The Knysna forests conjure images from Dalene Matthee's well-read stories - phantom elephants, giant Yellowwood trees, Italian settlers and lost travellers. We invite you to join us on a professionally guided self-drive exploration of the Knysna forests to unlock some of the forest's best kept secrets - through areas under SANParks management and not accessible by the general public in vehicles, unless permitted as we are.
The route meanders through the Diepwalle section of the forest, past tannin rivers, under canopies frequented by forest birds, pathways along streams lined by giant tree ferns and amidst this all are the secret fungi underfoot with their own ecosystem.
Your guide, using two-way radios that you are issued with, will share his knowledge and forest secrets. The journey continues through tunnels of Yellowwoods, Cape Chestnuts, Ironwoods and Ferns. Much of the intrigue of these forests lies in their history, from the early Italian settlers, to elephant hunters and trackers, and timber harvesters. En route we stop at one of the Fynbos islands and enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and admire the magnificent views and sounds of the forest.
Before lunch we visit the Legends of the Forest Museum.
Included in the day trip is traditional meal prepared by caterers from a local community at the Diepvalle Forestry Station.
