of the Garden Route

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The 4 Seasons of the Garden Route:

We often get asked which is the best season to visit? Well, the answer is all 4! There is soooo much to see and do along the Garden Route and Rheenedal and each season offers you something different.

The Garden Route starts in Mosselbay and ends at Stormsriver. It meanders along the beautiful bending roads through the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountain ranges and met by the Indian Ocean on the other side.

We thought we would share something special about the 4 seasons of the Garden Route. This might help you plan your trip to Forest Edge Nature Lover’s Retreat and surrounds.

SPRING (September/ October) – The Fynbos are flowering. The animal kingdom flourishes with new life being born. There are over 42 species of butterflies that fly from flower to flower along the Garden Route. The forest is alive with critters and animals. The migrating humpbacks are also still seen along the coast. A great time to explore the Knysna forest, go on an Ocean Experience, and enjoy our local restaurants, go for a hike or even a bike ride. If you don’t want to bring along your mountain bike, we can arrange one for you to hire to explore the Garden Route and the forest. We also run a great special for mountain biking.

SUMMER (November-February) – The temperatures are warm and the forest is very humid, but a stunning time to visit the ocean, great walks along the beach. Zip lining, wine tasting, game parks, lagoon activities, markets and fishing. Forest Edge Nature Lover’s Retreats provides a great all-around Adventure Holiday.

AUTUMN (March to May) the temperatures are moderate, and the air is fresh. This is the perfect time of year, to dust off those hiking boots or even those mountain bikes. Meander through our valley of Rheenendal and the Garden Route with your bike, or explore the forests by foot. We can pack you a picnic pack and you can head out for the day. Come home and relax by the fire.

WINTER (June to September) It may be a colder time of year, but the weather is lovely during the day. Same with autumn a perfect time to explore the outdoors minus the humidity. Even though you need an extra layer of clothing when leaving home, the air is so clean and crisp it makes it worth it. The annual Whale Migration starts to happen. The Garden Route always has a chance of a quick shower due to the humid weather but is not a winter rainfall region. This is also the best time to spend around the fire with loved ones and the family. Each one of our Cabin has a dedicated braai area, and we also have fireplaces. Nothing like a crackling fire, a cup of hot chocolate while playing games or snuggling under a blanket.

Forest Edge has you covered all year round. There is no specific time that is better than the next. If you are a nature lover there will always be an excuse any time of the year to be in the great outdoors and the Garden Route is one of the most iconic and special places in South Africa.

We look forward to welcoming you to the very special and beautiful place we call home.

Forest Greetings

FOREST EDGE YOUR NUMBER ONE WELLNESS RETREAT

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FOREST EDGE NATURE LOVER’S RETREAT YOUR NUMBER ONE WELLNESS RETREAT

What is a wellness retreat and how can this improve your life you may ask?

We live a very fast-paced life. Were we get pulled this way and that way, we are always busy in between, work, family and just life in general. As humans, we rarely take the time out to just be. Our minds are always filled with planning our next move, how to live a sustainable life, how to keep our families safe and reaching success all around, as mentioned in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

It is easy for us to get all wrapped up in the routines we follow, and move along like a well-oiled machine, and neglect ourselves in the process. Our own wellbeing and relaxation often take a back seat, even our hobbies become intense with as it often comes with its own challenges and goals. We are glued to technology and binge-watching TV or being a couch potato with a glass of wine after a long day or week is the only way most people find the time to relax.

Attending wellness retreats like the ones we have offered at Forest Edge Nature Lover’s Retreat, on many different levels offers one the opportunity to learn new ways one can apply some mindfulness in our very own lives each and every day. One cannot pour from an empty cup and it has become essential in the stressful times we live in, the last year speaks for itself, we need to take time to ourselves to just exhale and recharge so we can cope better with our challenges and whatever life may throw at us. Mental wellbeing is just as important as physical health and is the one part people often forget to maintain.

There are several benefits besides learning new ways of applying mindfulness that one can gain from attending wellness retreats, especially the ones held at Forest Edge Nature Lover’s Retreat. There are many different types of retreats, something for everyone and there will always be something new that you can take away from your retreat experience. Here are a few reasons why it is good to at least attend one of these retreats in your lifetime:

  1. You learn new things about yourself, and realize that your thoughts and feelings just a part of life.
  2. The knowledge and insights are very motivational and valuable and will be useful beyond the retreat. It will help you stay focused and relax
  3. The wellness retreat will force you to come to a standstill and change your routine so you can finally disconnect from social media, technology and your everyday life, giving you a chance to unwind and recharge
  4. The setting of these retreats are vitally important in the process, so people can realize how important it is to spend time in nature in the outdoors were its quiet and peaceful with fresh air so one can relax to the fullest without having interruption, so you can restore both the body and the mind.
  5. Wellness retreats help you release your creative juices and bring some positivity back into your life.

Whether you are dealing with grief, health issues or stress these retreats are really great for the body and the soul, you will reconnect with nature and forget your troubles even for a while, and once you leave and head back to your everyday routine and troubles, you will be more insightful and mindful and dealing with the abovementioned will be lighter.

Forest Edge Nature Lover’s Retreat is right in the heart of the Knysna Forest. It is a tranquil and peaceful environment, with trees hardly any light or air pollution. It is a bouquet of trees, ferns animals and critters that are held together by rich soil that feeds and keep this circle of life alive.  There are many special places in and around our establishment that are protected and guarded that only allow a certain amount of foot traffic per day to conserve the beauty.

We have successfully hosted a number of Wellness Retreats, at Forest Edge Nature Lover’s Retreat over the last few years, and most recently one held by Soul Tribe Vibe, they offered attendees the chance to breathe, relax, restore, awaken, renew. The Wellness Retreat was well attended and all the guests left the retreat with new energy. Our establishment was handpicked by them as it offered everything and more that was required for these retreats. Lunch was served under the trees, providing guests with healthy vegetarian meals. Guests were treated to massages, reflexology, Reiki, body realignment and sound therapy, and Yoga among some of the other mindfulness activities, like meditation, drum journey meditations, paint therapy, medicinal properties of herbs and intuition coaching.

Forest Edge Nature-lovers retreat is your number one wellness retreat venue, offering guests the best of what the Knysna Forest, Tsitsikamma and Garden Route has to offer. It is the perfect setting to lose your mind and find your soul.

We look forward to your visit.

Forest Greetings

TRAVELING IN SOUTH AFRICA DURING THE PANDEMIC

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TRAVELING IN SOUTH AFRICA DURING THE PANDEMIC

The pandemic has had a crippling effect on the livelihoods of most South Africans, and people all around the world.

While many people have rightfully decided to stay at home due to being immune-compromised or elderly, many people have decided that being locked inside for so long it has been necessary to adapt to the new normal and enjoy what SA has to offer and the great outdoors by travelling in South Africa during the pandemic.

South Africa really does offer so much beauty and so many hidden gems, where families can soak up the sun, enjoy the fresh air and just relax. Most of our tourism partners and other establishments have gone to great lengths to adhere to strict Covid-19 Regulations, to reassure its guests that are travelling in South Africa during the pandemic are well taken care of, and their wellbeing comes first.

Smaller establishments like ourselves have always valued our South African visitors and have been running specials for our locals a few times per year. We love sharing our beautiful part of the country and try and make it cost-effective so more people can enjoy it. There are no words to describe what a day or two in the woods can do for mental and physical health as described in our previous blog, so much so that we have visitors that return at least twice a year.

Our Establishment has 5 Cottages that are spaced away from each other, assuring privacy, peace and with the pandemic, safe distancing for our guests visiting during the pandemic. We have also put the following measurements in place to put our visitors first that are traveling in South Africa during the pandemic:

  • We deep clean every cottage after guests leave
  • No contact check-in option
  • Loose items like scatter cushions have been removed
  • Keys are sanitized and sealed in a bag
  • Eco-friendly hand sanitiser in the cottages
  • Linen is washed in warm water for extended cycles to ensure deep clean
  • Staff are fully trained on all Hospitality COVID protocols and procedures.
  • Staff wear masks whenever on the property
  • All staff’s temperatures are checked every morning before their shift starts

Please support local tourism and small business during the pandemic. We look forward to your visit.

We look forward to welcoming you to our special place.

Forest greetings

What to bring when Visiting Forest Edge Nature Lover’s retreat

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What to bring when Visiting Forest Edge Nature Lover’s retreat, Knysna?

You don’t need to pack everything but the kitchen sink when visiting Forest Edge, Nature Lover’s Retreat, Knysna!

What to bring when visiting Forest Edge Nature Lover’s Retreat, Knysna?

  • read in the hammock at forest edge nature lovers retreat
  • Aerial View of Forest Edge

Our guests often comment, wow you have everything here. We way overpacked for this trip. We love this!!

If you’re staying with us you can be rest assured that packing will be a breeze. People who travel a lot always pack way too much, as they never know what to expect for the first time when visiting new places. Nothing worse than travelling to your destination especially isolated places for hours and wanting to settle in and put your feet up and realizing that you are missing something preventing you from settling in.

Forest edge cottages are fully equipped cottages with everything you would expect from an establishment, including some special touches and things you normally not expect to see.

  • Fairyden (1)
    Front View
  • Froggypond-6
    Bathroom
  • Froggypond-3
    Master Bedroom

We have decided to list some of our unique items to help you plan your trip to us in future:

* Torches – great for night time exploring or taking a dip in the splash pool

* Playing cards and colouring books – to keep both the adults and the kids busy at night

* Umbrellas – You never know what the weather is doing, but should not stop you from enjoying the great outdoors.

* Ice-trays and Water bottle – one often forgets the ice if you do not have the means to transport it with you until you can get somewhere to get ice, this will keep you going.

* All crockery and cutlery including some storage containers – for keeping some braai meat for lunch the next day.

* Coffee Plunger – for the die-hard coffee lovers that enjoy the aroma of fresh coffee in the morning overlooking the forest and enjoying the peace.

* Juicer – for making some fresh juice

* Tea strainer – for those who enjoy their tea the proper way

* Sosatie sticks – for making some great braai meat alternatives

* Egg cups – enjoy a boiled egg for breakfast?

* Picnic blanket and basket – pack your food for the day of exploring the Garden route

* Hot water bottles/Electric blankets – cuddle up to a cozy hot water bottle in the winter

* Fans for those hot summer days

* Braai grids, brushes and tongs

* Hammock and cushions – nothing like enjoying a cuppa or reading a book in a hammock in our surroundings.

* DVD’s and books – we have a selection of DVDs for the kiddies and adults to enjoy. We even have some of Daleen Matthee’s stories on DVD and books for those who want to learn more about the forest and the early woodcutters.

If you have any questions upon booking please don’t hesitate to ask, we love making your stay a pleasurable, hassle-free and relaxing one.

We hope to see you visit us soon

Forest Greetings

Rheenendal the History

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Rheenendal the History…..

Have you ever visited Rheenendal? Where is Rheenendal you may ask… Rheenendal is situated between Sedgefield and Knysna, here is more about Rheenendal and its history:

This Rheenendal area is rich with history and where our establishment is found. Forest Edge Nature Lover’s Retreat, in the Knysna woods, is one of the most diverse and spectacular places in South Africa.

Pieter Joseph Vin Van Reenen was born in 1877 and married Florence Eleanor Cross better known as “Tottie” (This is where the famous “Totties Farm Kitchen in Rheenendal gets its name from”

Pieter Van Reenen wanted to farm and Cape Town was too expensive and the prospects were not that great, they even considered Kenya but eventually settled on Roodekraal/Redlands in 1912. They took the train from Cape Town to George where they took a horse-drawn cart and followed the road along the Seven Passes, such a stunning road to just take in the beauty of the area, and live through the history of Rheenendal, this is also a National Monument preserving historic buildings and bridges and settled here in our valley. In 1920 the Van Reenen family bought the Rheenendal Farm.

The Van Reenen’s employed people to start their Sawmill Business. They only had Boekenhout (Cape Beechwood) at the time on the farm, BUT this wood was too soft so they ended up making wagon parts and ended up selling to merchants in Knysna. The Sawmill industry started in August 1921 in Rheenendal and is a huge part of the Rheenendal History.

In 1920 “Tottie” started her shop it was previously an old storeroom behind the main farmhouse. She added shelving and it later became a butchery too.

The shop moved into its current position many years later and was also the showroom for the Stinkwood Furniture they produced as well as a petrol station and postal service for the area.

Today the legend still goes on and you can experience the history of Rheenendal and the family right here in our valley. Totties restaurant and shop is run by her Grand Children and well known amongst the locals and visitors. They serve lovely homemade meals, and a Sunday Carvery out of this world. This is a great stop for hikers and mountain bikers that frequent our route. They offer great Kids entertainment with a play area and model train track.

Definitely worth a visit when staying with us at Forest Edge Nature Lover’s Retreat or Knysna as a whole. Rheenendal has many hidden gems to explore and the passes are a must.

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© 2019 Self catering accommodation in Knysna, Garden Route. All Rights Reserved. Developed by Viewport

Contact us

Tel: +27 (0)82 456 1338

Reservations:
stay@forestedge.co.za

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marketing@forestedge.co.za

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