Knysna, South Africa

We stayed in Knysna three nights.  It was exactly where we should have stayed.  The rooms were mediocre at best but it was perfect for us.  We felt safe and were surrounded by restaurants, stores, rides, boats and things to do.  We took a boat over to one of the heads.  That is the term they use to identify the two peaks.  The Indian Ocean spills into the lake.  We road a wagon pulled by a tractor to the top of the mountain.  Then we walked down to catch the boat back to Knysna.

It was good exercise.  It took us 2 1/2 hours including the ride over and back.  Perhaps the pictures will tell a better story.

This home was nestled in on the other side of the lake.  The only access is by boat.  We docked 500 yards from here.

The straight is extremely dangerous.  Hundreds of boats have sunk trying to get from the Indian Ocean into the lake.  We scaled the head on the right.

This turtle is a long way from home!

From the top of the mountain looking back towards Knysna.

The other head had been developed.  Cars can reach that area.

This was taken from a stand over the straight.

Di is not fond of heights, this is as close to the edge as she wanted to get.

Chuck has no fear of anything!

Unless you have a fast small boat the tide must be at high or your boat would get smashed against the rocks.

Boys have nothing to do as the girls shop.

Come on Chuck, buy me some diamond earrings!

This is a local market.  Neat arrangement.

Cookies anyone?

Or veggies?

Momma carries bowls and baby!

Skipper Chuck

Explorer Daley

A closer view of a home on the hillside.

Looking across the inlet.

Di liked the trail as long as it wasn't near a drop off.

I wouldn't want to try sailing a boat through the straight.

Once you get through the straight you are in the Indian Ocean

Look at the caves.

Heights don't bother me much as long as I move slowly.

Inside the cave.

Chuck is the last man up, he was to be sure we didn't leave anyone behind.

120 steps down were easier than the 120 up!

Explorers

Fancourt Links Golf Course, George, South Africa - was about an hour away from Knysna.  We had a tough time finding the course.  On the way out we gave our caddies a lift and it took far less time.  George is a busy city.  Boy are we glad we didn't stay there.  It is the largest city between Cape Town and Durban and had flights direct to Johannesburg.  We came to the George AP on Tuesday to start our journey home.

The course was one of the best we played.  Player designed this one too.  The only criticism I had was the distance from green to tee.  We had to walk forever to tee off after finishing a hole.  And it was hot and sunny.  We consumed a lot of water!

That's the last drive of the day!  And the last picture of the trip!!

We have been asked many times if we enjoyed the trip.  Hell yes!!  The best experience was getting to know our fellow travelers.  You couldn't find 8 couples that could get along better!

The golf was superior.  Of course we played three of the highest ranked courses in Africa. 

The food was different but delicious, the wine fantastic.  Dinner for two with wine rarely cost more than $40.

The weather was near perfection lots of sun and blue skies - only one rainy day out of 14.

Never got a bug bite.

Accommodations brought a new meaning to luxury!

The animals cooperated for the most part.  We avoided being their dinner and took many pictures without paying a modeling fee!

Except for the transportation to and from Makanyane, the bus rides were comfortable, timely and Sam did a super job of getting us around in his huge bus.

The only deterrent to returning is the 18 hours of flying one way.  And if you added in flying and waiting it was more like 31 from George to HHI.

Yes we would recommend it so drop me an email if you want to get in touch with the organizers.

If you would like a copy of the original photo please let me know.  The ones on the site are a fraction of the size of the original, hence clarity for printing would be far less than you might desire.