Formerly this national park consisted of the Wilderness National Park and Knysna National Lake Area.  Because of their proximity and similarities they are currently managed as a single unit.  Descriptions of the 2 areas follow:

Knysna National Lake Area

With a sudden flash of silver, a shoal of fish darts by. Brilliant splashes of colour dash around as fish ceaselessly navigate the seaweed, sea anemones and predators. A tiny Knysna seahorse hangs unperturbed amongst a cluster of seaweed, skillfully blending in with its surroundings sustained by the tranquil waters of the lagoon since time immemorial.

The exceptionally beautiful Knysna National Lake Area is home to the endangered Knysna seahorse and a large diversity of marine life. Sandbanks and salt marshes teem with life and in turn provide food to an immeasurable number of organisms. Dominated by the craggy bastions of the twin Knysna Heads, the lagoon has borne witness to centuries of trade in timber, ivory and gold. The Lake Area enjoys a temperate climate and visitors can revel in the warm summer sun.

Situated in the Diepwalle Forest area, sleep over and enjoy some of the best day walks, mountain cycle routes that take you into the heart of the Knysna Forest, bird watching, picnic sites and scenic view points. The decks accommodate a three-man tent with braai and dining areas, and have electric points.

The Tree Top Forest Chalet: situated in Harkeville forest between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, This 4 star chalet is tucked away at the head of a wide valley. The viewing deck offers you comfort of this well appointed self contained fully furnished chalet with DSTV.

You can book a camping deck or the chalet by calling the park directly on +27 (0) 44 3829762

Wilderness National Park

In the heart of South Africa's famous Garden Route, a charming world of lakes, rivers, fens, estuaries and beaches gently unfolds against a backdrop of lush forest and lofty mountains - all elements that characterise the Wilderness National Park. Nature trails wind through densely wooded forest and along tranquil rivers, affording you the opportunity to encounter the brilliantly coloured Knysna lourie, or one of the five kingfisher species that occur here. During the spring, a carpet of flowers, further enhancing the verdant beauty of this wetland national park surrounds the lakes.

The five brick cottages have been upgraded and refurbished with a marine theme to ensure that guests know that the park also manages a 33km stretch of pristine beach, where whales and dolphins are constantly spotted. Some of the wooden chalets have been renovated and refurbished with a forest and bird theme.

ACCOMMODATION

Knysna National Lake Area offers limited accommodation but the picturesque town of Knysna provides a wide variety of privately run accommodation.

Wilderness Accommodation:

Ebb & Flow Restcamp (South)

All accommodation is serviced daily and provided with bedding, towels and soap.

·         Five 4-bed family cottages, each with two bedrooms, one bathroom (bath), open plan, partially equipped kitchen (one accessible to wheelchair users). 

·         Eight 4-bed log cottages on wooden stilts, each with two bedrooms, one bathroom (bath), open plan, partially equipped kitchen. 

·         Twenty Forest Cabins - (ten 4 beds and ten 2 beds) - ablutions and partially equipped kitchens (one is accessible to wheelchair users).

Camping

·         Communal ablution, laundry, cooking and washing facilities.

·         A maximum of six persons, one caravan with a side tent and one vehicle, or one tent and one vehicle, or one autovilla or one motorised caravan will be permitted per site.

·         Twenty-one sites with power and with river view

·         Thirty-eight with power

 Ebb & Flow Restcamp (North)

• Ten 2-bed rondavels, each with bathroom (shower) and basic kitchen equipment.
• Two 2-bed rondavels, communal ablution facilities and basic kitchen equipment.
• Three 4-bed rondavels used for canoe trailists - with communal ablution facilities and basic kitchen equipment.

Camping

• On banks of the Touw River, communal ablution, laundry, cooking and washing facilities.
• A maximum of six persons, one caravan with a side tent and one vehicle, or one tent and one vehicle, or one autovilla or one motorised caravan will be permitted per site.
• Thirty caravan sites with river view and power.
• Fifteen caravan sites with no view and no power.

ACTIVITIES

The picturesque town of Knysna provides a wide variety of facilities and curio shops. Fishing, water skiing and pure relaxation are all part of Knysna, where conservation and recreation subtly harmonise. Private enterprises provide watersports such as sailing, angling, boardsailing and powerboating in specifically zoned areas.   (Wilderness Recreational activities and adventures)

• Bathing, rowing, fishing, at Wilderness beach, the Touw River and some of the lakes.
• Water-skiing is restricted to Island Lake and Swartvlei.
• Pedal boats and canoes may be hired.
• A network of nature trails is available.
• Bird hides at Langvlei and Rondevlei.
• Horse Riding is another activity offered by private third parties.  There are several in the area, but Cherie's Riding School on the banks of Swartvlei is particularly recommended.  They also offer riding opportunity for people with disabilities.

FACILITIES

Many Facilities are available in the towns of Knysna and Wilderness. At Ebb & Flow South:

• Shop where basic commodities may be purchased; no restaurant.
• Laundromat and dryer.
• Picnic, barbecue and ablution facilities for day visitors (outside peak periods).
• DSTV is available in the Loerie Hut.

Rates
All rates are self-catering unless specified otherwise.

IMPORTANT: Deposits & payments
For bookings made more than 6 months before arrival a 50% deposit is required within 4 months of making a booking. For bookings made less than 6 months before arrival a 50% deposit is required within 10 days of making a booking. For bookings made within 40 days of arrival, immediate and full payment is required within 24 hours upon confirmation of the booking. Final and full payment for all reservations is due 40 days prior to arrival. Rates are to be used as a guide only - full quotes will be provided upon receipt of an enquiry.

When making an enquiry, please supply full detail regarding the number of adults, number of children together with their ages, arrival and departure dates, accommodation type(s) required and number of nights in each rest camp. Also supply alternative dates and rest camps where possible. Children under 2 are free of charge. Bookings open 1 year in advance - it is essential to book as early as possible for busy/peak periods and school holidays.

VALID 01 NOVEMBER 2008 – 31 AUGUST 2009

PLEASE NOTE
CAMP & CARAVAN SITE RESERVATIONS CAN ONLY BE MADE DIRECTLY WITH SA NATIONAL PARKS AND NOT THROUGH US.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A BOOKING ENQUIRY !