Culture in Knysna

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Knysna
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
Price:
From £ 159.- per adult (excluding flights)
From £99 - per child (up to 11 years)
Prices may vary during high season
Highlights:
✓ Meet local Xhosa families
✓ Get to know the real South Africa

Escape into a lush, tropical rainforest peppered with plunging waterfalls, gaze down into emerald gorges and trek through the wilderness of the Bolaven Plateau. Sleep in a secluded bungalow near a gushing waterfall, meet minority tribes and feel beautifully lost in the rainforest. The Bolaven Plateau is a gorgeous natural playground scattered with cascading falls, giant ferns and coffee plantations. It’s a wild and wonderful experience.

Day 1 – Arrival in Knysna

Located on a beautiful lagoon, and surrounded by a forest mountain range, Knysna is a laid back town with a vibrant arts and food scene. You will be staying at a family friendly guesthouse in a calm, quiet location, close to the town centre. The rooms are tastefully furnished and the gardens are stunning, with the bonus of a saltwater pool to cool off in. After checking in, the rest of the day is free for you to take the family into town, stroll the local streets and discover the artistic shops and restaurants.

Day 2 – Introduction to Xhosa culture

This morning you’ll meet your local guide who will take you to the township where they grew up for an insight into the local culture of this region. The community is mainly made up includes Xhosa, one of the largest tribes in South Africa which included Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Their language, known for several ‘click’ sounds, is one of the nine official languages of South Africa.

Since the end of apartheid, the general prosperity has improved and projects started by Nelson Mandela ensure that most South Africans now have their own house and access to electricity and clean drinking water. You’ll get a taste of what it’s like to live here, meeting several families and seeing children playing on the street, an experience that can be quite impactful on our children as they realise the differences in their lifestyles. Your guide will take you to visit a local nursery school, a shoemaker, a hairdresser and a library, ending at Ella’s house where you will have a drink and hear stories of Xhosa traditions and maybe play some African drums!

Day 3 – Departure from Knysna

It’s time to continue your journey through South Africa. Just a four-hour drive away is Addo Elephant Park where you can go on a self-drive safari and experience an evening safari with an experienced ranger. If you’re looking for safaris by 4×4, then head two hours along the Garden Route to a private reserve just outside Kruger National Park where you’ll likely spot the Big 5!!