Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa lies in the heart of the Garden Route, an area known for its breathtaking scenery, rich cultural heritage and natural playground of forests, lakes, mountains and rivers.
Within easy reach of a vast range of facilities and activities, the hotel is the ideal base for visitors with an interest in history and the arts, those who favour eco-tourism and adventure seekers who are into extreme sports.
Eco tourism
The Cango Caves, just two hour's drive from Knysna and 28 km from Oudtshoorn, are an intricate maize of vast chambers and tunnels hewn from the limestone landscape. More than 20 million years old, this National Monument is one of the top 10 most visited South African Attractions.
The Garden Route provides many opportunities for visitors to see wildlife in their natural habitat as well as a number of animal sanctuaries and parks.
Monkeyland, Knysna Elephant Park and Birds of Eden, all within 20 km of Knysna, are unique sanctuaries where animals and birds are bred in captivity.
Two game lodges close to Pezula have rhino, leopard, giraffe, zebra, buffalo and kudu flourishing in their natural habitat.
The wildlife of the Indian Ocean including dolphins, whales, Cape fur seals and numerous sea birds can be observed up close on sea-kayaks, motors boats and yachts.
Walks, hikes and trails along the coast or in the indigenous forests provide endless opportunities to enjoy the fauna and flora of the region, including many rare and protected species.
The Knysna Lagoon is home to the endangered seahorse.
A visit to Knysna would not be complete without tasting the delicious local oysters, or learning more about how they are farmed in the lagoon.
Extreme sports
For an unequalled adrenalin rush get up close and personal with Great White sharks at Mossel Bay, just 80 kms from Knysna. Descend into the ocean in a steel cage and discover a new found respect for the sea and its creatures. All diving equipment is supplied.
Adrenalin junkies can also bungi-jump the highest commercial jump in the world at Bloukrans, less than an hour's drive from Knysna. The bridge is 216 m high but the jump from the arch support of the bridge is only about 160 m.
A tree top canopy tour in the magnificent Tsitsikamma Forest near Storms River, about 2 hours from Knysna, combines the thrill of riding a "foefie" across the tree tops with spectacular scenery.
Ride an ostrich on a farm in Oudtshoorn, just 2 hour's drive from Knysna, the heart of the ostrich industry in South Africa.
Experience the unique sensation of a balloon ride over the Klein Karoo area, 2 hour's drive inland from Knysna. Drift on a gentle breeze and enjoy the panoramic views of Oudthoorn and the majestic Swartberg mountain range.
Culture and heritage
The Garden Route is steeped in history, from the Khoisan art of the Cango Caves which dates back 10 000 years, to the splendid Ostrich Palaces of Oudtshoorn's feather boom and the Outeniqua Transport Museum in George, just an hour's drive from Knysna.
A number of historic churches in the area are worth a visit. Just 10 minutes from Knysna, in the suburb of Belividere is the Holy Trinity Church, a beautiful example of 12th Century Norman architecture.
The Old Fort on the hills above Knysna is the most southerly fort built during the Anglo Boer War (1899-1902) and has breathtaking views of the lagoon and Heads.
Built to house convicts, the Old Goal Complex is now home to the Knysna Art Gallery and the Maritime Museum.
The Millwood Goldmines deep in the heart of the forest have the original mine shafts and equipment from Knysna's short-lived gold rush.
At Millwood House Museum unique old photographs of Millwood in bygone days and scenes of old Knysna bring history to life.
Visit the grave of George Rex (1765-1839), considered to be the founder of Knysna.
For a truly African Experience take a guided tour of Knysna's vibrant township. Discover real African hospitality, meet a sangoma, and experience local food and customs.
The Dias Museum Complex in Mossel Bay houses three fascinating museums including a unique maritime museum with a life-size replica of the caravel of Bartholomew Dias, the Portuguese navigator who discovered the Cape of Good Hope in 1488.
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Garden Route
