N2 W Knysna Garden Route Western Cape South Africa

Knysna, which lies in the heart of the Garden Route nestled in between the Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, looks like a town to shop in. The sidewalks outside all the boutique-looking stores were crowded and parking limited. Instead I went for scenic overlooks.

Lower Eastern Head Knysna Western Cape South Africa

I wound my way along the Knysna Lagoon and ended up at the Lower Eastern Head overlook at the mouth of the Knysna River.

Mussel shells in tide pool Lower Eastern Head Knysna Western Cape South Africa

Wandered out on the rocks enjoying the sun’s warmth and the crashing waves.

Trail Lower Eastern Head Knysna Western Cape South Africa

A little path called me…

Lighthouse into Knysna Lagoon from Lower Eastern Head Western Cape South Africa

…for a view of the lagoon and light house.

Divers Lower Eastern Head Knysna Garden Route Western Cape South Africa

This deep and narrow channel through which the sea pours in claimed the three-masted barque “Paquita” after her anchors fouled twice in 1903 and now the wreck draws scuba divers.

Indian Ocean & Western Head from Upper Eastern Head Knysna Garden Route Western Cape South Africa

Next I followed a twisting road up to the top of the sandstone cliff and Upper Eastern Head overlook.

Caves in Western Head from Upper Eastern Head Knysna Garden Route Western Cape South Africa

Across the channel on the Western Head is the privately owned Featherbed Bay Nature Reserve. Access is by boat to the restaurant and resort with hiking trails to the beach. Looks like a place to carefully watch the tide.

Train on Western Head from Upper Eastern Head Knysna Garden Route Western Cape South Africa

Up until a 2006 flood damaged the track the last fully operational steam train in South Africa, the Choo-Choo, also took people to the nature reserve. Since 1928 the train provided views of the coastline and hidden valleys inaccessible by car as it chugged across the Knysna Lagoon and beyond for 42 miles (68 km).

Knysna Lagoon from Upper Eastern Head Knysna Garden Route Western Cape South Africa

The Knysna Lagoon is home to the world’s only estuarine seahorse species but they’re so tiny you’re unlikely to spot one even diving.

Knysna Lagoon N2 W Garden Route Western Cape South Africa

Other adventures called so I continued west along N2…

Red House B&B George Little Karoo Western Cape South Africa

…to George where I spent the night at The Red House B&B to rest up for the next day’s caving and more.