Just what is an Estuary? An estuary is a river system flowing into the sea, where there is a gradual transition in physical, chemical and biological features from freshwater to sea-water. In Knysna, this occurs when the Knysna River (high in the Outeniqua Mountains), drifts down and finds its way finally into the sea.
Why not come and explore the beautiful nature around us and stay in one of our unique, luxury self-catering properties in Knysna, Plett or Noetzie?
Things you may not know about the Knysna Estuary & surrounds
1. The Knysna Lourie
Also known as the Knysna Turaco, this beautiful bird is a resident breeder in the Knysna area and Estuary. It lays just 2 eggs in a shallow nest made of twigs, placed in creepers or a tree. Look out for it’s amazing plumage – brightly coloured turquoise and teal, truly beautiful! If you spot one in flight, you’ll see the Knysna Turaco shows off its conspicuous crimson primary flight feathers. Listen too for the distinctive low call: kow-tow kow-kow. Get out those bird-watching binoculars!
2. Immense Tree Diversity
The Estuary is home to a diverse rage of tress and thus wood types: Ironwood, Stinkwood, Outeniqua Yellowwood, Real Yellowwood, Cape Holly, White Pear, Cape beech, Bastard Saffron, Cape Plane, Assegai tree, Kamassi, White Alder and Red Alder. Walking among the threes of the Knysna Forest is a life changing experience!
3. Vast Wildlife
The forests of Knysna and the estuary are home to the African Elephant, African leopard, Bushbuck, Blue duiker, Bushpig and other mammals. The estuary also provides habitat for a rich assortment of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
4. Breaking South African Records
The Knysna estuary is the most bio-diverse in all of South Africa. It also has two rare species in its waters: The Knysna Goby and the endangered Knysna Seahorse.
5. The River of Life
The Knysna River brings approximately 133 million cubic meters of fresh water into Knysna Lagoon annually! The river is therefore the freshwater source for the town of Knysna and for the estuary. The Knysna Heads sit at the river mouth, with the fascinating mapstones which are geological stone formations that through the decades have formed unique shapes and edges as a testament of the force of Mother Earth.
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