Knysna: The Featherbed Nature Reserve has been reopened!

One of Knysna's biggest tourist attractions, the Featherbed Nature Reserve, has been reopened on 01 December 2018. The privately-owned Nature Reserve, situated on the Western Head of the famous landmarks known as "The Knynsa Heads", was closed since June 2017 due to a major fire that destroyed about 90% of the vegetation in the Nature Reserve, with only patches of forest and scrub left uncharred. The Featherbed Nature Reserve offers various activities such as cruising the lagoon, nature trails and hiking "The Knysna Heads", as well as hosting private functions, conferences, and weddings at any of its venues.

Knysna: Featherbed Nature Reserve set to reopen!

One of Knysna's biggest tourist attractions, the Featherbed Nature Reserve, just announced it long-awaited re-opening. The privately-owned Nature Reserve, situated on the Western Head in Knysna, is set to open again on 15 October 2018. The Knysna Fires of 2017 destroyed about 90% of the vegetation in the Nature Reserve, with only patches of forest and scrub left uncharred. The owners therefore decided to close the Featherbed Nature Reserve so that the eco-system had time to recover.

Garden Route National Park: Progress in the Harkerville area after the Knysna Fires!

The Harkerville area in the Knysna section of the Garden Route National Park, an activity hub for nature and is known for its blue duiker population, was heavily affected by the Knysna fires in June 2017. South African National Parks (SANParks) just released an update on the current status of the activities available in the Harkerville area:

Kranshoek Picnic area

• The picnic area is open for use however there are portable toilets for visitors to use after the fire burnt the old toilet block.
• SANParks is fast-tracking the procurement process of new water tanks to provide drinking water by the 15 December 2017.
  

Kranshoek Trail

• The Kranshoek Trail is still closed, and maintenance work is currently underway.
• About 90% of the route is complete and the rest should be open by end of this week (week 46).
• Rebuilding and rehabilitating the route will probably continue until end of December 2017. The trail should be up and running by the end January 2018.
• There is a clear sign at the entrance and parking area to inform the public of closure and maintenance of routes.
  

Kranshoek Viewpoint

• Currently still closed and not accessible to visitors as yet until management and scientists have finalised urgent deliverables pertaining to the area.

Harkerville Trail

• The coastal portion of the trail is still closed.
• An alternative scenic route was opened along the coastal ridge
• Bookings the trail will be open as from 20 November 2017.